Is Ibuprofen Addictive?

Ibuprofen is a medication classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). People take ibuprofen for fevers, aches and pains, headaches, stiffness, and swelling. People who are athletic or work in physically demanding jobs will often reach for a bottle of ibuprofen for pain relief.

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 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.

Branded versions of ibuprofen include Motrin, Midol, and Advil; however, there are several generic versions as well. While some ibuprofen medications require a prescription, non-prescription strength ibuprofen is available over the counter at most supermarkets and drugstores. Ibuprofen is available in tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and liquid medication.

“Most people think of addiction as either abusing prescription medications, excessive alcohol use, or substances one may obtain in a dark alley, not an over-the-counter medication that is thought to be safe and effective for people as young as 3 months old. However, ibuprofen addiction is real and there can be serious side effects,” says Francis.

This article explores the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of ibuprofen addiction.

Symptoms of an Ibuprofen Addiction

Ibuprofen addiction is not what we think of in the traditional sense, and is more like a misuse of the drug while seeking pain relief. Over time, you may need higher doses to stop the pain and you can have withdrawal symptoms (for example: rebound headaches) when you stop taking them.

A case study recorded the symptoms of a person with HIV met the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) for moderate substance use disorder, as she took more than the amount of ibuprofen prescribed to her. The four criteria of eleven possible symptoms that she experienced included:

• Developing a tolerance to ibuprofen
• Using more ibuprofen than was prescribed or intended
• Tried but failed to stop using ibuprofen
• Strong desire to take ibuprofen

Signs of an Overdose

Taking too much ibuprofen could result in an overdose. The symptoms of an ibuprofen overdose include:

• Agitation
• Blurred vision
• Chills 
• Confusion
• Convulsions 
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness 
• Drowsiness
• Heartburn
• Low blood pressure
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rash 
• Ringing ears
• Severe headache
• Slow or labored breathing
• Stomach pain
• Sweating 
• Unsteadiness 
  
• Weakness 
• Wheezing 
  

Diagnosing an Ibuprofen Addiction

If you suspect that you or a loved one have an ibuprofen addiction, Francis recommends seeing a licensed mental healthcare professional right away. 

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.

Causes of Ibuprofen Addiction

Ibuprofen addiction can be motivated by physical causes as well as emotional reasons. Francis outlines some of the causes below.

Physical Dependence

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. However, reliance on these types of medications may actually increase pain. 

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. This creates an addictive cycle. 

For example: If you have been depending on ibuprofen to get rid of your daily headaches for more than 30 days, you may have entered unknowingly into that addictive cycle. You can talk with your doctor about getting alternative forms of treatment for your underlying condition. Some physicians may provide a brief prednisone taper to help you get safely off of ibuprofen.

Physical Impact of Ibuprofen Addiction

Ibuprofen misuse can put you at risk for health conditions such as:

• Heart attack
• Holes in the stomach or intestine
• Kidney damage
• Liver damage
• Stroke
• Ulcers

Emotional Dependence

Many forms of trauma and depression manifest through physical ailments and, without intervention from a licensed therapist, may be misdiagnosed. 

It’s important to understand that addictive behaviors and substance use are often motivated by unresolved stress or mental health issues and address the underlying cause through a dual-diagnosis mental health and substance use-focused treatment program.

Treating an Ibuprofen Addiction

Mental health treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma-based therapies to resolve underlying needs currently not being met in a person's life, which may include acceptance of self, safety, contentment, or feeling in control, says Francis. 

Treatment for substance use generally incorporates the following principles:

• Addiction is a disease that alters brain function and affects behavior. It is complex, but treatable.
• There is no one-size-fits-all form of treatment. Treatment must be customized to the individual’s needs and modified as their needs evolve.
• In order to be effective, treatment shouldn’t address only substance use; it needs to cater to multiple needs of the individual.
• It’s important for the individual to continue treatment for an adequate amount of time.
• Relapses may occur, so the healthcare provider must monitor the individual carefully