Over 11% of ibuprofen users take over the prescribed dosage and have the potential to become dependent on the medication, says Angeleena Francis, LMHC, Vice President of Operations at can you get addicted to ibuprofen AMFM Healthcare. They will also monitor the person for adverse effects and adjust the dose as necessary. This may not be an exhaustive list of drugs that interact with ibuprofen.
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Because ibuprofen is considered fairly safe, it’s not uncommon for users to take more of the drug than they should. A 2018 study found that up to 15% of users took more than the recommended dose, and over one-third paired ibuprofen with other NSAIDs such as aspirin and naproxen. Regular users may gradually increase their dose to achieve the same pain-relieving effect, which can lead to an ibuprofen addiction that’s difficult to overcome on their own. To encapsulate, ibuprofen is commonly available as an over-the-counter drug. It’s essential to acknowledge the possibility of its abuse and resulting dependency.
Causes of Ibuprofen Dependency
Left untreated, a severe ibuprofen addiction can lead to serious, long-term health conditions, such as a heart attack or stroke. It can also cause holes or ulcers to form in an individual’s stomach or intestine, as well as lead to liver or kidney damage. That said, severe poisoning or death from an ibuprofen overdose is very uncommon.
- Ibuprofen is a medication classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
- 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.
- Medications including methadone or naltrexone injection can help to prevent opioid use, while Lucemyra (lofexidine) is available to treat withdrawal symptoms.
- It is possible to develop a dependency on Ibuprofen, and if the drug is being used without a medical need, there may be psychological issues involved that need to be professionally addressed.
Addiction vs. Misuse
Prostaglandins are involved in the body’s response to inflammation and pain. By blocking their production, ibuprofen is able to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. It is possible that ibuprofen can cause psychological dependence, however. This is when a person feels like they need to take the drug to cope with everyday life. While there are no known cases of psychological dependence on ibuprofen, it is important to use the drug as directed and only when necessary. Begin with a free call to an addiction & behavioral health treatment advisor.
- A dependency on ibuprofen can persist without professionally addressing and treating these potential underlying problems.
- Upon further questioning, the woman revealed that she had been taking about 20 tablets of ibuprofen tablets daily (∼4 g/d) for the last three months to control her ankle pain.
- Anyone who is considering using ibuprofen should ask a pharmacist or doctor whether it is safe to do so with their existing medication.
- Human response in overdose cases ranges from the absence of symptoms to fatal outcomes despite intensive-care treatment.
- About 51.3% of people who misused pain relievers in 2018 got the last pills they misused from friends or relatives, while about one in 15 bought them from a drug dealer or other stranger.
Addiction involves a loss of control, typically in ways that impact your life. It’s generally implied that the medication 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). If taken more frequently or at a higher dosage than directed, you may experience more intense and additional symptoms once the medication is discontinued. When the effect of the ibuprofen wears off, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, prompting you to take more medication. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and a common treatment for relieving fever, pain, and inflammation.
Dangers, Long-Term Effects, and Risks of Ibuprofen Overdose
Being cognizant of the increased risk of heart and addiction indicators to ibuprofen and grasping the reasons behind such misuse are vital in averting it. Should you or someone close exhibit signs of a growing reliance on this medication, procuring expert assistance is vital for rehabilitation. It’s important to remember that seeking aid is commendable and initiating the path towards healing can occur at any time. It’s essential to know when to seek expert assistance if you’re struggling with an addiction to ibuprofen. When a person takes the drug in doses that exceed the recommended amounts or continues their use beyond the advised duration, it becomes particularly critical to get help. The need for professional help is underscored by behaviours such as concealing ibuprofen intake, feeling compelled to take more medication and unable to cease using it, and enduring withdrawal symptoms.
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