Women who abuse ibuprofen in the latter half of their pregnancy may suffer miscarriage, have underweight babies or give birth to children who develop health conditions throughout their life. Any or all of these could be signs that the person is abusing over-the-counter or prescribed ibuprofen. Without intervention, they could take too much over time, which can lead to an overdose. In short, ibuprofen inhibits the production of substances in your body that cause issues like pain, fever, and inflammation. In addition to branded versions, you can also find generic versions at the pharmacy and online. The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing.
Are There Adverse Side Effects of Using Ibuprofen?
- Addiction researchers and clinicians should consider medications generally not thought to be addictive, like NSAIDs, when evaluating patients for substance use disorder.
- Out of all the NSAIDs in circulation, Ibuprofen is one of the safest in terms of side effects.
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- These can be quite intense after the first 2 to 3 days but after a week of stopping oral intake of Ibuprofen, patients will start to feel normal again.
Our team of compassionate, experienced addiction experts is available to speak with you about your concerns— 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For men and women who have suffered a traumatic event or have unresolved emotional issues, their dependency on Ibuprofen may result out of a psychological need to anesthetize pain. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness. A person should always follow the doctor’s instructions and read the information on the packaging carefully before using this or any other medication. Ibuprofen is an NSAID that is available at pharmacies without a prescription. For mild to moderate pain, a person can take 400 milligrams (mg) every 4–6 hours.
Examining the Prevalence and Impact of Ibuprofen Use and Dependence
If so, the Recovery HQ Team is here to assist you during this difficult time. Please contact us today and we will do all we can to get you the help you need. Ibuprofen addiction is a treatable condition, and early intervention can help prevent serious health problems. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact a doctor or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Long-term use of ibuprofen can also be dangerous for the unborn babies of pregnant women.
- While some ibuprofen medications require a prescription, non-prescription strength ibuprofen is available over the counter at most supermarkets and drugstores.
- 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).
- A therapist who specializes in drug addiction can suggest methods of safely cutting back on ibuprofen, help patients understand their dependency and encourage them to build a support network of family and friends.
- If you take these medications together, similar to ibuprofen, your risk of experiencing side effects may increase.
- Continue taking this medication as your doctor prescribes if the condition is continuous, such as arthritis.
Painkiller Usage Demographics in the U.S.
If confirmation of ibuprofen exposure is necessary, these levels can be obtained from reference laboratories. Among the 9.9 million people aged 12 or older who misused prescription pain relievers in 2018, an estimated 5.5 million, or 2% of the population, misused hydrocodone products, making it the most commonly misused type of painkiller. These products included Norco, Lortab, Vicodin, Zohydro ER, and generic hydrocodone. Oxycodone products were the painkiller of choice for an estimated 3.4 million people, or 1.2% of the population, which included OxyContin, Percodan, Percocet, Roxicodone, and generic oxycodone. About 718,000 people misused buprenorphine products, 269,000 misused prescription fentanyl products, and 256,000 misused methadone. 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.
This activity reviews the basic pharmacological characteristics of ibuprofen, clinical presentations during an overdose, and management of ibuprofen toxicity. System-specific symptoms and signs delineate clinical correlations, and the next steps are recommended to narrow the cause of toxicity in undifferentiated patients. The interprofessional team consists of primary care, emergency medicine, internal medicine, and pharmacists, among other healthcare professionals, who are equipped to treat patients with ibuprofen toxicity successfully. Postponing treatment for an addiction to ibuprofen can lead to severe mental and physical health complications that grow increasingly challenging over time.
What are the health risks of Ibuprofen addiction?
Even if we cannot assist you, we will lead you wherever you can get support. If you get skin blisters or redness, or if you suffer a sunburn, call your doctor right away. Regularly check your blood pressure, and inform your doctor if the readings are excessive. Ibuprofen addiction is a treatable condition, and early intervention can help prevent serious health and life problems. It’s important to use Ibuprofen only as directed by a doctor or on the label to avoid addiction and other health problems. Patients who need extra-strength ibuprofen often require a prescription to access that medication, though standard-strength ibuprofen is readily available without a prescription.
Recovery Resources
Ibuprofen is available in tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and liquid medication. People should consult the instructions on the packaging or check with a pharmacist or healthcare professional before giving ibuprofen or other medication to children. Experts do not generally consider ibuprofen to be a medication that will lead to substance use disorder, although at least one case study suggests this is possible. A person should seek guidance from a healthcare professional before using any medication during pregnancy or when nursing. People who are already using any type of medication should ask a healthcare professional for advice before taking ibuprofen. The World Health Organization (WHO) includes ibuprofen on its list of essential medicines.
Together, we can navigate the challenges of can you get addicted to ibuprofen, fostering hope and healing for a brighter, drug-free future. While Ibuprofen is not generally considered addictive, misuse or overuse can lead to psychological dependence. Signs of Ibuprofen addiction may include secretive behavior about medication use, seeking multiple sources to obtain more Ibuprofen, and difficulty in controlling its intake. In the following section, we explore the path to recovery from Ibuprofen addiction.
