Meloxicam 15 mg abuse. Meloxicam 15mg Abuse: Understanding Substance Abuse Treatment for Families

30.08.202316.06.2023 by alexxlab

What is meloxicam and how is it abused. How does meloxicam work compared to other NSAIDs. What are the potential side effects and risks of meloxicam abuse. How can families recognize and address substance abuse involving meloxicam.

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Understanding Meloxicam: An Overview of the Prescription NSAID

Meloxicam is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that has gained attention in recent years as an alternative to opioid painkillers. Approved by the FDA in 2000, it is commonly prescribed under the brand name Mobic for treating conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. But what exactly is meloxicam, and how does it work in the body?

Meloxicam works by inhibiting enzymes that produce prostaglandins, which are lipids involved in the body’s inflammation response. By reducing inflammation, meloxicam helps alleviate pain associated with various chronic conditions. It’s available in capsule, tablet, and liquid suspension forms, with typical adult dosages starting at 5-7.5 mg once daily.

How does meloxicam compare to other common NSAIDs?

While meloxicam is related to over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen (found in Advil and Motrin), there are some key differences:

Meloxicam is prescription-only, while ibuprofen is available over-the-counter
Meloxicam is typically taken once daily, while ibuprofen is usually taken multiple times per day
Meloxicam may be more effective for certain types of chronic pain and inflammation

Both medications can treat mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation, but a healthcare provider can best determine which is most appropriate for a specific condition.

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Meloxicam Use

Like all medications, meloxicam carries the potential for side effects. While many people tolerate the drug well, it’s crucial to be aware of possible adverse reactions. Common side effects may include:

Diarrhea or constipation
Gas and stomach pain
Sore throat

More serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention can occur, such as:

Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding (bloody vomit, black tarry stools)
Allergic reactions (trouble breathing, itchy rash, swelling)
Increased risk of stroke, blood clots, or heart attack
Potential liver or kidney damage

Can meloxicam cause an overdose?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on meloxicam. Symptoms of an overdose may include:

Extreme lethargy or drowsiness
Severe nausea and stomach pain
Bloody stools or vomit
Difficulty breathing
Seizures or coma

If you suspect a meloxicam overdose, it’s crucial to seek emergency medical attention immediately.

The Relationship Between Meloxicam and Substance Abuse

Unlike opioid painkillers, meloxicam does not produce euphoria or a “high” that could lead to addiction. However, this doesn’t mean the drug is entirely free from abuse potential. There are several ways in which meloxicam may be misused or play a role in substance abuse:

Misidentification and misuse

Some individuals may abuse meloxicam under the mistaken belief that it is an opioid painkiller. This misconception can lead to misuse, especially among those struggling with opioid use disorders.

Polydrug abuse patterns

Meloxicam may be used in combination with other substances, particularly alcohol. Some individuals might take large doses of meloxicam to alleviate hangover symptoms, potentially enabling more frequent binge drinking. This combination is extremely dangerous, as it significantly increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers.

Interactions with other risk factors

Smoking, which is common among individuals with substance use disorders, can increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal bleeding in people who take NSAIDs like meloxicam.

Recognizing Signs of Meloxicam Abuse and Addiction

While meloxicam itself is not addictive, its misuse can be a sign of broader substance abuse issues. Families should be aware of potential red flags indicating problematic use:

Taking higher doses than prescribed or more frequently than recommended
Seeking multiple prescriptions from different healthcare providers
Using meloxicam in combination with alcohol or other drugs
Experiencing withdrawal-like symptoms when not using the medication
Neglecting responsibilities or relationships due to drug use

How can families differentiate between legitimate medical use and potential abuse?

