What Is Meloxicam?

If you’re navigating chronic pain, arthritis, or recovery from substance use, you may have come across meloxicam, a prescription anti-inflammatory medication often recommended to manage pain and inflammation. While it’s primarily prescribed for conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, meloxicam may also be used to support comfort and stability during early recovery.

At The Ranch Tennessee, we work with clients experiencing physical discomfort that can interfere with their healing process. Understanding the benefits and risks of meloxicam, especially in the context of recovery, can help you or a loved one make informed decisions about your care.

What is meloxicam?

Meloxicam is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps reduce inflammation and manage pain. It belongs to a class of medications known as COX-2 inhibitors, which block the production of prostaglandins, chemicals in the body that trigger inflammation, swelling, and pain.

Meloxicam is one of the most common medications for arthritis. It was originally developed for this purpose, but its effectiveness in relieving generalized inflammation has expanded its use across a range of pain-related conditions.

Meloxicam is typically prescribed in tablet or liquid form. The standard dosage ranges from 7.5 mg to 15 mg once daily, depending on the client’s needs, age, and overall health profile. Learn more about meloxicam dosage considerations.

Meloxicam for pain management during addiction recovery

Pain, especially when untreated, can become a barrier to healing. For clients in detox or early sobriety, physical discomfort can increase emotional distress, disrupt sleep, and even trigger cravings. By reducing inflammation and providing pain relief, meloxicam for pain can offer comfort and stability during this vulnerable phase.

Benefits may include:

• Relief from joint and muscle inflammation
• Improved ability to rest and sleep
• Reduced reliance on habit-forming pain medications
• Improved mood due to decreased physical discomfort

While not appropriate for everyone, meloxicam may be safely integrated into a substance abuse recovery plan when managed by a qualified medical team. At The Ranch, we prioritize client safety and comfort by offering medication as part of a comprehensive, trauma-informed care model.

Potential benefits of Meloxicam during treatment

For clients going through withdrawal, medication-assisted support can be a vital part of care. Meloxicam prescription use during detox may offer several benefits:

• Decreases inflammation-related pain without sedating the nervous system
• May help reduce anxiety or restlessness tied to physical discomfort
• Supports better sleep, which is often disrupted during detox
• May decrease the need for other medications that carry a higher risk of misuse

It’s important to note that meloxicam is not habit-forming and does not produce psychoactive effects. However, proper monitoring is essential to avoid side effects or adverse meloxicam interactions with other medications in a client’s recovery plan.

Is Meloxicam safe for everyone?

While meloxicam can be beneficial, it’s not appropriate for all clients. Certain health conditions or concurrent medications may increase the risk of complications.

Before starting a meloxicam prescription, your care team will evaluate:

• Current medications (especially blood thinners, diuretics, or other NSAIDs)
• Liver and kidney function
• Heart health and blood pressure
• History of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding
• Known allergies to NSAIDs

Learn more about possible meloxicam interactions to be aware of. For some, especially those with cardiovascular or gastrointestinal risks, alternative pain management options may be recommended.

Meloxicam side effects and long-term considerations

Like all medications, meloxicam comes with potential risks. Some clients may experience mild or moderate side effects, while others may be at greater risk of complications with extended use.

Common meloxicam side effects include:

• Nausea, bloating, or upset stomach
• Dizziness or headache
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Fluid retention and swelling
• High blood pressure

Serious risks associated with meloxicam long-term use may include:

• Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
• Gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding
• Kidney or liver strain

For these reasons, meloxicam is usually prescribed at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary. Regular check-ins with your care provider can help monitor for signs of complications.

Meloxicam and alcohol: what you need to know

Combining meloxicam and alcohol can significantly increase the risk of stomach bleeding, ulcers, and liver damage. Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining on its own; when combined with NSAIDs like meloxicam, that risk is compounded.

For clients in recovery, avoiding alcohol altogether is recommended, not just to support sobriety, but to reduce medical risks while on medications like meloxicam.

Comparing Meloxicam vs Ibuprofen

While both medications are NSAIDs, there are some key differences between meloxicam vs ibuprofen that may influence which is prescribed: