Meloxicam is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The brand name for this drug is Mobic. It is similar to NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen. Sometimes this medication can be prescribed for treating pain that is generally moderate to severe. It is good option instead of prescribing opioid pain medications. Those drugs have a higher risk for addiction.

Meloxicam is often prescribed to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and chronic painful conditions. Most of those conditions have to do with swelling of the joints. This drug was approved during 2000 by the FDA.

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Workings of Meloxicam

NSAIDs work through relieving the inflammation in the body. Inflammation can cause a lot of pain. These types of medications are also used when reducing fevers. Doctors might also prescribe very low does of an NSAID when reducing the risk for heart attacks. While using aspirin therapy can be beneficial in some cases, it shouldn’t be used without talking to a medical professional first.

Meloxicam stops prostaglandin creating enzymes. These enzymes are in the lipid group and involve the way the body reacts to an injury. Most of the time the body will become inflamed and the blood may even clot near the site of a wound. That is a natural response. If there is an issue with the way someone’s body produces prostaglandin, they may suffer with painfully, chronic issues such as arthritis.

Meloxicam is prescribed in liquid, tablet, or capsule form. Most adults are given an average dose of around 5 to 7.5 mg a day. This can be altered based on the physician’s recommendation.

Side Effects from Meloxicam Use

While Meloxicam can be safely prescribed, there still may be some side effects from using it. Some of the most common side effects attributed to Meloxicam use include the following:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pains
• Sore throat
• Gas

These are some of the more mild side effects relating to Meloxicam use.

There are some more serious side effects that would require medical attention immediately. These more severe side effects include the following:

• Heartburn
• Vomiting with blood
• Severe stomach pains
• Vomiting that looks like coffee-grounds
• Blood in stools
• Tarry and black stools

If someone is experiencing these side effects, it could be a sign they are bleeding in their intestines or their stomach. They may also have ulcers.

It is also possible that someone may have an allergic reaction to Meloxicam. Some of the signs of an allergic reaction include the following:

• Issues breathing
• Painful or itchy rash
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Swelling

If these are noticed, medical attention should be received right away.

Meloxicam can also increase the chances of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. This is more likely if someone has been taking Meloxicam for a long time. This medication could cause kidney or liver damage as well.

Interactions with Meloxicam

Most medications do have some possible interactions. This is true for Meloxicam. Some of the possible medication interactions when mixed with Meloxicam include the following:

• NSAIDs
• Antidepressants
• Antiplatelets or anticoagulants
• Corticosteroids
• Mood stabilizers
• Diuretics

These are the most common medications that would negatively interact with Meloxicam. It is best to speak with your doctor before taking Meloxicam to make sure you won’t have any interactions.

Symptoms of Meloxicam Overdose

There have been some people who have overdoses on Meloxicam. Everyone who uses Meloxicam or who knows someone that does should be aware of this. Some of the symptoms of a Meloxicam overdose include the following:

• Nausea
• Blood in stools
• Stomach pains
• Lethargic
• Less energy
• Drowsiness or sleepiness
• Tarry and black stools
• Vomiting blood
• Vomiting
• Coffee-ground like vomit
• Breathing issues
• Seizures
• Coma

If someone is overdosing on Meloxicam, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Meloxicam Substance Use Disorder and Addiction

There are some very serious side effects that are related to Meloxicam use. Even though this medication isn’t able to get someone high, some people do still abuse it in an attempt to achieve a ‘Meloxicam high’ and as a result become addicted to it. This is because of the pain reduction nature of the drug. Some people think it is a type of opioid or that it will work like an opioid. In fact, there was even a Meloxicam U.S. Department of Justice seizure done during 2011 because it was being trafficked.

There have been numerous opioid addicts who begin taking prescription pain medications because of painful conditions. Some of those people may get some pain relief when they use Meloxicam. There have been some opioid addicts who state they feel euphoria after taking Meloxicam. However, that is only a placebo effect, from having reduced pain. With that being said, it is still recommended by the FDA that Meloxicam not be prescribed for patients who struggle with drug or alcohol abuse. Abusing alcohol or drugs, while taking Meloxicam, can increase the risks of having side effects.

Polydrug abuse is another concern when someone uses Meloxicam. One example would be if someone has a hangover after binge drinking. They may take a larger Meloxicam dose. This would reduce their symptoms of the hangover. However, doing so, might encourage them to binge drink even more often, since they won’t have to face the consequences of the hangover and the potential for them to mix Meloxicam and alcohol increases dramatically. It is dangerous to mix NSAIDs and alcohol. The results could include bleeding of the intestines or stomach and harmful ulcers as well.

It is also recommended that anyone who smokes not be prescribed or use Meloxicam. Smoking and Meloxicam use both increase risks of blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks.

Treatment for Prescription Drug or Polydrug Abuse

There are many people who struggle with abusing more than one substance at a time, at some point during their life. Meloxicam can be and often is abused or misused. This is a medication that is often used for treating pain. While it can’t get someone high, the reduction of pain is enough to cause many people to abuse it. If someone takes larger doses of this medication, it can lead to dangerous side effects. One of the most common severe side effects is problems with the GI system.

It is essential for everyone to know there is help available for treating Meloxicam abuse or an addiction to this medication. Addiction rehab centers have programs available to help. Whether someone is suffering from prescription drug abuse, polydrug abuse, or a co-occurring disorder, treatment center professionals are able to help.

If you have an addiction to or have been abusing Meloxicam, make the call today. Treatment center professionals have helped other overcome their dependence upon Meloxicam. You can get the help you need as well. If you know someone else who is abusing Meloxicam, talk to them and see if you can get them to seek out treatment.

Want more information about how Chapters Capistrano can help? Feel free to call 949-276-2886 and one of our addiction specialists will help get the information and help you need.