Meloxicam is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation. But unlike other NSAIDs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, meloxicam is only available through a doctor’s prescription due to its stronger effect.
As a prescription drug, some people wonder, is meloxicam addictive?
In this post, we will discuss this drug, how it works, and what dangers it brings if abused. We’ll also discuss where you can seek help if you’re struggling with misuse or abuse of this medication.
What is meloxicam?
Meloxicam is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatment for various symptoms, such as arthritic pain, inflammation, and tenderness. It’s in the same group as other common over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
You’re probably more familiar with meloxicam through its brand names like Mobic, Vivlodex, or Qmiiz.
Moreover, meloxicam is usually taken once a day since it’s a long-acting type of drug. In smaller doses, it can be prescribed up to 6 times a day, but in very rare cases.
But is meloxicam a narcotic? Is meloxicam an opioid? No, meloxicam is not a narcotic nor an opioid, although they both help in reducing pain when taken under the direct care of a healthcare provider.
In general, meloxicam is available in capsules with a prescription of about 5 mg to 10 mg once per day. Meanwhile, if your doctor prescribed tablets, the dosage would be around 7.5 mg to 15 mg on average. The same goes for oral liquid forms, which vary from 5 ml to 10 ml per day.
Take note that such dosage is common for adults. If the doctor will prescribe meloxicam to children under the age of 2, the dosage would depend on the child’s body weight. Still, the dosage shouldn’t be any higher than 7.5 mg once per day.
Medical uses of meloxicam
In the medical setting, meloxicam is a versatile NSAID. It’s often prescribed to provide relief for the following conditions:
- Dental pain
- Post-operative pain
- Neuropathic pain
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
But how long does meloxicam last once taken? The half-life of meloxicam inside your body is about 15 to 24 hours. As we’ve mentioned, it’s a slow-acting drug, which provides longer relief than OTC counterparts.
So, is meloxicam a strong painkiller? Yes, in fact, it’s one of the most potent painkillers and much stronger than ibuprofen.
Common side effects of meloxicam
As a strong prescription painkiller, meloxicam can trigger various side effects. Here are some of what you should watch out for:
Short-term side effects
- Abdominal pain
- Stomach upset
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Itching and/or hives
- Flu-like symptoms
Long-term side effects
- Ulcers
- Stomach or intestinal bleeding
- Bloody/tarry stools
- Bleeding gums
- Blurred vision
- Bloating
- Loosening of the skin
- Anxiety
- Abnormal dreaming
- Blood in urine
- Stroke
- Heart attack
If you’re suffering from any of these side effects after getting a prescription for meloxicam, you should call your healthcare provider right away. It’s possible that you need a change of dosage or a less potent alternative to ward off the negative side effects.
Is meloxicam addictive?
Due to the long-lasting relief it can bring, you’re probably wondering, is the drug meloxicam addictive?
Although it also relieves pain as the highly addictive opioids, meloxicam doesn’t produce a euphoric effect.
Also, dependence on meloxicam isn’t as intense as opioids like fentanyl or heroin. It’s also not a habit-forming drug, and it’s less likely to cause severe withdrawal symptoms.
Still, this doesn’t mean that you’ll go scot-free when you misuse or abuse this substance. Just like any medication, meloxicam can do the opposite of healing if not used within a professional prescription.
Unfortunately, some may commit meloxicam abuse inadvertently. Others may use meloxicam as a default medication for their pains and aches, not fully aware of how potent it is and how it can impact their overall health.
Although meloxicam is a prescription drug, some individuals may acquire it through unscrupulous means. It could be through an old prescription or an illicit trade. When this happens, there would be no medical supervision, which increases the risk this drug could bring.
Take note that misusing the drug or using it beyond your prescription can cause serious health problems. Such health complications can be life-threatening in the long run if not given proper medical intervention. This includes your physical and mental health, which we discussed below.
