The present study was conducted to develop sustained release matrix tablets of naproxen with the help of a hydrophobic polymer, Ethyl Cellulose (EC). Matrix tablets were prepared by incorporating various proportions of EC in the matrix system using wet granulation technique. The rate of drug release from the matrix tablets was found to be very slow and could not produce the desired release profiles in 12 h testing time. However, the tablets prepared by slightly modifying the wet granulation method exhibited comparatively linear and desirable release rate. No significant difference in the release profiles of naproxen matrix tablets was observed at different stirring speeds and storage conditions.