Can Meloxicam Get You High?

Meloxicam Overview

Meloxicam is a medication that has attracted attention due to misconceptions about its effects and potential for misuse. To better understand the reality about Meloxicam, let's first discuss what it is and how it works.

What is Meloxicam?

Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to alleviate symptoms associated with arthritis, such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. It's important to note that Meloxicam is not a cure for arthritis but rather a treatment that provides relief as long as it is administered.

Meloxicam belongs to the class of drugs known as NSAIDs and in particular to the enolic acids group. It has long been used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and various pain syndromes. Despite its efficacy in managing chronic conditions, Meloxicam is rarely indicated for the treatment of acute pain [2].

How Does Meloxicam Work?

Meloxicam works by blocking the enzymes responsible for prostaglandin production, thereby reducing inflammation and associated symptoms of arthritis [3]. More specifically, its mechanism of action involves inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which is required for the production of thromboxanes, prostaglandins, and prostacyclins. Meloxicam mainly inhibits COX-2, which is inducibly expressed during inflammation.

While Meloxicam can provide relief from arthritis symptoms, it's crucial to note that, like other NSAIDs, it carries risks of adverse effects and toxicity, which require close monitoring and tailored dosing. Patients with specific comorbidities are at a higher risk of experiencing these adverse effects, highlighting the importance of healthcare providers educating patients about the proper use and risks associated with NSAIDs.

Misconceptions and Abuse

In the realm of prescription medications, misunderstandings about a drug's nature and effects can lead to misuse and even abuse. Meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is no exception. It's crucial to debunk these misconceptions for the sake of public health and safety.

Meloxicam and Euphoria

A common misconception is that meloxicam can induce euphoria or a "high"—a belief that could lead to its misuse. However, according to The Recovery Village, meloxicam does not have the capacity to produce a high.

Meloxicam's primary function is to reduce inflammation and pain, not alter mood or perceptions. Unlike opioids, it won't produce a euphoric state. Furthermore, meloxicam, like most NSAIDs, is highly protein-bound (>99%) to albumin, meaning it stays in the blood plasma and synovial fluid, further limiting any potential for euphoria.

Potential for Misuse

Despite the fact that meloxicam doesn't produce a high, it has still been subject to abuse. According to a report from American Addiction Centers, there have been cases of patients mistakenly assuming that the medication contains opioids and using it recreationally.

The Department of Justice has even reported seizures of illicit meloxicam pills, indicating the widespread misconception that meloxicam can be abused like prescription painkillers. As Laguna Treatment Center explains, even though meloxicam is not addictive, misunderstandings about its composition or its use for pain relief can still lead to misuse or abuse.

While meloxicam doesn't pose a risk for addiction, it's important to understand that misuse of any prescription medication can lead to harmful side effects and health consequences. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance misuse involving meloxicam or any other drug, it's crucial to seek help from professional treatment centers.

Risks and Side Effects

While Meloxicam is a valuable medication in pain management, it is not without risks and potential side effects. Understanding these can help ensure safe and effective use of the medication.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects of Meloxicam include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, gas, dizziness, and cold or flu symptoms. These are usually mild to moderate and tend to go away as the body adjusts to the medication. However, if these symptoms persist or worsen, it's crucial to seek medical attention.

Serious Side Effects

More serious side effects include liver problems, kidney problems, skin rash, shortness of breath, signs of stomach bleeding, swelling, rapid weight gain, and severe allergic reactions. Meloxicam can also cause bleeding in the stomach or bowels, particularly in individuals who have had a stomach ulcer in the past, smoke or drink regularly, are over 60 years old, are in poor health, or are using certain other medicines such as steroids or blood thinners [1].

Overdose Symptoms

An overdose of Meloxicam can lead to serious health problems. Symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, confusion, blurred vision, headache, and tinnitus. NSAID toxicity can result in complications such as GI bleeding, hypertension, hepatotoxicity, renal damage, anion gap metabolic acidosis, coma, convulsions, and acute renal failure. Individuals who experience these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

It's important to note that Meloxicam can impair the ability of the kidneys to function and is dangerous for patients who have kidney problems or are at risk for kidney failure. Elderly patients, those with heart conditions and liver dysfunction, and patients receiving diuretics, ACE-inhibitors, or angiotensin II antagonists should also avoid Meloxicam.

Meloxicam Usage

Understanding the proper usage of Meloxicam, including its approved medical uses and recommended dosage, is crucial to ensure its efficacy and avoid potential health risks.

Approved Medical Uses

Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve symptoms of arthritis, such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. It is important to note that Meloxicam does not cure arthritis but provides relief as long as it is taken [1].

