Can Meloxicam Get You High? The Truth About This Pain Reliever

With rising concerns about prescription drug misuse, it’s no surprise that people are questioning the effects of medications like meloxicam.

Commonly prescribed for arthritis and inflammation, meloxicam plays a significant role in managing chronic pain. But some still wonder: Can meloxicam get you high? This article breaks down everything you need to know, separating medical facts from myths.

What Is Meloxicam and Why Is It Prescribed?

Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) primarily used to treat conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile arthritis. It reduces inflammation, stiffness, swelling, and pain.

Meloxicam works by blocking enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) responsible for producing prostaglandins—chemicals that trigger inflammation and pain. It’s available under brand names like Mobic and Vivlodex, and comes in tablets, capsules, or liquid forms.

Crucially, meloxicam is not a narcotic and has no mind-altering effects.

Can Meloxicam Get You High?

No, meloxicam cannot get you high. It doesn’t impact the brain’s pleasure or reward systems. There’s no dopamine release, no euphoria, and no alteration of consciousness.

Meloxicam acts on the peripheral nervous system to reduce inflammation. It doesn’t enter the brain in a way that would affect mood, behavior, or cognition.

While you may feel relief from pain, this is a medical response—not a recreational high.

Why Do Some People Think Meloxicam Can Get You High?

Misinformation on social media and forums has fueled myths about many prescription drugs. Meloxicam is sometimes mistakenly grouped with medications that do have psychoactive effects.

Some individuals might misinterpret relief from long-term pain as a type of high. Others may confuse it with opioids due to its use for pain. In truth, meloxicam works differently and lacks the chemical makeup necessary to create intoxication.

What Happens If You Take Too Much Meloxicam?

Taking a high dose of meloxicam won’t get you high—but it can make you very sick. Overdosing can lead to:

• Severe stomach pain or ulcers
• Nausea and vomiting
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Dizziness or headaches
• Kidney or liver damage

These are serious side effects that may require emergency care. There is no benefit in taking more than prescribed.

Is Meloxicam Addictive or Habit-Forming?

Meloxicam is not addictive. It doesn’t trigger cravings, cause tolerance, or lead to withdrawal symptoms. It is not classified as a controlled substance.

Unlike opioids or benzodiazepines, meloxicam is not associated with abuse or dependence. It’s considered a safe, long-term option for treating chronic inflammatory conditions when taken correctly.

Meloxicam vs. Drugs That Can Get You High

Here’s how meloxicam compares to drugs known for causing a high:

• Meloxicam: NSAID, anti-inflammatory, no psychoactive effect
• Oxycodone: Opioid, high risk of addiction and euphoria
• Xanax (Alprazolam): Benzodiazepine, sedative with abuse potential
• Ibuprofen: NSAID, like meloxicam, no high or misuse potential

This comparison highlights that meloxicam is not in the same category as mood-altering substances.

Risks of Misusing Meloxicam

Even without recreational effects, misusing meloxicam can be dangerous. Taking it improperly can result in:

• Stomach ulcers or internal bleeding
• Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
• Liver or kidney damage
• Dangerous interactions with alcohol or other NSAIDs

There’s no benefit to overuse—only heightened risk. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.

Safe Use of Meloxicam: What to Keep in Mind

To use meloxicam safely:

• Take with food or milk to prevent stomach upset
• Never exceed the recommended dose
• Avoid combining with other NSAIDs like aspirin
• Inform your doctor of other medications or health conditions

Your physician may schedule periodic tests to check kidney and liver function, especially with long-term use.

What If You Feel Strange After Taking Meloxicam?

Some users may notice side effects, which are not signs of being high. Common side effects include:

• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Nausea or indigestion
• Mild headaches

These symptoms are generally short-lived and should be reported to your doctor if persistent. If anything feels extreme or unexpected, seek medical advice immediately.

Conclusion

So, can meloxicam get you high? Absolutely not. Meloxicam is a safe, non-narcotic anti-inflammatory medication that helps manage pain and swelling—but it doesn’t offer any kind of mental or emotional buzz.

Used responsibly, meloxicam is an effective treatment for arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Always consult your doctor, follow the dosage guidelines, and avoid misinformation. Staying informed is the best way to stay safe and healthy.

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