It’s important to maintain open communication with loved ones about their medication use. Some key distinctions include:

Adherence to prescribed dosages and schedules
Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers
Improvement in the condition being treated
Absence of secretive behavior or drug-seeking tendencies

The Role of Education in Preventing Meloxicam Misuse

Educating both patients and families about the proper use of meloxicam is crucial in preventing misuse and potential abuse. Key points to emphasize include:

Understanding meloxicam’s classification and effects

Ensuring that patients and families understand that meloxicam is an NSAID, not an opioid, can help prevent misuse based on misconceptions about its effects.

Recognizing potential dangers

Awareness of the risks associated with meloxicam, particularly when combined with alcohol or other substances, can deter misuse and promote safer medication practices.

Promoting open communication

Encouraging patients to discuss any concerns or side effects with their healthcare providers can help prevent escalation of use and identify potential problems early.

Treatment Approaches for Substance Abuse Involving Meloxicam

While meloxicam itself may not be the primary substance of abuse, its misuse can be part of a larger pattern of substance abuse that requires comprehensive treatment. Effective approaches may include:

Comprehensive assessment

A thorough evaluation can help identify all substances being misused and any underlying mental health conditions that may be contributing to substance abuse.

Medical detoxification

For individuals abusing multiple substances, medically supervised detoxification may be necessary to safely manage withdrawal symptoms.

Behavioral therapies

Evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing can help address the root causes of substance abuse and develop coping strategies.

Family involvement

Engaging family members in the treatment process can provide crucial support and improve outcomes for individuals struggling with substance abuse.

Supporting Recovery: The Family’s Role in Addressing Meloxicam Abuse

Families play a crucial role in supporting recovery from substance abuse, including situations involving meloxicam misuse. Here are some ways families can contribute to the recovery process:

Education and awareness

Families should educate themselves about meloxicam, its proper use, and potential risks. This knowledge can help them recognize signs of misuse and provide informed support.

Open communication

Creating an environment of open, non-judgmental communication can encourage individuals to seek help and be honest about their substance use.

Setting boundaries

Establishing clear boundaries around substance use and adhering to them consistently can help create a supportive environment for recovery.

Encouraging professional help

Families can play a crucial role in motivating their loved ones to seek professional treatment and supporting them throughout the recovery process.

Prevention Strategies: Minimizing the Risk of Meloxicam Abuse

While meloxicam itself has a lower risk of abuse compared to opioid painkillers, it’s still important to implement strategies to prevent misuse and potential abuse. Some effective prevention strategies include:

Proper medication management

Encouraging safe storage and disposal of medications can help prevent accidental misuse or diversion.

Keep medications in a secure location
Use medication lock boxes if necessary
Properly dispose of unused medications

Regular medication reviews

Periodic reviews with healthcare providers can ensure that meloxicam use remains appropriate and effective.

Alternative pain management strategies

Exploring non-pharmacological approaches to pain management can reduce reliance on medications and lower the risk of misuse.

Physical therapy
Acupuncture
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
Exercise and weight management

How can healthcare providers contribute to prevention efforts?

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in preventing meloxicam misuse by:

Conducting thorough assessments before prescribing
Providing clear instructions on proper use and potential risks
Monitoring patients for signs of misuse or abuse
Offering alternative pain management strategies when appropriate

By implementing these prevention strategies and working closely with healthcare providers, families can help minimize the risk of meloxicam abuse and promote safe, effective pain management.

What Is Meloxicam & How Is It Abused?

Reviewed by: Sophie Stein, MSN

Updated: Feb 28, 2023

Meloxicam is the generic name for a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is often prescribed under the medication brand name Mobic. It is sometimes used as an alternative prescription to treat moderate to severe pain in place of opioid painkillers, which have a high risk of dependency, abuse, and addiction.

This is a popular medication in the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other chronic conditions that cause pain due to swelling in the joints. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved meloxicam for prescription use in the US in 2000.

How Does Meloxicam Work?

NSAIDs in general work by reducing the body’s inflammation response, which is part of what causes pain from injury or illness. NSAIDs also can be used to reduce fevers, and low doses of aspirin in particular are sometimes use to reduce the risk of heart attack. However, regular aspirin therapy should not be started without first consulting with a health care professional.