The official uses approved by the FDA for Meloxicam include treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children 2 years of age and older. It is also commonly prescribed by healthcare providers for other off-label uses such as pain relief after surgery and various painful conditions of the musculoskeletal system [7].

The recent introduction of an intravenous (IV) NanoCrystal Colloidal Dispersion formulation opens up the possibility of using Meloxicam during the perioperative period. Clinical trials suggest that single IV doses of 30 mg Meloxicam significantly reduce post-operative pain as well as opioid requirements.

Dosage and Administration

Meloxicam should be taken as prescribed by a doctor. The lowest effective dose should be used for the condition. Dosage forms include oral tablets, capsules, and oral suspension, with dosages based on weight, especially in children and teenagers [5].

It is important to follow the prescribed dosage strictly and avoid any overdose, as it could lead to severe health complications. Always consult with a healthcare provider for any queries or concerns regarding Meloxicam usage.

As with any medication, Meloxicam should not be used recreationally. It is a potent drug designed to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with specific conditions. Misuse can lead to severe health consequences, thus it is vital to use the medication responsibly and under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

Meloxicam and Health Risks

Understanding the potential health risks associated with meloxicam is crucial to using it responsibly and effectively. This section will focus on the impact of meloxicam on the heart and gastrointestinal (GI) system, as well as the risks it poses to specific groups of individuals.

Impact on Heart and GI System

Meloxicam, like other NSAIDs, can increase the risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. This risk is especially high with long-term use, high doses, or in individuals with pre-existing heart disease. This medication may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal, particularly in older adults [5].

Furthermore, meloxicam can lead to adverse effects on the gastric mucosa and renal system due to reduced prostaglandin synthesis. Gastric adverse effects are more likely due to COX-1 inhibition, while renal adverse effects are due to the reduction in prostaglandin synthesis. Cardiovascular adverse effects, such as myocardial infarction and thromboembolic events, can also occur with NSAID use.

Risks for Specific Groups

Certain groups of individuals are at a higher risk of experiencing adverse effects from meloxicam use. For instance, people who have had a stomach ulcer in the past, smoke or drink regularly, are over 60 years old, in poor health, or using certain other medicines (steroids, blood thinners) may experience bleeding in the stomach or bowels [1].

Additionally, meloxicam can impair the ability of the kidneys to function and is dangerous for patients who have kidney problems or who are at risk for kidney failure. Elderly patients, those with heart conditions and liver dysfunction, and patients receiving diuretics, ACE-inhibitors, or angiotensin II antagonists should also avoid meloxicam.

Finally, NSAID toxicity can lead to complications such as GI bleeding, hypertension, hepatotoxicity, renal damage, anion gap metabolic acidosis, coma, and convulsions. Neurologic toxicity symptoms may include drowsiness, confusion, blurred vision, headache, and tinnitus.

In conclusion, while meloxicam can be an effective medication for pain management, it's important to consider the potential health risks, especially for specific groups of individuals. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting or changing any medication regimen.

Meloxicam vs. Opioids

When discussing pain management, it's important to understand the differences and similarities between various types of medications, such as meloxicam and opioids.

Comparison and Differences

Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation, while opioids are a class of drugs primarily used for severe pain management. While meloxicam is not considered an addictive drug and does not alter the brain's reward pathways like opioids, there's a risk of misuse and potential internal damage to the body, such as liver failure, if taken in high doses or used in conjunction with other substances.

One major misconception is that meloxicam can induce euphoria and can be used recreationally, similar to opioids. However, meloxicam does not induce euphoria and is not technically a drug of addiction or recreation. But there have been cases of meloxicam abuse, particularly among those who mistakenly believe it is a narcotic pain medication.

Role in Pain Management

Meloxicam has been viewed as a potential alternative to opioid-class painkillers for moderate to severe physical pain management. The risk of physical or psychological dependence is not severe in meloxicam users.

However, pressure on prescribers in the current environment of opioid abuse can lead to patients being offered meloxicam as a pain medication even though it is actually an anti-inflammatory drug. This situation arises when patients request stronger pain medications and prescribers may present meloxicam as an alternative to opioids.

Despite the potential for misuse, meloxicam does not provide the high commonly associated with narcotics, making it a safer alternative. However, it's important that the medication is used as prescribed and not beyond the recommended dosage to minimize the risk of harmful side effects or potential dependency.

References

[1]: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/meloxicam-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20066928?p=1

‍[2]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6360894/

‍[3]: https://www.arrowpassage.com/meloxicam-abuse/

‍[4]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547742/

‍[5]: https://www.drugs.com/meloxicam.html

‍[6]: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/meloxicam-abuse

‍[7]: https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/meloxicam-addiction/