At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
How Effective Is Meloxicam for Pain?
Meloxicam is a painkiller that belongs to the class of medications known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This medication works to reduce pain by inhibiting the formation of certain proteins that lead to inflammation and pain. It also works to reduce fevers through the same mechanism.
Originally developed to help treat arthritis, studies have shown that taking meloxicam for pain related to this medical condition is generally quite effective. It is more specific in which enzymes it inhibits than some other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen. This means that using meloxicam to relieve pain can give equal or superior effects when compared to other NSAIDs, along with fewer side effects. Individuals can take less of this medication to achieve a pain-relieving effect equal to larger doses of similar drugs. In many cases, it does not upset patients' stomachs as much as other NSAIDs.
One of the reasons taking meloxicam for pain is often recommended may be due to the way it concentrates in different bodily fluids. Like many drugs, this medication collects readily in blood plasma and circulates throughout the body. It also is able to concentrate in the synovial fluid that surrounds joints, however, which many painkillers do not do. This is thought to be one reason why it is more effective than other NSAIDs for reducing arthritis pain.
Acute coronary syndrome can cause pain and life-threatening complications, and inflammation is one way that it persists. Some doctors use meloxicam for pain as well as to reduce inflammation associated with this condition. Studies have shown that combining meloxicam with other medications like heparin and aspirin is far more effective at reducing pain and swelling from this disorder than simply using heparin and aspirin alone. Additionally, this medication provided substantial benefits for people with acute coronary syndrome, since it reduced the rates of complications, including myocardial infarction, better known as a heart attack, angina, or chest pain, and even death.
Those using meloxicam for pain should be aware that there are some side effects that can result from taking this medication. The chances of stomach and intestinal distress from using this drug are somewhat lower than with other NSAIDs, given that it effects enzymes in the stomach differently. In large doses, however, it can still cause ulcers and stomach bleeding, as well as headaches. Patients that have black stool after taking meloxicam should contact their doctor immediately, since this can be a sign of intestinal bleeding.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Meloxicam may be used to reduce fevers.]()
By: Warren GoldswainMeloxicam may be used to reduce fevers. -
![Side effects of meloxicam may include headache.]()
By: ollySide effects of meloxicam may include headache. -
![In large doses, meloxicam can cause ulcers and stomach bleeding.]()
By: lusieliaIn large doses, meloxicam can cause ulcers and stomach bleeding. -
![Meloxicam is sometimes given to treat pain associated with acute coronary syndrome.]()
By: sumnersgraphicsincMeloxicam is sometimes given to treat pain associated with acute coronary syndrome. -
![Taking meloxicam on an empty stomach may cause nausea and vomiting.]()
By: Piotr MarcinskiTaking meloxicam on an empty stomach may cause nausea and vomiting.
Discussion Comments
I have been taking Meloxicam (15MG) for six straight days with absolutely no relief from my knee pain.
I started meloxicam slightly less than a week ago and the effects on my pain have been life changing. I can think clearly for the first time in a long time and not worry about how my pain is clouding my thought processes. For me, it has been a godsend. And the results were immediate.
Some articles on the web say that it may take up to two weeks for Meloxicam to be effective?
My doctor just started me on meloxicam. He said it usually takes a few days to feel its effects. He told me to try 7mg for a week first, then double it if it is not helping.
I have now taken Meloxican,15 mg for five straight days and it has not helped my pain one iota. I am very disappointed with it.
I have had severe bilateral hip pain for months. 8/10 pain. Sitting has become all but impossible. Driving is extremely painful and difficult. No one could tell me why. Nothing took the pain away: not NSAIDs, not narcotics, not heat or ice, not position changes -- nothing. On a whim, my doctor tried meloxicam. I was upset when my doctor prescribed it because I just knew, as a nurse, this wasn't going to work, just like everything else.
Well, for the first time in six months after taking my first dose of meloxicam, I was pain free. And that isn't an exaggeration. I was blown away by the results. I couldn't believe a 7.5mg tablet could ease my extreme pain for most of the day. I plan on using this as treatment as long as it will work. I am beside myself with joy and relief, finally!
@burcidi-- I agree with you, meloxicam is a good pain reliever. I used to take several over-the-counter pain relievers per day before. My doctor was very worried about what this would do to my kidneys in the long term and put me on meloxicam.
I'm very happy about this because I need a much smaller dose of meloxicam to relieve my pain and it's not as bad as other pain relievers for my kidneys. It does give me acid-reflux once in a while but anti-acids take care of it.
@fify-- I think meloxicam is supposed to work right away. You should speak to your doctor, he might give you an additional medication or switch you to something else altogether.
Meloxicam was relieving my pain but it also gave me chronic migraines, so I ended up switching to another NSAID. I think it's an effective drug though. If I didn't have any side effects, I would have continued taking it.
My doctor prescribed meloxicam for my arthritis pain. I've been taking it for three days now and my pain seems to be the same.
Does meloxicam take some time to be effective or is it just not working for me?
Post your comments