Controlling chronic pain without the use of narcotics or other strong pain relievers is difficult for individuals living with chronic arthritis. However, meloxicam offers much-needed relief for those who want to avoid more addictive substances while achieving pain relief.

Meloxicam is a non-addictive NSAID used for the treatment of chronic arthritic pain and other off-label pain relief uses.[1] Although it has an elimination half-life of just 20 hours, it remains in the system for much longer than this.[2]

This blog explains how long meloxicam remains in your system, how long drug tests detect it, and if it has addictive potential.

What is Meloxicam?

Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) prescribed for the treatment of osteoarthritis in adults and rheumatoid arthritis in both adults and juveniles.[3] This medication is sold under the brand names: Anjeso, Mobic, Qmiz, Symbravo, and Zynrelef.[4]

Although it is FDA approved for the treatment of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, it is a favorable option off-label for the treatment of migraines, dental pain, and moderate bone pain.[2]

This medication is available as an oral tablet, a transdermal patch, or an intravenous injection.[3]

Disclaimers

Although meloxicam is extremely helpful to individuals with chronic arthritis, there are risks associated with taking this medication.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center lists these warnings as follows:[5]

• Increased risk of heart vessel problems: Meloxicam has been associated with an increased risk of blood vessel problems, including heart attack and stroke, which can be deadly. These risks are increased in individuals who have pre-existing heart disease or an increased risk of developing heart disease. This risk can occur even within the first few weeks of using meloxicam. However, the risk increases with higher doses and long-term use.

• Severe stomach issues: Users of meloxicam have experienced severe and sometimes fatal stomach and bowel issues, including bleeding and ulcers. This risk is greater amongst individuals who have had a previous stomach or bowel ulcer or bouts of bleeding before, as well as older adults. Unfortunately, this risk can occur without any warning signs.

To reduce the above-listed risks and others associated with taking meloxicam, let your doctor know if:[6]

• You are taking a blood thinner, such as aspirin, or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), like naproxen or ibuprofen.
• You have had asthma as a result of taking a salicylate drug.
• You have impaired kidney function or other kidney problems.
• You have impaired liver function or liver failure.
• You have had heart problems, including a heart attack or heart failure.
• You are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
• You have trouble getting pregnant or are going through fertility treatment.
• You have an allergy to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin.
• You have had an adverse effect when taking meloxicam in the past.
• You are allergic to meloxicam or other drugs, foods, or substances.
• You take other medications, including NSAIDS.
• You have high blood pressure or have developed high blood pressure when taking drugs similar to meloxicam.
• You have a bleeding disorder.
• You are currently a smoker or drink alcohol.
• You are breastfeeding.
• You are 65 or older.

According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, people taking drugs like meloxicam, after suffering their first heart attack, are more likely to die within a year after the heart attack compared to people who do not take drugs like this one.[6]

What Are the Signs of Meloxicam Use?

Individuals who take meloxicam daily may display several signs when under its influence. These signs include feeling tired (more than usual), complaining of dizziness or lightheadedness, or appearing to be under the weather.[7]

All of these signs are common among people who take oral meloxicam. People who take the injectable version may not display outward signs of use but may experience several side effects.

What Are the Side Effects of Meloxicam?

The side effects of meloxicam are categorized into three groups: common, less common, and serious.[7]

Common side effects associated with meloxicam use include:[7]

• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Heartburn
• Indigestion

Less common side effects include, but are not limited to:[7]

• Anxiety
• Increased appetite
• Abnormal dreaming
• Unpleasant aftertaste
• Belching
• Bloating
• Feeling full
• Burning sensation in the chest and stomach
• Sensation of burning, crawling, itching, numbness, or prickling
• Itchy, burning, or dry eyes
• Vision changes
• Altered taste
• Confusion
• Constipation
• Ringing or buzzing in the ear.
• Decreased urination
• Dry mouth
• Excess tearing
• Feeling sad or underwhelmed
• Feeling of discomfort or illness
• Hair loss
• Hot flushes
• Hearing loss
• Irritability
• Loss of interest
• Pain or burning in the throat
• Fast breathing
• Feeling lightheaded
• Sleepiness
• Thinning hair
• Thirst
• Trouble concentrating
• Trouble sleeping

Serious side effects include, but are not limited to:[7]

• Bleeding gums
• Dark urine
• Blood in urine
• Blurred vision
• Chills
• Cramping
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Hives
• Fainting
• Irregular breathing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Severe thirst
• Loss of appetite
• Seizures
• Pain in the stomach
• Sweating
• Swollen glands
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Watery stools
• Yellowing skin and eyes
• Fast pulse
• Joint pain
• Unpleasant breath
• Scaly skin
• Red lesions on the skin
• Vomiting

According to Drugs.com, the most frequently reported side effects were diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infections, dyspepsia, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and flu-like symptoms.[7] If these symptoms are troubling, reach out to your healthcare provider. They may adjust your daily dose or substitute meloxicam for another medication to treat your health condition.

