What is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a medication belonging to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) class and is typically used to manage mild to moderate pain, reduce fever, or decrease inflammation, stiffness, and swelling. It can lead to Ibuprofen Addiction and Abuse. Nonprescription Ibuprofen may be used to relieve pain from muscle aches, headaches, menstrual period, backaches, toothaches, and the common cold.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, like Ibuprofen, function in the body by decreasing the production of substances that cause fever, pain, and inflammation. Ibuprofen is available in prescription and non-prescription forms. When prescribed by a doctor, Ibuprofen typically comes in a tablet form and is taken by mouth every four to six hours as needed for pain.
Nonprescription Ibuprofen is available for purchase over the counter in several forms, including concentrated liquid drops, tablets, chewable tablets, and liquid suspension. The maximum over-the-counter use is approximately 1200 mg per day, and under medical prescription, the upper limit for consumption may be as high as 3200 mg per day.
Ibuprofen Dependence
Many individuals may find it necessary to take painkillers, such as Ibuprofen, on a long-term basis to manage chronic and severe pain, just as back pain from an injury or joint pain from arthritis. While Ibuprofen is not physically or psychologically addictive, a person may become physically dependent to maintain their activity level by controlling pain. To overcome dependency, Ibuprofen detox may be needed.
There are physical side effects and risks of Ibuprofen use and overdose that can occur without any warning while taking this drug. If you or your loved one is concerned about an Ibuprofen dependency or side effects that may be experienced while consuming this drug, it is critical to seek appropriate medical Ibuprofen detox and treatment. While an Ibuprofen dependency can be debilitating, there is hope in finding freedom from this.
Ibuprofen Statistics
Statistics about Ibuprofen use and dependency can help understand the risks associated with this drug and the importance of a safe Ibuprofen detox. The following statistics reveal more information about risks associated with the use of Ibuprofen:
- A Canadian study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal of thousands of pregnant women suggests that those taking any type or amount of NSAIDs, such as Ibuprofen, were 2.4 times more likely to miscarry than those not taking the drugs.
- Many overdose experiences have been reported in medical literature, though the frequency of life-threatening complications from Ibuprofen overdose is minimal.
Causes of Ibuprofen Dependency
An individual may begin taking Ibuprofen to manage mild to moderate physical pain. This may lead to the risk of developing a tolerance or dependency on the drug due to feeling as though they cannot function normally without the Ibuprofen.
For some people, Ibuprofen may be a way of “numbing” not only physical pain but emotional pain as well. For men and women who have suffered a traumatic event or have unresolved emotional issues, their dependency on Ibuprofen may result in a psychological need to anesthetize the pain.
Without professionally treating and addressing these possible underlying issues, a dependency on ibuprofen can continue. While Ibuprofen is not physically addictive, the continued use of the drug can present physical risks and hazardous consequences. Ibuprofen detox may be needed.
Ibuprofen Dependency Side Effects & Symptoms
Common side effects
Ibuprofen is so widely used that it can be easy to forget this drug can cause side effects. Still, ibuprofen is a drug, and it comes with risks like any other drug.
The more common side effects of ibuprofen are:
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Gas
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
Not everyone has these side effects. When they do occur, the effects are usually mild. Many people can prevent these side effects by taking ibuprofen with milk or food.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects can also occur. Most of these risks are uncommon and can usually be avoided by taking ibuprofen as recommended. However, taking too much ibuprofen or taking it for too long can make these serious side effects more likely.
Heart attack and stroke
For most people, the risks of heart attack and stroke are rare. However, your risks increase if you use too much ibuprofen or use it for too long. Your risk is also higher if you:
- Have other risk factors for heart attack or stroke
- Have a clotting disorder
- Take other medications that affect how your blood clots
If you have any risk factors or take other drugs, talk to your doctor before using ibuprofen.
Decreased kidney function and increased blood pressure
Prostaglandins help keep the pressure in your kidneys at the right level to filter the fluids in your body and maintain your blood pressure.
