The side effects for meloxicam dont mention drowsiness (actually meloxicam can cause insomnia) but does mention dizziness. But headache is a common, less serious side effect of meloxicam.
Meloxicam and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are unlikely to be as intricately linked with addiction as opioids, but there are still question marks surrounding whether these drugs will offer a way out from the shadow of the prescription overdose epidemic. Psychology Today notes that the risk of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular complications that can arise from the use of NSAIDs mean that while that category of drug is worth talking about as an alternative to opioid prescriptions, doctors should nonetheless be hypervigilant about their patients’ medical histories, risk factors, and the possibility of adverse health reactions when putting people on meloxicam prescriptions.[13]
Meloxicam (brand name: Mobic) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used in the treatment of pain, tenderness, swelling, and inflammation.
Tragically, because meloxicam is still a prescription painkiller, this has led to some cases of abuse because patients assume that the medication contains opioids. Such is the prevalence of opioids and their abuse, that the term prescription painkiller has become synonymous with the epidemic, even among non-opioid based drugs.[9] This has even led to a small black market for meloxicam. The Department of Justice reported on a seizure of 20 illicit meloxicam pills in New England in 2010, for a street value of $200. The numbers pale in comparison to other substances (11,498 kilograms of marijuana at $40,899,432, for example, or 39,958 OxyContin pills sold for over $2 million), but it does speak to the misperception that since meloxicam is a “prescription painkiller,” it can be abused recreationally.[10]
There is also a danger that meloxicam can impair the ability of the kidneys to function. Due to this, it is dangerous for patients who have kidney problems or who are at risk for kidney failure. Elderly patients, those with heart conditions and liver dysfunction, and patients receiving diuretics, ACE-inhibitors, or angiotensin II antagonists should also avoid meloxicam. Additionally, some patients might develop serious skin ailments like toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and exfoliative dermatitis.[3], [4]
As with any other drug, meloxicam has side effects. What sets it apart is that it is a high-dose NSAID, and it can cause significant issues in patients who have heart and gastrointestinal conditions.[2] Some patients are allergic to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in general, so taking meloxicam will exacerbate negative reactions, such as being short of breath. As a result of this, people with asthma will be at a higher risk for triggering their allergies if they take meloxicam or any other NSAID.
For more information on the possible side effects of meloxicam, or tips on how to deal with a troubling side effect, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Sleepiness or drowsiness is not a common side effect associated with the use of meloxicam. However, when you take too much meloxicam, it can cause you to feel drowsy or sleepy. In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Yes, meloxicam can cause insomnia which can result in sleepiness during the day and lack of energy. This can cause serious problems, for instance, if a person is driving when drowsy and gets into an accident. It can also lead to feeling depressed, anxious, or irritable, as well as cause difficulty focusing, learning, and remembering.
FAQ
Can meloxicam make you very tired?
Additionally, patients taking meloxicam or another NSAID might experience adverse effects to their central nervous system, which includes drowsiness, blurred vision, and dizziness.
Is it best to take meloxicam in the morning or at night?
What is the best time of day to take meloxicam?
Is meloxicam a painkiller?