What Is the Elimination Half-Life of Meloxicam?

Meloxicam has a total elimination half-life of 20 hours. This is the time it takes for half of the drug to leave your system.[2] It takes approximately four to five times this half-life for meloxicam to completely exit the system, though it may still be detectable by a drug screening.[8]

It is important to note that taking certain drugs can increase the effects of meloxicam, though not its elimination half-life. Therefore, you should avoid taking any other medication with meloxicam without notifying your prescribing physician.

How Long Does Meloxicam Stay in Your System?

The duration for which meloxicam is detectable in your urine, saliva, sweat, hair, or blood is not well known. However, since it takes four to five half-lives for meloxicam to leave the system completely, it can still be detected for up to five days after the last use.

Is It Possible to Overdose on Meloxicam?

Yes, taking more meloxicam than prescribed can lead to meloxicam toxicity, also known as an overdose.[7] Seek emergency help if you experience any of the following symptoms of a meloxicam overdose, as they can be life-threatening:[7]

• Seizure
• Pain in the chest
• Rapid weight gain
• Severe stomach pain
• Abnormal heartbeat
• Swelling of the eyes, lips, face, and tongue
• Blue tinge to the lips, fingernails, and skin

Will the Use of Meloxicam Lead to Addiction?

While meloxicam doesn’t have addictive properties, abusing or misusing meloxicam can lead to tolerance and physical dependence.

Tolerance occurs when your body no longer responds to a substance the way it once did.[9] This may prompt individuals to use higher doses than prescribed to achieve their original effects. However, they will often struggle to replicate the original impact, leading to the use of increasingly higher doses.

Abusing or using meloxicam in a way other than prescribed can lead to physical dependence.[9] When someone is physically dependent on meloxicam, they will experience negative effects when they don’t use it. This is known as withdrawal.[10]

To avoid withdrawal after chronic, long-term use or use at a high dosage, your doctor may taper your doses. Tapering is the act of gradually reducing the dose so that your body becomes used to lower and lower doses.[11] It is a form of weaning your body off the medication to avoid negative symptoms.

Getting Help for Meloxicam Addiction

If you find yourself using more meloxicam than prescribed or in an abusive fashion, such as mixing meloxicam with addictive substances, you may have a substance use disorder.[12] A substance use disorder is difficult to treat on your own, as withdrawal often causes people to re-initiate using meloxicam despite no longer wanting to.

Addiction treatment for substance use disorders includes a comprehensive approach that involves detoxification and cognitive behavioral therapy.[13] Some programs also incorporate experiential treatments, such as adventure therapy and music therapy, to further reduce their clients’ risk of relapsing.

Detoxification 

Detox is the natural process by which your body eliminates toxins. It begins by converting the toxin into a non-toxic substance, which is then removed through the kidneys and liver.[14] During this process, some individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms, making it difficult to stay abstinent.

To support those going through detox, medication-assisted treatment programs provide FDA-approved medications that help curb cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. This approach enables individuals to achieve and maintain abstinence safely and effectively.

Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapy is a type of talk therapy that examines the underlying causes of negative behaviors and impulses. In an addiction treatment setting, behavioral therapy can help clients identify the root cause of their addiction, understand the behaviors that lead to drug use, and develop more helpful behaviors in their place.

This form of therapy is self-motivated, requiring the client to actively work toward achieving their overall goals.

Are You Ready to Take the First Step Toward Lasting Sobriety?

At Engage Wellness Missouri, we provide a range of evidence-based treatment services designed to help individuals understand the complexities of addiction and develop lasting habits that prevent relapse.

Our inpatient and outpatient programs have supported people in overcoming drug addiction at every stage and achieving long-term sobriety.

Begin your path to lasting recovery by contacting us today.

Frequently Asked Questions