Meloxicam inhibits the enzymes that create prostaglandins, which are groups of lipids involved in the body’s response to perceived injury, leading to inflammation and blood clotting around the wound site.

Meloxicam comes in capsule, tablet, and liquid suspensions. The average dose for adults begins around 5-7.5 mg once per day, and it can be adjusted as needed.

Meloxicam vs Ibuprofen

Meloxicam is related to other NSAIDs like ibuprofen. Both drugs can treat mild to moderate pain, fever and inflammation. Motrin and Advil are other drugs of this nature.

Meloxicam Side Effects

Like any medication, meloxicam may cause side effects. Possible side effects of meloxicam include:

Diarrhea
Constipation
Gas
Stomach pain
Sore throat

Some side effects can be serious and require immediate treatment from a health care professional. Heartburn, stomach pain, bloody vomit, vomit with a coffee-ground appearance, black tarry stools, or bloody stools can be signs of ulcers or bleeding in the stomach or intestines. Allergic reactions can also be dangerous, and may include signs such as trouble breathing, itchy or painful rash, sneezing, runny nose, or swelling.

A person’s likelihood of stroke, blood clots, or heart attack might be raised by taking meloxicam, especially for those who for a long span of time take meloxicam. Additionally, meloxicam may cause liver or kidney damage.

Meloxicam Overdose Symptoms

It is also possible to overdose on meloxicam or Mobic. Symptoms of an overdose include:

Reduced energy or lethargy
Sleepiness or drowsiness
Nausea
Stomach pain
Bloody stool
Black tarry stool
Vomiting
Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Bloody vomit
Trouble breathing
Seizures
Coma

If a person may have overdosed on meloxicam, seek emergency medical attention.

Substance Abuse, Addiction, and Meloxicam

Although meloxicam has some potentially dangerous side effects, like other NSAIDs, it is not able to cause euphoria, or a high, that could potentially lead to addiction or substance abuse.

However, some people do reportedly abuse meloxicam because it is a prescription painkiller, which some people assume means that it contains an opioid. Individuals who struggle with an opioid use disorder may take meloxicam if they believe it is a opioid painkiller. The U.S. Department of Justice notes, in a 2011 report on drug trafficking in New England, that meloxicam had been seized by law enforcement officials in the area.

Additionally, meloxicam may be used in a pattern of polydrug abuse. For example, people who suffer hangovers from binge drinking alcohol frequently may take large doses of meloxicam to relieve their hangover symptoms quickly. This may then enable them to binge drink more frequently, since there may be fewer immediate consequences. The combination of alcohol and NSAIDs is very dangerous, as it can lead to dangerous ulcers or bleeding in the stomach or intestines.

For people who take NSAIDs, smoking raises the likelihood of gastrointestinal bleeding.

However, tobacco use is common among people who abuse other substances. In fact, adults with substance use disorders or mental illness smoke cigarettes more than those with none of these disorders.

Get Help for Polydrug or Prescription Drug Abuse

Many people with substance use disorders struggle with multiple substances over the course of their lives. Meloxicam is a prescription painkiller, and although it is an NSAID and cannot cause a high, some people may misuse or abuse the substance anyway due to a misunderstanding of what it is or in an effort to alleviate pain. In large doses, meloxicam can be very dangerous, especially to the gastrointestinal system. It is important to get help from a rehabilitation program as soon as possible to overcome addiction and substance abuse, especially polydrug abuse or issues with co-occurring disorders.

Additional Reading

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If you are a loved one are struggling with substance abuse there are many treatment centers in Orange County available to help you begin your road to recovery.

You aren’t alone. You deserve to get help.

We are here to help you get sober and learn how to stay that way. Laguna Treatment Hospital is located in Orange County within easy reach of the entire Los Angeles metro. We are the premier chemical dependency recovery hospital in the OC. We offer safe medical detox, mental health support, and wellness programs.

