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Meloxicam Abuse, Addiction, & Treatment Info

Pain medications like Tylenol and Advil have become so common that not seeing them in the cabinet may seem strange. For people who suffer from chronic pain, these medications are a lifeline. They help ease the pain and allow people to get on with their lives. But pain medications can also be dangerous. They can be addictive and lead to other problems. Meloxicam is often used for chronic pain but tends to be abused.

If you or a loved one struggle with meloxicam abuse, there is no better time to get help than now. At Northpoint Washington, our personalized recovery plans help you get sober and meet your goals. Get started today by calling us at 425.437.3298.

Meloxicam Addiction Information

What Is Meloxicam?

Meloxicam is a pain medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is used to relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness caused by arthritis.

Doctors often prescribe meloxicam for people who have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. It works by reducing inflammation and pain in the joints and is available in both pill and injectable forms.

Side Effects of Meloxicam

NSAIDs can have significant long-term health effects, but may also have some short-term consequences. Like all NSAIDs, meloxicam may cause:

  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Gas
  • Stomach pain

Severe side effects of long-term meloxicam use may include stomach ulcers, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Even after experiencing the negative side effects of meloxicam, people who abuse it may continue to use the drug.

Meloxicam and Other Drugs

Even though meloxicam is generally a safe medication, it may be dangerous to mix with other medications or substances. People who abuse meloxicam may combine it with other drugs, such as alcohol, to increase the effects. This can lead to overdose and death.

Mixing meloxicam with other drugs can also increase the risk of severe side effects. For example, combining meloxicam with other NSAIDs can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.

Signs of Meloxicam Abuse

People who abuse meloxicam may take more of the drug or take it more often than prescribed. They may also crush the pills and snort them or mix them with water and inject them. Meloxicam abuse can often be recognized by:

  • Missing pills
  • Constant fatigue
  • Disorientation
  • Slurred speech
  • Numbness
  • Paranoia
  • Aggression

Though substance abuse does not always indicate dependence, it is the first step in the addiction cycle. As a person abuses the drug, their tolerance increases. An increased tolerance drives people to seek increasingly high doses of the substance they abuse and can lead to dependence.

Meloxicam Withdrawal Symptoms

A person who has taken meloxicam for a long time may experience withdrawal symptoms since their body has become psychologically dependent on the medication. Meloxicam withdrawal symptoms can include:

  • Anxiety
  • irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Depression

Withdrawing from meloxicam can be difficult and uncomfortable. Many users begin to experience pain that was managed with meloxicam and may have a sense of loss after quitting. Detoxifying from meloxicam in a professional rehabilitation center can help manage withdrawal symptoms, including pain.

Meloxicam Addiction Treatment

Meloxicam Addiction Treatment at Northpoint Washington

The road to recovery starts with a commitment to quit taking meloxicam. If you are ready to get help, our addiction treatment specialists at Northpoint Washington are here for you. We offer a variety of services to help you detox from meloxicam and other substances, including:

  • Inpatient detoxification
  • Individual therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Medication management
  • Relapse prevention

Your success in sobriety is our priority. Your recovery goals will be the foundation of your treatment plan at Northpoint Washington. Call us at 425.437.3298 today to get started.

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Our admissions coordinators are here to help you get started with treatment the right way. They'll verify your health insurance, help set up travel arrangements, and make sure your transition into treatment is smooth and hassle-free.

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