Meloxicam is not classified as a narcotic. People may also wonder whether meloxicam is an opioid, but once again, meloxicam is not. So, what is meloxicam? Read on to find out.
What is Meloxicam?
Meloxicam is an anti-inflammatory drug approved by the FDA for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis, and other medical conditions. The medication prescribed is better known by the brand names Vivlodex, Mobic, and Comfort Pac-Meloxicam. Meloxicam reduces the pain and stiffness often experienced by people with arthritis, caused by swelling of the bones, muscles, and joints. This swelling makes it difficult and painful to move affected body parts.
Although it is classed as a nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) - similar to over-the-counter medicinal products like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin - meloxicam is a controlled substance and must be prescribed by a doctor.
Is Meloxicam Addictive?
Meloxicam is not considered an addictive substance, as one cannot become physically dependent on the drug, and it does not produce the immediate euphoric ‘high’ that is classic with other addictive substances. However, meloxicam is frequently abused by people who are addicted to other addictive drugs as a means to fuel their addiction. This means that although meloxicam itself is not addictive, it has a potential for abuse.
Like any other pain-relief medication, users can sometimes take a larger dose of the medicine in the hope that it will ease their pain further. Many people believe that meloxicam is a narcotic, making it all the more tempting to self-medicate and take more medication than recommended. People who struggle with substance abuse disorder may mix meloxicam with other drugs to increase the immediate pleasurable after-effects of their substances.
Side Effects of Meloxicam:
Like many prescribed medications, meloxicam can have some adverse side effects. Meloxicam often causes abdominal pain, so a doctor will usually advise taking the medication with food or drink to mitigate this symptom. Other frequent side effects are anemia (low iron levels) and edema (swelling caused by fluid trapped in bodily tissue) , but several other symptoms are less likely to occur.
Some of the symptoms that are rarely found are:
- Headache
- Skin rash
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
- Chest pains
- Vision changes
- Urine or stool difficulty or changes
- Lethargy and lack of energy
- Edema (swelling of hands or feet)
- Chest pains and difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Weight loss or gain
Meloxicam addiction can exacerbate these side effects and cause them to occur in the extreme. Specifically, abusing meloxicam can lead to kidney issues and bleeding. If you experience any of these symptoms, whether you have been following the recommended dose or if you have been abusing the substance, reach out to your doctor immediately for professional guidance on how to proceed.
Signs of Meloxicam Addiction:
There may sometimes be some confusion around dependence or addiction to substances, as people may find it difficult to ascertain whether or not they are suffering from the disease of addiction. If you are unsure whether or not you or a loved one may be dependent on or addicted to meloxicam, consider the following variables:
- Are you or your loved one using the prescribed meloxicam medication sooner than expected?
- Are you or your loved one ‘shopping around’ for more meloxicam from different doctors?
- Are you or your loved one stealing meloxicam pills from family and friends?
- Are you or your loved one continuing to consume meloxicam even when not in pain?
If you have answered ‘yes’ to some or all of the questions above, it is likely that you or your loved one is either dependent on meloxicam or has already developed an addiction. If you need to continue taking meloxicam to relieve the pain and discomfort or arthritis, your doctor can prescribe alternative medications such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Aleve.
Treatment for Meloxicam Addiction:
If you identify a meloxicam addiction in either yourself or a loved one, reach out for help. Abruptly quitting meloxicam can cause damage to people who have arthritis, so a doctor should be consulted for advice. Your primary care physician can also recommend other medication that is less likely to cause an addiction.
Additionally, it is crucial for you or your loved one to find a mental health professional to diagnose the addiction, a therapist or mental health counselor for one-on-one therapies and suitable support groups to start the road to recovery. A reputable drug rehab center like Avenues Recovery Center can be instrumental in showing you the path to complete sobriety, starting with medical detox to minimize the effects of withdrawal symptoms, one-on-one and group therapies, support groups, and many other alternative, complementary therapies to aid in the recovery process.
Here at Avenues, our staff are highly trained and experts in their fields. We have helped thousands of people break free from their addictions, and we can help you too. No one is beyond help. Our caring and empathetic addiction counselors will guide and support you every step of the way to recovery. Reach out today for a new, drug-free lease on life!