Your healthcare provider will conduct a formal assessment of your symptoms and medical history in order to diagnose your condition, determine its severity, and develop a treatment plan. Ibuprofen works by inhibiting the production of substances (such as an enzyme known as cyclooxygenase or COX) that cause pain, inflammation, and fever. It is meant for short-term relief of symptoms, and the dose can range from can you get addicted to ibuprofen 400mg to 800mg, four times per day. However, it is not recommended to be taken on a daily basis for more than 30 days due to the side effects of COX inhibition on other organ systems. Keep an eye out for increased reliance on the medication, taking higher doses than recommended, or experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using it.
When to Seek Professional Assistance
One in five U.S. adults (over 50 million Americans) suffer from chronic pain and taking over-the-counter pain medication is typically the first line of defense. This article explores the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of ibuprofen addiction. Some have suggested that women have fewermu-opioid receptors, the main protein that binds to opioids and regulates pain. This implies that women could “need more opioids to get the same bang for their buck to overload their pain,” Baxter says.
Physical Dependence
When people start to depend on ibuprofen not only for alleviating physical discomfort but also to manage their mental or emotional well-being, they may fall into a pattern of psychological dependence. Such dependence can lead them into a destructive loop where the individual feels compelled to keep taking the medication even after there’s no longer any need for its pain-relief properties. It’s important to consult with a dentist or healthcare professional to address the underlying cause of the pain and explore alternative pain management strategies. This section delves into the factors that contribute to the potential for ibuprofen addiction, exploring both physical and psychological dependence. While ibuprofen is not considered an addictive substance in the traditional sense, prolonged or excessive use can lead to gastrointestinal issues and potential liver damage.
- Aspirin was found to have side effects 20 percent of the time compared to 1.5 percent of Ibuprofen users and 1 percent of placebo patients.
- These symptoms can be a result of the body’s dependence on the drug, withdrawal effects, or the consequences of long-term overuse.
- Without intervention, they could take too much over time, which can lead to an overdose.
- If you’d like to cut back on your ibuprofen use but aren’t sure where to start, contact us at Sunlight Recovery today to get help.
- To address the challenges of ibuprofen dependency effectively, it is advised to start by consulting a qualified counsellor or therapist.
Recovery Resources
- Similar to the misuse of opioids, ibuprofen addiction can stem from insufficiently managed pain needs.
- Therapists also help people manage symptoms of depression and anxiety, which can be common in people living with chronic pain.
- To become a certified dementia practitioner, you must have been a qualified healthcare professional for at least one year, complete the 7-hour seminar, and apply online.
- In serious cases, drugs have been discontinued to protect women from further harm.
- Our dedicated team is available through helplines and live chat to provide assistance throughout the recovery process.
By blocking COX enzymes, ibuprofen effectively reduces the production of prostaglandins, leading to decreased inflammation and pain relief. Ibuprofen dependence can occur in individuals who have been using the drug for chronic pain management. Understanding the difference between dependence and addiction, and the factors that contribute to ibuprofen misuse, is crucial for responsible pain management. A substance abuse counselor will use these criteria to determine if a patient has an ibuprofen dependency that may require professional treatment. Even though Ibuprofen Alcohol Use Disorder can be purchases without a prescription, it is a compound that someone can become addicted to. It is part of the non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) that patients will often take to treat muscle pain, headaches and joint pain.
In chronic cases, patients will actually have a heightened sense of pain if they stop taking the medication so it is important to avoid the problem in the first place. While ibuprofen may seem harmless, the dangers of addiction are very real and can have serious consequences for both short-term and long-term health. In the short term, excessive ibuprofen use can lead to stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, and increased risk of heart attack or stroke. These risks are particularly pronounced in older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions.
