Although ibuprofen and naproxen are very similar, they aren’t exactly the same. For example, pain relief from ibuprofen doesn’t last as long as pain relief from naproxen. Naproxen and ibuprofen block the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting in lower concentrations of prostaglandins. Therefore, inflammation, pain, and fever are reduced. Therefore, inflammation, pain, and fever are reduced. Of course, no medication is a miracle cure all. While ibuprofen and naproxen are two of the most commonly available NSAIDs available and hold a low rate of direct causes of death and hospitalization, there are still risks and issues with using them. Doctors give trusted answers on uses, effects, side-effects, and cautions: Dr. Ferguson on is naproxen sodium the same as ibuprofen: Naprosyn (naproxen) and Ibuprofen are both NSAIDS, so you can not take both, but you may take naprosyn (naproxen) as instructed to instead of the Ibuprofen.BUT note, it is important for continuity of care and. I was taking 400mg 4x a day for years until it ate my stomach out. I now take Naproxen 500mg 2x a day. 2 a day just do not last, can Ibuprofen be take inbetween the 2 Naproxen. osteoarthritis, pain, muscle pain, spondylolisthesis, sciatica, ibuprofen, naproxen, doctor Details: I was in the emergency room about 3-4 weeks ago, the attending physican gave me a script of Ibuprofen (Motrin), ok--- my family doctor had ready had me on Naproxen. Ibuprofen vs Naproxen. Ibuprofen is a particular drug that falls within the category of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. Ibuprofen tends to work by creating a reduction in the secretion of hormones that initiate inflammation and associated pain in the body. I was just curious if anyone knew if naproxen sodium is the same as ibuprofen or motrin. I want to make sure of side effects before I take anything. Naproxen is not ibuprofen (otherwise it would be called ibuprofen), but they are in the same class and very similar in almost every way, the only big difference is that naproxen lasts longer so. Naproxen sodium vs ibuprofen for toothache Since toothache is minor ailment with the localized inflammation, the choice of drug for toothache will be ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is safer as compared to naproxen in term of GI side effects so it is considered to be choice of drug for ibuprofen ( 9 ).