Health dangers of misusing meloxicam
Taking large and unregulated amounts of meloxicam can cause a slew of health problems. Here are some that you should be wary of:
- Potential overdose. Without a prescription or failure to follow, one will be exposed to the risk of overdose. Some of the symptoms include vomiting, persistent fatigue, breathing difficulties, and so on.
- Kidney damage. If you have kidney problems, abusing or misusing meloxicam can impair your kidney’s ability to function. This can ultimately lead to kidney failure.
- Liver damage. NSAIDs like meloxicam are metabolized in the liver. So, if you take this drug without a proper prescription, you’re at a higher risk of suffering from liver toxicity, which can be life-threatening.
- Internal bleeding. Taking large amounts of meloxicam without a doctor’s supervision can cause internal bleeding in the stomach and intestines. It can also lead to the formation of ulcers, which are excruciatingly painful.
- Stroke. Misusing meloxicam can also increase your risk of stroke, even if you don’t have any history of heart disease.
- Seizures. Using meloxicam too long and without a prescription can cause seizures and even coma. So, while it’s not necessarily addictive, dependence on this drug can bring in equally serious consequences.
VERY IMPORTANT: Don’t wait for any of these health dangers to happen! If you’re struggling with meloxicam misuse, help is always available. At LA Wellness Home, our drug rehab is open to anyone who needs guidance on how to quit prescription drugs safely and without judgment.
How long does meloxicam stay in your system?
Another question we often get is this: how long is meloxicam in your system?
Those who misuse or abuse this drug may suffer from prolonged symptoms since meloxicam is a slow-acting medication. Also, taking large amounts will worsen the dangers it could bring.
So, how long does meloxicam 7.5 mg stay in your system? This small dosage will last for up to 80 hours to be fully flushed out of your body. As we’ve said earlier, meloxicam has a half-life of 15 to 20 hours.
How about higher doses? How long does meloxicam 15 mg stay in your system? Higher doses have the same half-life and will still last for up to 80 hours in your body before it’s fully purged from your bloodstream. However, the effects would be more potent, and so are the possible risks if misused.
It’s important to consult with your physician about the use of meloxicam and its proper dosage. This way, you’ll get proper advice about how this drug works in your body and how long its effects will last.
Do you need treatment for misusing meloxicam?
If you’re abusing or misusing meloxicam, you definitely need to seek the help of a medical professional.
Since this drug can cause health problems if not taken properly, immediate medical intervention is needed to manage its negative side effects. This is very much true if you’ve been taking large doses of meloxicam for long periods.
In terms of addiction, we can help by providing a medical detox. With this treatment, we help you get rid of the drug from your system as safely as possible. We will also work with your doctor to manage potential health complications that you already have.
Also, if you’ve been misusing meloxicam with other prescription drugs, it’s important to seek help before it’s too late. Polydrug abuse is highly dangerous, and it amplifies the risk of addiction and fatality if you don’t get treatment now.
While seeking help may not be easy, having the courage to take the first step can be life-changing. You’ll thank yourself for making this decision.
Do you need treatment for misusing meloxicam? Where to get help for meloxicam misuse/abuse?
If you don’t know where or how to start quitting meloxicam, LA Wellness Home is here to help. We have a 24/7 hotline that you can call if you need help for yourself or a loved one.
Our addiction treatment center is open to anyone who needs professional help with prescription drug addiction or dependence. We have an experienced clinical team and rest assured that we will provide you a custom treatment plan that match your needs.
Above all, you’ll receive treatment in our luxurious inpatient rehab. Unlike hospitals, our facility is home-like, where you can focus on recovery without feeling like you’re locked up in an institution. Also, all our doctors, nurses, RADTs, therapists, and counselors will treat you with respect and dignity throughout your stay.
Not only that: we also have a private chef to prepare your meals. This way, you won’t miss out on your favorites while receiving your much-needed treatment.
Overall, we offer a 30-day detox program to help you turn your back on prescription drugs like meloxicam. The duration of your treatment may be longer, depending on your recovery needs.
If you want to know more about how we can help with meloxicam misuse or abuse, contact us at LA Wellness Home today. Our recovery specialists will be happy to answer your questions.
