An urgent medical alert has been raised after a common, widely-used painkiller was found to trigger severe psychotic hallucinations, leading to a patient being wrongly diagnosed with a serious mental health condition.
The shocking case, detailed in a report by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), serves as a critical warning to both the public and medical professionals about the potent, albeit rare, psychiatric side effects of some over-the-counter medications.
The Case of the Misdiagnosis
A patient, whose details remain confidential, was admitted to hospital suffering from intense visual and auditory hallucinations. The symptoms were so profound that attending psychiatrists initially diagnosed the individual with schizophrenia and began treatment for the condition.
It was only after a thorough review of the patient's medical history and recent medication use that the true, startling culprit was identified: naproxen, a common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) purchased without a prescription to treat minor aches and pains.
What is Naproxen?
Naproxen is a popular anti-inflammatory medication, sold in the UK under brand names like Naprosyn and Feminax Ultra. It is routinely used by millions to alleviate symptoms of:
- Back pain
- Arthritis
- Muscle sprains
- Menstrual cramps
- Headaches
While known to carry common side effects like indigestion and heartburn, its potential to induce severe psychiatric disturbances is far less recognised.
A Known But Overlooked Risk
Medical experts stress that while this reaction is extremely rare, it is not unknown. The MHRA's 'yellow card' scheme, which collects reports of adverse drug reactions, has recorded other instances of naproxen being linked to hallucinations, confusion, and anxiety.
This case highlights a dangerous gap in awareness. Doctors are being urged to consider a patient's recent medication history as a potential cause for sudden-onset psychotic symptoms before concluding a primary psychiatric diagnosis.
Protecting Yourself: Key Advice for the Public
The medical community has issued clear guidance in the wake of this incident:
- Always Read the Leaflet: Familiarise yourself with the full list of potential side effects for any medication you take, even those available over-the-counter.
- Report Reactions: If you experience any unusual mental or physical side effects after taking a medicine, stop using it immediately and consult your GP or pharmacist.
- Share Your History: Inform any doctor treating you of all medications you are taking, including supplements and non-prescription drugs.
- Use the Yellow Card Scheme: Patients and healthcare professionals can report suspected side effects to the MHRA to help build a clearer picture of drug safety.
This alarming incident serves as a powerful reminder that all medicines, no matter how commonplace, carry risks. Vigilance and clear communication between patients and doctors remain the best defence against unexpected and dangerous adverse reactions.