Ibuprofen changes your body’s production of prostaglandins. This change can lead to an imbalance in your body fluid pressure, which can decrease your kidney function and increase your blood pressure.
Symptoms of decreased kidney function include:
- Increased blood pressure
- Fluid buildup
- Dehydration
- Urinating less frequently
- Dizziness
Your risk is increased if you:
- Are an older adult
- Have kidney disease
- Take blood pressure medications
Ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestine
Prostaglandins also help maintain the constant repair of your stomach lining, which protects you from damage from stomach acid. Because ibuprofen decreases how much prostaglandin you make, stomach damage such as bleeding and ulcers in the stomach and intestines is a possible side effect. This side effect is fairly rare. However, the risk increases the longer you use ibuprofen. Other factors that increase your risk include:
- A history of ulcers or bleeding in your stomach or intestines
- Older age
- Use of oral steroids or the blood thinners known as anticoagulants
- Smoking
- Alcohol use, specifically more than three alcoholic beverages per day
Ibuprofen Effects
Though Ibuprofen is a non-addictive drug, it can affect a person’s well-being if a dependency is created on the drug. An individual may feel as though they cannot adequately function unless they are continually taking the drug. This could be harmful physically, psychologically, socially, and financially.
Ibuprofen Detox & Withdrawal
If a man or woman has developed an Ibuprofen Addiction, they may experience mild side effects if suddenly discontinuing the drug without a medically-supervised Ibuprofen detox. These effects may include the following:
- Increased Anxiety
- Increased depression
- Increased levels of pain
- Agitation
- Nausea
- Headache
Mixing Ibuprofen And Alcohol
Ibuprofen can be especially dangerous when mixed with alcohol or other recreational substances. Even though it doesn’t produce or enhance a high, it can still intensify the negative side effects of alcohol and other drugs. Similarly, alcohol can worsen ibuprofen’s negative side effects.
Ibuprofen should always be taken at the lowest dosage needed to relieve pain, and you should never take it for extended periods. While a low dosage of Ibuprofen and alcohol is generally not dangerous, there is no way to predict how this will affect an individual. Depending on the dosage, frequency, and individual health factors, the effects of mixing ibuprofen with alcohol can be mild, severe, or sometimes even fatal.
If someone takes ibuprofen regularly (or takes more than the recommended dose) and drinks more than a small amount of alcohol, negative side effects can show up. A moderate amount of alcohol is different for everyone but is usually around one drink for women and two drinks for men each day.
Side Effects Of Ibuprofen And Alcohol
The interaction between ibuprofen and alcohol can intensify the negative side effects of both substances, without increasing any perceived benefits.
Sedation and Loss of Alertness
Ibuprofen on its own is not a sedative drug. It will not cause drowsiness or “brain fog.” However, it can intensify alcohol’s sedative effects.
The pain relief it provides can increase the feeling of relaxation that alcohol creates. With ibuprofen, your reflexes and responsiveness can slow down even more than with just alcohol. For instance, though drinking and driving is never a good idea, someone mixing ibuprofen and alcohol might drink more than a safe amount before driving without knowing it.
With the PM versions, sedation does occur. Similarly, with a low dosage in combination with alcohol, the effects should not typically be terrible. However, again the effects vary from person to person due to various factors. Still, it is always best to avoid mixing sedatives as sedatives often slow breathing and heart rates, which at a high enough dosage can be fatal or cause serious long-lasting health issues.}
Reclaim Your Life With Ibuprofen Detox
Ibuprofen addiction is a condition that can cause major health, social and economic problems that should not be taken lightly. We Level Up California can provide you, or someone you love, the tools to recover from addiction with professional and safe Ibuprofen detox. Feel free to call us to speak with one of our counselors. We can inform you about this condition by giving you relevant information. Our specialists know what you are going through. Please know that each call is private and confidential.