Does Meloxicam Make You Sleepy? Side Effects and Risks

Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis, arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.[1] Like other drugs, meloxicam can have possible side effects.

If you’re prescribed meloxicam and wondering if it will make you sleepy, no, drowsiness is not a common side effect of the drug. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t occur. Learn more about meloxicam’s side effects and risks.

Key Points

• Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation from conditions like arthritis.
• Meloxicam has several side effects like other drugs, but it doesn’t often cause drowsiness.
• Knowing meloxicam’s common and uncommon side effects is important to understanding how this drug may affect you.

What Is Meloxicam?

Meloxicam is part of the NSAID drug class, which also includes naproxen and ibuprofen. It works by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), which prevents the body from producing prostaglandins, the chemicals responsible for inflammation and pain signals. By reducing prostaglandin production, NSAIDs alleviate pain and inflammation that’s common with conditions like arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

COX inhibitors come in two types: COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitors. Meloxicam is a COX-2 inhibitor that targets inflammation enzymes to alleviate pain and reduce swelling.[2] Unlike other NSAIDs, meloxicam has higher selectivity for COX-2 enzymes, which are primarily involved in the inflammatory response. This allows the drug to provide targeted relief without affecting the COX-1 enzymes that protect the stomach lining.

Meloxicam has different strengths and can be taken orally as tablets or capsules. It is sold under brand names like Mobic and Vivlodex. Unlike other NSAID pain relievers, it’s only available with a prescription. It should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage and duration of treatment.

Meloxicam Side Effects

Meloxicam has some side effects that are usually mild. These side effects include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, or cold or flu-like symptoms.[3]

There is a risk of serious side effects with meloxicam, including:[4]

• Severe skin rash (fever, skin pain, red or purple skin rash)
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling or rapid weight gain
• Signs of stomach bleeding (bloody stool or coughing up blood)
• Liver problems (jaundice, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine)
• Low red blood cells (pale skin, unusual tiredness, lightheadedness)
• Kidney problems (little urination, swelling of the feet or ankles, tiredness)
• Allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat)
• Heart attack or stroke

If you experience serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention.

Does Meloxicam Cause Drowsiness?

Drowsiness isn’t a common side effect of meloxicam, but drugs can affect everyone differently. The hormones that affect pain can also regulate the sleep-wake cycle, so it’s possible to experience disruptions in sleep patterns from the drug.

Overdosing meloxicam can cause sleepiness.[5] It’s important to consult with your doctor if you experience excessive sleepiness or other concerning side effects while taking meloxicam.

Risks of Meloxicam

Meloxicam is generally well tolerated, but it does have risks for certain individuals. It can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long-term or in high doses or have heart disease.[6] Seek emergency medical help if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.

Though meloxicam is a COX-2 inhibitor that’s designed to treat pain with less impact on the stomach lining, it’s possible to have stomach or intestinal bleeding that can be fatal.[7] Call your doctor if you have black, bloody, or tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or cough up blood.

Meloxicam can have dangerous drug interactions.[8] Talk to your doctor about using meloxicam if you take an antidepressant, which can increase the risk of bruising or bleeding. You should also talk to your doctor about whether you take methotrexate, cyclosporine, pemetrexed, lithium, blood thinners, sodium polystyrene, steroid medication, or heart or blood pressure medications.

Why Do I Feel Sleepy on Meloxicam?

If you experience drowsiness while taking meloxicam, consider whether the drug or other factors cause it. Lifestyle factors, such as poor sleep hygiene, inadequate sleep, or underlying sleep disorders, can cause drowsiness that may seem like a side effect.

For some people, meloxicam can cause insomnia, which affects sleep quality and leads to next-day drowsiness. For others, pain can cause poor-quality sleep and drowsiness, which the drug relieves and may improve sleep patterns.

If you do struggle with drowsiness when you take meloxicam, you may need your dosage adjusted or a different time to take the medication. Small changes to your sleep habits can help with drowsiness as well. Here are some tips:

• Create a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This regulates your body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.
• Establish a relaxing bedtime routine by engaging in calming activities like reading, meditation, or warm baths. Avoid stimulating activities like intense workouts or screen time.
• Optimize your sleep environment. Keep your bedroom around 60-67°F and use earplugs or white noise to block out disruptive sounds. Blackout curtains or a sleep mask can help eliminate light.
• Limit exposure to blue light from phones, tablets, and computers by reducing your screen time to at least 1-2 hours before bed. You could also try blue-light-blocking glasses or enable night mode on your devices.
• Avoid large meals, caffeine, or alcohol near bedtime. You may benefit from light snacks like bananas, almonds, or herbal teas that promote sleep.
• Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation.
• If you nap during the day, keep it short – 20-30 minutes – and avoid napping in the late afternoon.
• Avoid using your bed for work, watching TV, or eating to strengthen the association between bed and sleep.
• If sleep problems persist, consult a healthcare professional.

Watch Side Effects with Meloxicam

Meloxicam has mild side effects and is well tolerated by many people. Drowsiness isn’t a common side effect, but it’s possible to experience sleepiness or other side effects if you overdose on meloxicam. Talk to your doctor if you have drowsiness that negatively affects your daily routine or other concerning side effects.