Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed for the controlling pains and swelling/inflammation. Meds of this genre are also taken to manage autoimmune problems like painful joints, triggered by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis as well as stiffening of joints. If you are using this drug to treat chronic health issues, talk to your doctor about its possible side effects and adverse reactions. Meloxicam is an NSAID. But, is meloxicam a narcotic drug? It is useful to have added details about this NSAID prior to using it.
Essential ingredients of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) work to stop enzymes that make prostaglandin; the latter is an inbuilt mechanism that triggers pains and inflammation, to expedite your healing process. In short, NSAIDs are made to stop swelling and associated pains. Meloxicam is a widely prescribed med for managing headaches, pain in joints, back aches, muscle pains, etc. However, long-term users are likely to witness gastric conditions like ulcers; hence, you may be advised to take this drug along with a meal.
Is meloxicam a narcotic?
Meloxicam is not a narcotic drug. It is used over a short-term to manage the aforesaid discomforts. On the downside, the key chemicals of meloxicam can have a negative impact on your stomach and cardiac system. Hence, those with prior medical history of gastric ulcers, heartburns, nausea or internal bleeding must inform their doctor of such pre-existing problems.
How to safely use meloxicam?
Foremost of all, it is a wise thing to know how this NSAID works on your system. Active chemicals of meloxicam block prostaglandin-synthesising hormones such as cyclooxygenase – 1 (COX-1) as well as COX – 2. These two enzymes trigger responses like an increase in temperature (fever) and pains. These 2 enzymes can also make your nerves sensitive and thus enable prompt transmission of pain-signals to your brain.
In this milieu, those who take alcohol regularly are at an added risk. Your caregiving team may tell you to stop your drinking habit all through the medication plan. Those who have developed alcohol dependencies are advised to limit the intake to less than 1.5 glasses per day. On a positive note, the adverse effects of meloxicam on your stomach are much less compared to damages caused by other NSAIDs.
Moreover, users with heart conditions – such as recent cardiac arrests, strokes, etc. – must stay aware of likely incidence of such problems. Frequent use of NSAIDs like meloxicam can adversely alter your blood pressure levels; in general, the risks of getting admitted at a hospital (for cardiac dysfunction) remain high among those who take this med.
Other safety pointers you need to know while taking meloxicam
Meloxicam interacts with a few other drugs; the list of meds it interacts include diuretics (also known as water pills), warfarin, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as well as ACE inhibiting meds. If your medication plan(s) has any of the aforementioned drugs, it is a safe practice to keep the caregiver informed of all such drugs.
If you are pregnant, this drug is never used during the final stages of pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if your health condition requires the use of NSAIDs; your caregiver will provide you the lowest possible dose and also for the shortest time. Such practices help reduce the risks your fetus faces. However, it is a highly recommended to avoid taking NSAIDs such as meloxicam after 27 weeks of gestation.
In general, if you notice adverse effects like a sudden drop in appetite level, erratic breathing cycles, acute spells of dizziness, tracs of blood in your urine, frequent cramping of muscles – especially in the abdominal region, inflammation or formation of hives, talk to your caregiver immediately. Users of meloxicam in the US may call 911 and residents of Canada need to reach out to Health Canada or go to a poison management cell without delay.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.