Is Ibuprofen Addictive? Your Questions Answered
Ibuprofen might be prescribed by a medical professional in very high doses to treat significant pain. This is an ideal option when it comes to treating pain in men and women who have struggled with opioid abuse in the past and cannot safely take opioid narcotic painkillers. The drug itself is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, also known as an NSAID. While it is not as physically addictive as some drugs, too much Ibuprofen can lead to physical and psychological dependence. All drugs, including OTC medication like Ibuprofen, should be used responsibly and as directed by a healthcare provider to avoid potential health risks.
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A 2024 study based on more than 9 million patient charts across 10 years found the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), opioids, and other pain medications has risen. At study entry, past 30-day illicit drug use (both prescription and non-prescription) was assessed using the Addiction Severity Index (Zanis et al., 1994). The participant reported no illicit or nonmedical drug use in the past 30 days, with the exception of ibuprofen, which she was prescribed for pain by her physician and reported taking in amounts greater than prescribed.
Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment
Once a person develops a tolerance and begins taking more painkillers, they’re at risk of becoming dependent on the drug, which can swiftly lead to addiction. Abusing painkillers can also lead to changes in behavior, including an inability to stop using even when the individual knows it’s causing health, psychological, personal, and/or financial problems. This guide explains the effects, trends, and dangers of painkiller use, as well as an unbiased analysis of the medicinal and behavioral treatment methods for painkiller addiction based on current research and publicly available statistics. In some cases, usage statistics are derived from general prescription painkiller use, and others are from specific painkillers, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, meperidine, codeine, morphine, and tramadol, among others. Unravel the complexities of Ibuprofen, its medical uses, and the potential for addiction.
- Addiction researchers and clinicians should consider medications generally not thought to be addictive, like NSAIDs, when evaluating patients for substance use disorder.
- If you or your loved one is struggling with a dependency on Ibuprofen, take the first step by asking for help and seeking a licensed counselor or therapist who can help address the cause of this.
- With a blend of therapies, including the renowned 12-step programme, you’ll embark on a transformative journey toward lasting recovery.
- When taken appropriately, ibuprofen is typically considered a safe and effective medication.
Increased sensitivity to pain
While there are no known cases of psychological dependence on ibuprofen, it is important to use the drug as directed and only when necessary. The development of dependency on over the counter (OTC) drugs is often forgotten.1 In the past three months we have seen three patients with addictions to Nurofen plus (ibuprofen and codeine phosphate). All three had started using the product for its approved indications, but their use had escalated as they became tolerant to the codeine element. Both the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offer in-depth information on both the symptoms and treatment of prescription painkiller addiction. Hypnosis is a promising non-pharmacological option for people with ibuprofen dependency.
What You Need to Know About Quitting Painkillers
- In response to the initial MINI prompt, used to assess past-year drug use, the participant reported using an NSAID more than once in the past 12 months “to get high, to feel elated, to get a ‘buzz,’ or to change her mood” (Sheehan et al., 1998).
- Psychologically, addiction to Ibuprofen may cause mood fluctuations, irritability, and difficulties in coping with stress.
- They found that among all people who started treatment with buprenorphine, 12.5% experienced an emergency department or inpatient visit related to behavioral health within the study period.
- Ibuprofen might be prescribed by a medical professional in very high doses to treat significant pain.
- In reality, individuals can become addicted to painkillers and the relief they provide.
- Accordingly, the purpose of this report is to describe a case of a 58-year old woman with ibuprofen misuse (taking more than prescribed) and DSM-5 moderate NSAID use disorder.
Misuse may result in adverse health effects, including gastrointestinal problems and kidney damage. Persisting on using ibuprofen despite experiencing adverse effects is a hallmark sign of addictive behaviour. When someone begins neglecting their duties and withdrawing from social interactions, it could indicate they’re grappling with an addiction to ibuprofen. Often, these changes in behaviour develop slowly, which makes them challenging to identify during the initial stages of dependence on the drug.
Since ibuprofen is so accessible, it is important to understand if it can be addictive. They may be able to offer a different short-term medicine to help you with withdrawal effects. Take along a loved one for support if possible – you’ll need their support along the way. Anti-inflammatory medicines can cause severe stomach inflammation and damage your heart or kidneys if you take them for too long. So more and more people are being switched away from anti-inflammatories to other types of medication.
Opioids attach to these receptors and block pain messages being sent to the brain, which is why they’re used in painkillers. They also cause large amounts of dopamine to be released in the brain’s pleasure center, which floods the body with feelings of pleasure, well-being, and euphoria. Over time, taking opioid-based painkillers can change the brain, leading to dependence and addiction. If you feel you might be taking too much ibuprofen, there are several options available to help lower your dependency, such as switching to another type of pain-relieving medication.
Possible side effects of taking Warfarin, Captopril, Ibuprofen and Miconazole together
Medications including methadone or naltrexone injection can help to prevent opioid use, while Lucemyra (lofexidine) is available to treat withdrawal symptoms. It’s generally implied that the medication can you get addicted to ibuprofen is interfering with an individual’s life in some way. There are several criteria for addiction, including tolerance or misuse of a drug (a painkiller dose that’s too much or too often).
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Psychologically, addiction to Ibuprofen may cause mood fluctuations, irritability, and difficulties in coping with stress. The reliance on Ibuprofen as a coping mechanism may foster psychological dependence on the drug. Physically, Ibuprofen addiction may lead to gastrointestinal issues, stomach ulcers, and heightened sensitivity to pain. Prolonged misuse can result in liver and kidney complications, jeopardising overall health.