Using Meloxicam for Burning, Stiff Joints

Meloxicam is a prescription medication classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). I have taken this NSAID for about five years now for a variety of joint-related symptoms, most notably morning stiffness and burning. This medication is traditionally prescribed to adults for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Is Meloxicam Effective?

My doctors and I have gone through many different "cocktails" to try and find the perfect fit for my specific conditions and associated pain and discomforts. For the morning stiffness and burning, meloxicam has been significantly effective. Keep in mind that different medications work differently for everyone, so this medication may not help with stiffness and burning as well for others.

What is most interesting about this medication is that exactly how it works is unknown. It is believed to possibly work to block certain substances within our bodies that are associated with inflammation.

How Long Did Meloxicam Take to Work?

This is an NSAID like ibuprofen and aspirin, just stronger and on the prescription level. I experienced relief from my stiffness and burning with the first dose. As I have been taking it for a prolonged period of time, I have noticed no difference in its efficacy. It is still as effective as it was the first week I started to take it.

Does Meloxicam Cause Side Effects?

My doctor certainly warned me of the possible side effects of this medication because this is not the softest medication available. It can certainly be quite harsh for some people and some people are not even able to take it. Now that I have been taking it for so long, I no longer have any side effects associated with meloxicam, but when I first started to take it, I did have a few mild issues. For my first about two weeks of taking this medication I had some nausea and mild stomach pain for about two hours after taking a dose. This was lessened if I took a dose with food, but food did not completely eliminate these side effects. To be fair, nausea is a constant problem of mine.

Headache and heartburn were also issues. These are two things I naturally struggle with, but when I first started taking this medication, they were worse for about a week.

After taking my two doses a day for two weeks, all side effects went away for me. This may not be the case for everyone. I tolerated this medication well and now take it without any issue.

Always talk to your healthcare provider before taking meloxicam.