Is Meloxican a Narcotic and Does it Get You High?

Meloxicam is a prescription anti-inflammatory medication that is known to be abused by people who believe it is a narcotic pain medication.

Knowledge about the medication can help prevent its abuse.

Meloxicam is a prescription medication that is occasionally abused by people seeking to fuel their substance use disorder. Meloxicam is not a commonly known street drug and many people may not be familiar with it. However, knowledge about the drug helps prevent people from taking it inappropriately and possibly harming themselves.

What is Meloxicam?

Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), otherwise known as an anti-inflammatory medication. Meloxicam is not a narcotic, or even a controlled substance, although you do need a prescription to obtain meloxicam.

Meloxicam is a bit different from most other NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen) because it has a different mode of action. It is a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, which makes it less harmful for the stomach and kidneys than other NSAIDs.

What Is Meloxicam Used For?

Like other NSAIDs, meloxicam is used for pain relief and to reduce inflammation.

Inflammation is what makes your bones, muscles and joints ache, swell, turn red and feel hot. Officially, meloxicam is approved by the FDA for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. However, health care providers often use it for other off-label uses such as for other inflammatory conditions, pain after surgery and various painful conditions of the musculoskeletal system (such as lower back pain or a sprained wrist).

How Addictive Is Meloxicam?

Meloxicam doesn’t make you high, so it’s technically not a drug of recreation or addiction.

However, meloxicam does have the potential for abuse. Because it is often prescribed for pain, some people mistakenly believe that it is a narcotic and therefore take more of it than prescribed. People suffering from pain may purposely take more of it than prescribed to relieve their pain. When people take more meloxicam than what was prescribed, they increase their risk of experiencing harmful side effects. This increased risk includes adverse reactions, such as bleeding from the stomach, stomach ulceration or perforation, abdominal pain, nausea, headache, heart problems and kidney damage.

In the current environment of opioid abuse and opioid-related deaths, there is tremendous pressure on prescribers to cut back on their prescriptions for opioid pain medications. On the other hand, prescribers are often pressured by patients who have pain — or people who are simply seeking a prescription for opioids — to prescribe something stronger than what they were originally prescribed. To appease patients who are requesting pain medications, prescribers may present meloxicam as a pain medication, but it is best for prescribers to make it clear to patients that although it may help with pain, meloxicam is really an anti-inflammatory drug.

Meloxicam Street Names, Common Misspellings and Generics

Meloxicam is the drug’s generic name. It’s also known by the brand names Mobic and Vivlodex in the United States, and Mobicox in Canada. Trade names for the veterinarian version of meloxicam are: Metacam, Meloxidyl, Loxicom and Orocam. Meloxicam does not have any commonly used street names, likely because it is not a drug that is usually sold on the street.

Given that meloxicam is not truly a drug of addiction, there are no statistics for its role in addictions. To illustrate the low level of addiction potential for meloxicam, in a 2011 report by the U.S. Department of Justice National Drug Intelligence Center, out of more than $56 million in drug seizures in New England in 2010, only $200 of it — twenty tablets — was meloxicam. This shows that meloxicam is of little interest to drug traffickers. Its potential for abuse lies in people prescribed it for pain and take too much of it because they mistakenly believe that it is a narcotic pain medication.

If you or a loved one take meloxicam that was not prescribed to you, or take more than you were prescribed, this behavior may indicate a larger problem. Your pain may not be adequately treated or you may be seeking to use medications as a coping mechanism, which can lead to addiction. If you would like to know more about addictions and treatment programs, call The Recovery Village to speak with a representative about how professional addiction treatment can work for you.

Editor – Thomas Christiansen

With over a decade of content experience, Tom produces and edits research articles, news and blog posts produced for Advanced Recovery Systems. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Andrew Proulx, MD

Andrew Proulx holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, an MD from Queen’s University, and has completed post-graduate studies in medicine. He practiced as a primary care physician from 2001 to 2016 in general practice and in the ER. Read more