Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication that reduces pain, swelling, and stiffness in joints that are associated with arthritis. It is an opioid alternative that can potentially treat moderate and severe physical pain without experiencing any opioid-induced euphoria. Those who use meloxicam need to be aware of the signs of meloxicam abuse to avoid any potential harm that can come from long-term use or taking more than prescribed.
Skywood Recovery is a full-service addiction treatment facility that provides substance use disorder treatment for people who are unable to stop abusing meloxicam or other prescription medications. When you first arrive for treatment, we will run a full assessment to determine the right course of action in treating all aspects of the disorder. If you or a loved one is abusing their prescription medication, help is available at Skywood Recovery. Call 269.280.4673 today or send us a message online, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
Understanding the Dangers of Meloxicam Abuse
If you take too much of one thing, it will cause adverse reactions in your body. Should you eat too much, you can gain weight and put your health at risk. If you drink too much, you can become intoxicated and unable to function normally. If you workout excessively, you can injure your body. Meloxicam may not have the addictive properties of opioids. However, there is still a risk of serious health complications if you abuse this medication. Men and women who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like meloxicam are at a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, which can happen without warning.
Meloxicam is only available as a prescription to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults and, on rare occasions, in children. It is very effective in reducing pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness in joints that are commonly associated with arthritis. You should only take meloxicam for no more than ten days. The longer you take the medication, the greater the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other medical complications. Other meloxicam abuse symptoms include:
- Skin blisters
- Difficulty breathing and swallowing
- Shortness of breath
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Difficult or painful urination
- Back pain
- Excessive fatigue
At Skywood Recovery, we understand the complexities of treating prescription medication abuse and work directly with each patient to fully understand the cause of the addiction. Programs can include a healthy mix of behavioral and holistic therapies through group and private sessions in a private and comforting facility.
Recognizing the Signs of Meloxicam Abuse
Are you or a loved one taking meloxicam to treat arthritis? If so, you should be familiar with the common and not-so-common side effects of taking this medication. Those who stick to their prescription and follow their doctor’s instructions are less likely to develop any medical complications.
Common side effects of meloxicam include diarrhea, constipation, gas, and a sore throat. These side effects are generally mild, and there is no reason for concern if taking the correct dosage. Those who take more than prescribed or who take meloxicam for an extended period of time should be on the lookout for the following symptoms:
- Severe stomach pain
- Black tarry stool
- Vomiting of blood or matter that looks like coffee grounds
- Skin rash, hives, peeling skin, or other signs of an allergic reaction
- Swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Chest pain
- Severe back pain
Other signs of meloxicam abuse include running out of their prescription before the refill date, having multiple prescriptions for meloxicam from other doctors, or having a prescription for other people. While meloxicam is well-tolerated by most people, those who abuse their prescription will experience serious complications that can significantly hinder their physical health and potentially be fatal.
Find Effective Substance Use Disorder Treatment at Skywood Recovery
At Skywood Recovery, we welcome individuals from all walks of life who want help breaking their addictive habits before causing irreparable harm. We provide person-centered treatment programs that treat the physical and psychological aspects of the addiction. In addition, we teach patients a number of healthy life skills that promote long-lasting sobriety.
For more information about the signs of meloxicam abuse, call 269.280.4673 today to schedule a tour and meet our dedicated staff.