How much NSAIDS is too much?

Dear Ask The Doctor: I recently injured my lower back at work and have been taking Aleve during the day and Motrin PM to get to sleep. I know that both of these are NSAIDS and that they can cause stomach bleeding, but how many milligrams of NSAIDS is enough to cause this? I dont wont to find out when its too late.

Dear Rachel: NSAIDS (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory DrugS ) are a group of drugs that inhibit the formation of prostagladins and thus help in decreasing inflammationa and pain. While there is no specific dose of NSAIDS that would cause a stomach bleed (different people have different limits), it is usually recommended to avoid long term use of these medications as that can cause the adverse effects. Long term use leads to stomach and duodenal ulcers and could ultimately lead to bleeding of the same. Moreover chronic use and/or overdose can also lead to renal failure.

Having said that, I must warn you that there are some cases of NSAID induced stomach bleeding after taking just one dose.