Does taking ibuprofen affect performance?

Danimal · Apr 7, 2014

Played a tournament this weekend. First match started off great. My opponent was strong, but I came with big shots and had some good outs.

Waiting for my second match, I started to feel a light headache coming on. I popped an Aleve, and before I knew it, no more headache. No body aches at all, either.

Second match was against an equally strong opponent, but I played much less sharp than I did before and lost. Quickly jumped into my third match, where my opponent was just a hair better than me.

I got zipped lol.

During the third match, I absolutely could not make a ball. Can't believe my game could vacillate so much in such a short period of time.

Anyone else ever take ibuprofen and feel like it dulled your ability to focus or concentrate?

Woof Biscuit · Apr 7, 2014

I've done the same thing before and thought that it was just me. Try BC Powder. It's aspirin and caffeine. Much better choice.

West Point 1987 · Apr 7, 2014

I take Aleve before every session...I've got chronic tennis elbow and arthritis in my right ankle that make shooting a literal pain. Doesn't affect my game............or does it?!

That's all I need, another excuse for playing like crap.

BasementDweller · Apr 7, 2014

I don't know too many pool players that take ibuprofen.:embarrassed2:

Don't shoot the messenger.

Slasher · Apr 7, 2014

Aleve is not ibuprofen (Advil) it is Naproxen. Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory.

TATE · Apr 7, 2014

No problems with Advil but avoid caffeine and alcohol.

On another note, if you suffer from chafing, I have found this anti Monkey Butt power to work miraculously well. No kidding.

http://www.antimonkeybutt.com/index.php?submenu=FAQ&src=faq&category=Anti%20Monkey%20Butt%20FAQs

madhatter44 · Apr 7, 2014

Alive for my neck arthritis and a joint for match nervousness and I am good to go

KMRUNOUT · Apr 7, 2014

TATE said:
No problems with Advil but avoid caffeine and alcohol.

On another note, if you suffer from chafing, I have found this anti Monkey Butt power to work miraculously well. No kidding.

http://www.antimonkeybutt.com/index.php?submenu=FAQ&src=faq&category=Anti%20Monkey%20Butt%20FAQs

Avoid caffeine? That sounds kind of odd. Caffeine is a proven performance enhancing drug. In moderate doses, it improves focus, mental function, muscle function, reflexes, and overall mood. Having a dependence on it sucks for sure though.

KMRUNOUT

BRussell · Apr 7, 2014

BasementDweller said:
I don't know too many pool players that take ibuprofen.:embarrassed2:

Don't shoot the messenger.

I don't get it.

jersey jer · Apr 7, 2014

Slasher said:
Aleve is not ibuprofen (Advil) it is Naproxen. Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory.

Yup
Aleve = Naproxen sodium
Advil = Ibuprophen

they are both non steroidal anti-inflammatories. either has the possible adverse reaction of nausea, dizziness or can make you feel lightheaded.

DAVE_M · Apr 7, 2014

jersey jer said:
Yup
Aleve = Naproxen sodium
Advil = Ibuprophen

they are both non steroidal anti-inflammatories. either has the possible adverse reaction of nausea, dizziness or can make you feel lightheaded.

Correct.

Ibuprofen and Aleve in small doses will affect you as much as a carbonated drink.

mantis99 · Apr 7, 2014

Ibuprofen is quite simply an anti-inflammatory. If you have pain related to inflammation it may help your game because it can decrease the pain. It should not have any affect on your mental status or focus though, unless you have an adverse side effect to it. Also, Aleve is not an ibuprofen based anti inflammatory, it is Naproxen. Either way, neither of these should be considered anything but anti inflammatories. Something else was the cause of your demise in this scenario.

cuesblues · Apr 7, 2014

Either you didn't take enough, or the mix wasn't the right one.
Seriously, Aleve / Naproxen on an empty stomach could affect your game a little.
If you're used to popping a few 200 mg Ibuprofen and you took a few 220 mg Naproxen without eating, I think it could mess you up a little.
If you didn't take more than 3, and it was with food, it shouldn't be much of a problem.

DaddysVisa · Apr 7, 2014

The mind is a funny thing. You might have just suffered the equivalent of a "reverse-placebo" effect. With the placebo effect, your belief in the treatment can cause not just a perception of symptom improvement, but actual objective measures of improvement. But this is a double-edged sword. One you considered the possibility that the Aleve might have been affecting your performance it can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, where now you are actually not feeling and performing well.

There's been some interesting placebo studies where the strength of the placebo effect increased as people were told their dose was increasing, but interestingly, the number and strength of their reported side-effects increased as well.

MFB · Apr 7, 2014

Woof Biscuit said:
I've done the same thing before and thought that it was just me. Try BC Powder. It's aspirin and caffeine. Much better choice.

I had a migraine headache last week. I coworker told gave me two packets of BC powder. First time I had ever heard of it.

But it worked great.

That stuff is awesome! :thumbup:

Adam Brown · Apr 7, 2014

TATE said:
No problems with Advil but avoid caffeine and alcohol.

On another note, if you suffer from chafing, I have found this anti Monkey Butt power to work miraculously well. No kidding.

http://www.antimonkeybutt.com/index.php?submenu=FAQ&src=faq&category=Anti%20Monkey%20Butt%20FAQs

It's funny you mention monkey butt. I have tried I on a couple of occasions but no results. I prefer the Johnson & Johnson baby powder with cornstarch and aloe. I carry a small bottle everywhere. My day is ruined if I leave home without it. I also take Advil, it doesn't affect me that much, but I'm no pro either.

Adam

Cracktherack · Apr 7, 2014

Around our local poolroom, I see some of the shooters smoking something in a pipe out back for their headaches.

Cornerman · Apr 7, 2014

Danimal said:
Anyone else ever take ibuprofen and feel like it dulled your ability to focus or concentrate?

I have taken ibuprofen a zillion times before playing and never had an issue. But then again, I suck, so maybe I should rethink that.

Freddie <~~~ I need a new drug

Maniac · Apr 7, 2014

Cornerman said:
But then again, I suck, so maybe I should rethink that.

Freddie <~~~ I need a new drug

You and I ought to get together for a short set to prove who is the AZB "King of Suck" champion. That title would go to the loser of the set (which, of course, would be me!!!) :thumbup:

Maniac

TATE · Apr 7, 2014

Adam Brown said:
It's funny you mention monkey butt. I have tried I on a couple of occasions but no results. I prefer the Johnson & Johnson baby powder with cornstarch and aloe. I carry a small bottle everywhere. My day is ruined if I leave home without it. I also take Advil, it doesn't affect me that much, but I'm no pro either.

Adam

I think I know what the problem is. You're supposed to use it on your monkey.

Does taking ibuprofen affect performance?

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