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Watching your child change overnight is terrifying. As a mom to two neurodivergent kids—one with PANS—I know the heartache, confusion, and desperation that can come with this journey.
The good news? Low-dose Naproxen has made a real difference for many of the families I support. It helps calm the inflammation in the brain triggered by infections like strep, Lyme, or Epstein-Barr, so flare-ups settle down and healing can begin.
What is the Role of Naproxen Usage in PANS and PANDAS?
When your child is battling tics, OCD, rages, or crushing anxiety—and you know an infection is fueling the fire—finding treatments that actually help becomes urgent.
For many of the families I work with, low dose naproxen has quietly stepped in as a powerful tool to calm the chaos and soothe that inflamed brain.
You might know naproxen by its brand name Aleve. It’s a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), similar to Advil (ibuprofen).
These medications work by:
- Blocking the production of prostaglandins—chemicals that trigger inflammation.
- Reducing pain and fever.
- Helping dial down immune system overreactions, especially those affecting the brain.
In the context of PANS and PANDAS, low dose naproxen may help by:
- Easing brain inflammation caused by infections like strep, Lyme, Epstein-Barr, and more.
- Lessening the severity and duration of sudden-onset neuropsychiatric symptoms (OCD, tics, mood swings).
- Supporting emotional regulation and reducing behavioral flares.
This isn’t just theory—clinical experience and research point to real benefits when it’s used early and appropriately.
One study that really stands out is from Brown et al. (2017). They ran a randomized, placebo-controlled trial that looked at NSAIDs like naproxen in kids with PANS/PANDAS.
What did they find? That early intervention with medications like Aleve or Advil could shorten the flare and improve functioning—especially when given at the start or even before symptoms spike.
Many of the families I support tell me the same thing: “When we gave naproxen, it was like a cloud lifted.” That’s not just relief—it’s insight.
Naproxen may not be the whole solution, but it’s often an important piece of the healing puzzle. And remember, you can’t get to learning, healing, or growing until you calm the brain first.
What is the Dosage for Naproxen and How is it Administered?
When using naproxen for PANS or PANDAS, dosage should always be guided by a qualified healthcare provider.
It’s not a guessing game—your child’s age, weight, and medical history all play a role in what’s safe and effective.
Typical Naproxen Guidelines (Gagliano et al., 2023):
- Starting dose: 10 mg/kg per dose
- Maximum per dose: 500 mg
- Maximum per day: 1,000 mg
Nordic Clinical Guidelines Recommend (Gagliano et al., 2023):
- Ibuprofen: 10–15 mg/kg/dose, 3x daily (max 500 mg/dose)
- Naproxen: 10–20 mg/kg/day, divided into 2 doses (max 500 mg twice daily)
- Duration: Assess at 4 weeks, continue up to 12 weeks if effective
Always consult your provider before starting NSAIDs. Used thoughtfully, naproxen can help calm inflammation and support healing.
You have to calm the brain in order to unlock your child’s potential.
| Symptoms of PANS/PANDAS | Potential Triggers of PANS/PANDAS |
|---|---|
| Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) | Streptococcal Infections (specific to PANDAS) |
| Tics | Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) and Tick-borne infections |
| Anxiety | Viral Infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus, influenza, Varicella, COVID) |
| Emotional Lability and/or Depression | Mycoplasma pneumoniae |
| Behavioral Regression | Environmental Factors (mold, toxins, heavy metals, pollutants) |
| Irritability and Aggression | Autoimmune Reactions to infections/environmental triggers |
| Changes in Eating Habits - Food Restriction, Eating Disorder | Dietary Triggers (certain foods causing immune reactions) |
| Sensory Sensitivities | Seasonal Allergens (pollen, dust mites) |
| Deterioration in School Performance | Psychological Stress and Trauma (as exacerbating factors) |
| Sleep Disturbances | Sudden Changes in Life (moving, school changes) |
What Does Combination Therapy for PANS/PANDAS Look Like—And Is It Safe?
