Key Points
- Meloxicam is a prescription NSAID commonly prescribed to treat muscle pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- Meloxicam is not a controlled substance and carries a low risk of addiction, but psychological dependence is possible.
- Signs of meloxicam dependence include doctor shopping, taking the drug for reasons other than pain relief, and taking meloxicam without a prescription.
- Common side effects of meloxicam include cold and flu symptoms, nausea, dizziness, and constipation.
- More serious side effects associated with meloxicam include shortness of breath, anemia, and coughing up blood.
- Other adverse effects have been linked to meloxicam, including allergic reactions, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and stomach bleeding.
- It’s essential to practice safety guidelines when taking meloxicam, including taking it only as prescribed, telling your doctor about any previous medical conditions, and seeking emergency care for any signs of a heart attack, stroke, or stomach bleeding.
- Alternate methods of pain relief may be available, including massage therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and following an anti-inflammatory diet.
How Long Does Meloxicam Stay in Your System?
Meloxicam has a long half-life and can stay in your system for up to five days after your last dose. The drug will still be detectable by drug tests for much longer. Detection windows can vary by the type of test, but some drug screenings can detect meloxicam for up to 90 days.
Compared to illicit drugs such as opioids and other narcotics, meloxicam isn’t thought to be as addictive. However, psychological dependence and abuse of meloxicam are still possible. It’s essential to practice safe guidelines when taking this prescription painkiller.
What Is Meloxicam?
Meloxicam is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID for short. This drug is FDA-approved to treat pain and muscle stiffness associated with different types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It might be known by the brand name Mobic. Meloxicam is typically taken in pill form, but it may also be available by injection.
When prescribed Meloxicam for pain relief, your doctor may start you on a 7.5 mg initial dose to take once per day. [1] If the pain doesn’t respond to this dose, it may be increased to 15 mg once per day. This is the maximum recommended dose for arthritis pain. If you miss a dose of your medication, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time to take your next dose. Never take a double dose of meloxicam.
Side Effects of Meloxicam
Some of the side effects of meloxicam may be mild, while others can be more severe. If you experience severe side effects or side effects that persist for more than a few days, contact your healthcare provider.
Common Side Effects of Meloxicam
Some of the common side effects caused by meloxicam include:
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Gas
Mild side effects usually dissipate after a few days. If they don’t, tell your doctor as soon as possible.
Serious Side Effects of Meloxicam
Some people taking meloxicam experience serious side effects, including: [3]
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling
- Rapid weight gain
- Kidney problems
- Coughing up blood (Emergency attention)
- Vomit that resembles coffee grounds (Emergency attention)
- Anemia
- Skin rash
- Bloody stools
Some of these severe side effects may require emergency medical attention since they could indicate more severe health issues.
Adverse Effects of Meloxicam
There are other adverse effects of meloxicam to consider, including: [4]
- Serious allergic reaction
- Increased risk of heart attack
- Increased risk of stroke
- Risk of dangerous drug interactions
- Risk of stomach bleeding
Long-term use of meloxicam may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, and this risk may be higher for people with pre-existing heart disease. Stomach bleeding is more common among people who drink alcohol, take blood thinners, or have stomach ulcers.
Meloxicam Warnings
Meloxicam may interact with other drugs, causing additional adverse effects. To avoid dangerous drug interactions, always tell your doctor about any other prescription, recreational, or over-the-counter drugs you’re taking. Also, provide a list of any dietary or herbal supplements you take, as these too can interact with some medications.
If you have certain pre-existing conditions, your doctor may advise against taking meloxicam. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have (or have ever had) any of the following medical conditions: [5]
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Asthma
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Stomach ulcers
- Stomach bleeding
- Stroke
- Blood clot
- Fluid retention
- Pregnant or planning to be
- breastfeeding
How Long Does Meloxicam Stay in Your System?
The approximate half-life of meloxicam is between 15 to 20 hours. [6]That means it will take between three and five days for the drug to leave your system. However, meloxicam can still be detected by drug tests for significantly longer. For example, the detection window for urine tests is up to five days, while hair follicle tests can detect meloxicam for up to three months.
Is Meloxicam Addictive?
Meloxicam isn’t considered addictive and is not classified as a controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). [7] However, Meloxicam can still be abused, and some people may become psychologically dependent on the drug.
Signs of Meloxicam Addiction and Abuse
Meloxicam abuse and addiction can be dangerous, leading to long-term physical and mental health effects. There are sure signs of meloxicam addiction and abuse to look for, including:
- Using meloxicam in higher doses than prescribed or for longer than prescribed
- Doctor shopping with multiple physicians to obtain additional prescriptions for meloxicam
- Using someone else’s prescription or taking meloxicam without a prescription
- Taking meloxicam for reasons other than pain relief
- Having a strong urge to take meloxicam
- Experiencing restlessness or anxiety when running low or running out of meloxicam
Call your doctor at the first signs of meloxicam addiction or abuse.
Managing Meloxicam Usage
To avoid substance abuse or meloxicam addiction, it can be essential to practice safe use guidelines. Here are some ways to manage the use of this drug:
- Take meloxicam exactly as prescribed. Don’t adjust the dose, even if you feel the medication isn’t working correctly.
- Take the lowest dose of meloxicam you need to relieve pain and don’t take it longer than necessary.
- Tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have, especially heart disease, kidney disease, asthma, ulcers, high blood pressure, or kidney disease.
- Don’t take meloxicam with other NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin, as this can make side effects more severe and increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
- Seek emergency medical care if you experience symptoms of a heart attack, stroke, or stomach bleeding, such as chest pain, slurred speech, shortness of breath, or black or bloody stools.
Alternative Methods of Pain Relief
Some people prefer to manage their pain without medications like meloxicam due to unwanted side effects, health risks, and the risk of dependency. If you’re interested in alternative methods of pain relief, consider these options:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy or mindfulness-based practices
- An anti-inflammatory diet
- Physical therapy
- Heating pads or cold packs
- Massage therapy
- Acupuncture
- Music therapy
- Resistance training
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Deep breathing exercises
- Hypnosis
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
Addiction Treatment
If you or a loved one is experiencing addiction to meloxicam or any other prescription painkiller, know that help is available. Trained substance use treatment professionals can apply evidence-based therapies to address any withdrawal symptoms and support your recovery. These may include medical detox services, inpatient treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, and aftercare services.