Key Points
- Meloxicam is sometimes mistaken for a narcotic, but it is an NSAID prescribed for various types of arthritis and produces no perceivable high.
- The brand name for meloxicam is Mobic.
- A typical dose of meloxicam ranges from 5 mg to 7.5 mg, depending on the type of arthritis being treated.
- Meloxicam carries a low risk of abuse and physical dependence, but there may be other risks to be aware of, including potentially dangerous side effects and drug interactions.
- Always tell your doctor about any medical conditions or other drugs you’re taking before starting meloxicam or any new medication.
- People with a history of heart disease, stroke, stomach ulcers, or other serious side effects may need to avoid meloxicam and consider other treatment options for arthritis.
Can You Get A Meloxicam High?
Meloxicam isn’t a controlled substance and doesn’t create a “high” or sense of euphoria, so it carries a low risk of addiction or abuse. Still, there may be dangers and risks associated with this pain reliever, especially for people with a history of drug or alcohol abuse. While meloxicam has no known addictive potential, excessive or inappropriate use may reflect an underlying issue such as health anxiety or somatic symptom disorder, not true psychological dependence.
What Is Meloxicam?
Meloxicam is a prescription NSAID, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, commonly prescribed for arthritis. Specifically, it is an FDA-approved drug used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.[1] Meloxicam is also known by its brand name Mobic. Unlike other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, meloxicam is only available by prescription and should be taken under medical supervision.
Though meloxicam is considered a strong painkiller, it is not in the class of drugs known as opioids. These pain medications, such as OxyContin, are controlled substances that carry a high risk of abuse. Doctors may prescribe strong NSAIDs like meloxicam instead of these addictive opioids to decrease the risk of dependence, abuse, and overdose.
Taking Meloxicam
Meloxicam isn’t available over the counter, so it must be prescribed by a healthcare professional. If you’re prescribed meloxicam, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions precisely. Take only your prescribed dosage, no more or no less, before consulting your doctor.
Typical Dosage
Meloxicam does not cause a high and is not comparable to opioids in that regard. It should still be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Meloxicam is available in oral tablet and oral suspension (liquid) formulations. Capsule formulations exist for some brand equivalents but are not as commonly prescribed. The dose your doctor prescribes will depend upon the condition being treated as well as other individual factors.
For osteoarthritis, the average dose ranges from 5 to 10 mg per day. [2] For those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, the dose may be higher, starting at 7.5 mg and increasing up to 15 mg per day. These are averages. Your doctor will prescribe a dose tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Never take more than prescribed.
Meloxicam Side Effects
Before taking meloxicam, you should know about the side effects linked to this prescription NSAID. Inform your doctor about any prior health conditions and medications you’re taking, as these may increase the risk of certain side effects, including those that can be severe or life-threatening. Higher doses of meloxicam may be associated with an increased risk of side effects.
Common Side Effects
Before taking meloxicam for arthritis, it’s important to be aware of the common side effects associated with this drug: [3]
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Bloating
- Dry mouth
- Loss in appetite
- Nervousness
- Drowsiness
- Insomnia
- Hot flashes
- Anxiety or irritability
Severe or Potentially Dangerous Side Effects
Some less common side effects of meloxicam could be dangerous. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these potentially serious side effects: [4]
- Extreme nausea
- Painful urination
- Swollen glands
- Stomach pain
- Sore throat
- Chest pain or tightness
- Lightheadedness
- Extreme fatigue
- Slurred speech
- Vision changes
- Severe headache
This is not an exhaustive list. Contact your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing any uncomfortable or persistent side effects after taking meloxicam.
Other Meloxicam Risks
All medications have the risk of adverse effects, but there could be other potential dangers of meloxicam to consider. Discuss your risk factors with your doctor before taking meloxicam.
Risk of Stomach Bleeding
All NSAIDs carry the risk of stomach bleeding, holes in the stomach, and stomach ulcers. This is a medical emergency and could cause death. The risk is increased for people who drink alcohol with meloxicam or are on certain medications, including antidepressants. Seek immediate medical attention if you or a loved one is experiencing any of the following symptoms of stomach bleeding: [5]
- Heartburn
- Stomach pain
- Black or bloody stools
- Vomit that is bloody or resembles coffee grounds
Risk of Overdose
Meloxicam isn’t typically abused, but it can still cause an overdose if instructions aren’t followed carefully. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the following symptoms of an overdose, call 911 or the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222: [6]
- Nausea
- Breathing problems
- Symptoms of stomach bleeding, as mentioned above
- Fatigue
- Sleepiness
- Seizure
- Coma
Risk of Dangerous Drug Interactions
Taking Meloxicam with certain medications can cause dangerous drug interactions. It’s crucial to tell your healthcare provider about any other drugs you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs, prescription medications, herbal supplements, alcohol, or recreational substances. The following medications are known to cause interactions with meloxicam, and some of these interactions could cause complications: [7]
- Ketorolac
- Acetaminophen
- Cannabidiol
- Fluoxetine
- Hydrocortisone
- Naproxen
- Prednisone
- Trazodone
- Warfarin
This is just a small sample of the medications known to interact with meloxicam. It’s essential to provide your doctor with a comprehensive list of all medications and supplements you’re currently taking.
Who Should Avoid Taking Meloxicam?
Meloxicam is not a controlled substance, but it’s still not suitable for everyone. [8] If you fall into any of the categories listed below, you may need to talk to your medical provider about other treatment options for arthritis:
- Those who have had heart bypass surgery or plan to
- Those with a history of kidney disease or kidney problems
- Those with asthma
- Those who smoke or drink alcohol
- Those with high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Those with a history of liver disease
- Those who have had a heart attack or stroke in the past
- Those with fluid retention
- Pregnant women
Use Meloxicam With Caution
No medication is considered completely safe, whether prescribed or over-the-counter. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of taking meloxicam or any new medications. Tell them about any prior medical conditions you’ve experienced, including substance use disorder. Be open about any other substances you’re currently taking, including medications, supplements, or recreational drugs, to prevent serious adverse effects.