When treating PANS or PANDAS, naproxen is often just one piece of the puzzle.
Many physicians recommend combination therapy – a mix of medication and integrative treatments – to calm brain inflammation and support the whole child.
In my practice, this approach has changed lives. But it needs to be done carefully.
Naproxen is generally safe, but always check with your doctor before combining it with other meds—especially NSAIDs or blood thinners—to keep your child’s treatment safe and effective.
In my practice, we don’t just hand out meds and hope for the best. A solid, safe, and effective plan typically includes:
- Naproxen or another anti-inflammatory, prescribed under medical guidance
- At least 40 sessions of neurofeedback to retrain the brain
- 13 sessions of PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field therapy) with biofeedback
- Somatic therapy to regulate the nervous system
- Parent coaching, because let’s be real—kids don’t heal in isolation
You can even ask Maya who came to us overwhelmed and stuck in survival mode. After completing her plan, her brainwave activity decreased by over 50% and her daily meltdowns dropped from three to just one a week.
She also reconnected with school, friends, and even started enjoying family dinners again!
That’s the power of a layered approach. You can read Maya’s full case study here.
Combination therapy isn’t just about doing everything. It’s about choosing safe, research-backed strategies that work together to calm the brain, heal the body, and get kids back to themselves.
How Do I Safely Monitor My Child’s Naproxen Use for PANS/PANDAS?
- Monitor your child’s naproxen use, especially long-term.
- Watch for mild side effects like upset stomach or dizziness.
- Offer comfort and seek support if symptoms appear.
- Include naproxen in a comprehensive PANS/PANDAS treatment plan.
- Incorporate tailored therapy and lifestyle changes.
- Work with a qualified provider to ensure right dosage and to minimize risks.
Our BrainBehaviorResetTM Program is designed to give your child the support they need for lasting change. By calming the nervous system and improving emotional regulation, it leads to better symptom control and an improved quality of life.
Want to learn more about how it works? Download our diagnostic checklist used by healthcare providers today!
Parent Action Steps
FAQs
What is low-dose naproxen used for?
Low-dose naproxen is commonly prescribed for pain relief, particularly for chronic conditions like arthritis, muscle pain, and mild inflammation. It’s also effective for managing certain neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as those in PANS/PANDAS.
Is Naproxen 500 mg a strong painkiller?
Naproxen 500mg is a potent pain reliever within the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). Its effectiveness varies based on the condition being treated, so consult your physician for personalized advice.
How long does naproxen take to work?
Naproxen usually starts working within 30 minutes to an hour. Full effects may take a few hours to manifest.
What are the potential side effects of low-dose naproxen?
While side effects are usually mild, common ones include stomach discomfort, headache, and dizziness. Prolonged use can also increase the risk of gastrointestinal issues or kidney problems, so regular check-ups with your doctor are recommended.
Citations
Brown, K. D., Farmer, C., Freeman, G. M., Spartz, E. J., Farhadian, B., Thienemann, M., & Frankovich, J. (2017). Effect of Early and Prophylactic Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs on Flare Duration in Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome: An Observational Study of Patients Followed by an Academic Community-Based Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome Clinic. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 27(7), 619–628. https://doi.org/10.1089/cap.2016.0193
Gagliano, A., Carta, A., Tanca, M. G., & Stefano Sotgiu. (2023). Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome: Current Perspectives. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, Volume 19(2023), 1221–1250. https://doi.org/10.2147/ndt.s362202
Dr. Roseann is a mental health expert in PANS/PANDAS who frequently is in the media:
- Healthy Parenting Connector (Video) Why “My Kid is Acting Crazy” Might be PANS/PANDAS
- Living with Lyme (Podcast) Neurofeedback and biofeedback for PANS/PANDAS
- Maria Rickert Hong (Audio) PANS/PANDAS
Always remember… “Calm Brain, Happy Family™”
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.
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