Is Meloxicam a Narcotic? Meloxicam Drug Class and Legal Status

Meloxicam is a prescription anti-inflammatory medication that’s used for pain relief. It’s not a narcotic or a controlled substance, but some people may mistakenly abuse it, thinking that it will produce the same effects as opioid painkillers.

Learn more about meloxicam’s drug class, effects, and risks, including the possibility of misuse, abuse, and addiction.

What Is Meloxicam?

Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that’s used for pain relief. It’s in the same class as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, the cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors, but it works differently. COX inhibitors work by blocking the action of the COX enzymes, which produce prostaglandins that play a role in inflammation and pain.[1]

COX inhibitors are classified as selective or non-selective. Meloxicam is a COX-2 inhibitor, which means it specifically targets the COX-2 enzyme with a lower risk of gastrointestinal side effects that are often associated with NSAIDs.[2]

Like all NSAIDs, meloxicam is not a narcotic or controlled substance. However, it is only available with a prescription, while other NSAIDs have both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) versions. The FDA has approved meloxicam to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors may use meloxicam off-label for other conditions with inflammation, including sprains, strains, or general muscle soreness.

In the U.S., the brand names for meloxicam are Mobic and Vivlodex. Veterinary versions of meloxicam are sold under brands like Metacam, Meloxidyl, Loxicom, and Orocam.

Is Meloxicam a Narcotic?

No, meloxicam is not a narcotic or a controlled substance. In the past, the term “narcotic” was sometimes used as a catchall for any type of drug that relieves pain. However, the medical community has since narrowed the terminology to refer to opioid painkillers as narcotics, including fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine.

Is Meloxicam Safe?

Meloxicam has a boxed warning, like other NSAIDs, which comes from the FDA to indicate the potential risks of the medication for patients and other safety information. Though meloxicam is safe and well tolerated, here are some known risks:[3]

Cardiovascular risks: NSAIDs like meloxicam may increase the risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke. This risk may be higher if you take meloxicam for long periods. It’s important to tell your doctor if you have any history of heart disease or other health conditions.

Gastrointestinal bleeding: NSAIDs like meloxicam can cause bleeding in the stomach and intestines or ulcers. This is more common in older adults or those with a history of GI bleeding or peptic ulcers. Tell your doctor if you are taking other medications or supplements, as this can increase the risk of GI bleeding, or if you experience abdominal pain or blood in your stool or vomit.

Meloxicam can also have side effects that can be mild to severe, including:[4]

• Diarrhea
• Indigestion (dyspepsia)
• Intestinal gas
• Sore throat
• Fluid retention (edema)
• Dizziness

The serious but uncommon symptoms may include:[5]

• Severe edema with sudden, unexplained weight gain
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• High blood pressure
• Kidney problems
• Serious allergic reactions
• Liver problems

If you’ve had a recent heart attack, heart bypass surgery, or a severe allergic reaction from taking another NSAID, meloxicam may not be safe for you. Meloxicam may cause more severe side effects in people with asthma, liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, or heart problems.

Some drugs can have dangerous interactions with meloxicam, including other NSAIDs like ibuprofen, aspirin, anticoagulants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).[6] Meloxicam can reduce the effectiveness of certain blood pressure medications, including angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and beta blockers.[7] You should avoid taking meloxicam with diuretics because it can increase the risk of kidney problems.

Is Meloxicam Addictive?

No, meloxicam is not addictive. It doesn’t cause euphoria, so it’s not considered a drug of abuse or a drug with addiction potential. However, there is a small risk of abuse. Some people mistake meloxicam for an opioid painkiller, leading to misuse at high doses to try to get high. This has created a very small portion of the illicit market for meloxicam. In 2010, the Department of Justice reported a seizure of 20 illicit meloxicam pills in New England, totaling $200, but that’s a small percentage of the 39,958 OxyContin pills, totaling $2 million, or the 11,498 kilograms of marijuana, totaling $40,899,432.[8]

People with pain conditions may misuse meloxicam to relieve their pain, increasing the risk of harmful side effects like GI bleeding, heart problems, and kidney damage. Taking meloxicam at higher doses won’t make it any more effective for treating pain, either. Because of this, the FDA advises against prescribing meloxicam to people who have a demonstrated risk for developing psychological dependence on psychoactive medications.

Meloxicam may not be abused on its own often, but there is a danger of meloxicam abuse with other substances. The pain-relieving properties of meloxicam increase the risk of the drug being used while other drugs are metabolizing, such as using meloxicam as a treatment for hangovers after excessive drinking.

Staying Safe with Meloxicam

Though meloxicam is not a narcotic or addictive drug that produces euphoria, it’s possible to misuse meloxicam for other purposes. Doing so can increase the risk of serious side effects, including GI bleeding or organ damage. If you are struggling with meloxicam abuse or misuse or still haven’t found relief for your pain, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your options.