Is Ibuprofen Addictive? | Abuse Potential & Symptoms Of Addiction

Although uncommon, ibuprofen can be addictive if it is a target of substance abuse. Abusing ibuprofen can lead to serious side effects such as stomach ulcers, internal bleeding, heart attack, and drug addiction.

Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter (OTC) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID. It may also be available as a prescription drug. You can take ibuprofen for pain relief or to temporarily treat arthritis.

Brand names for ibuprofen products include Advil and Motrin. Proper ibuprofen use can reduce your risk of drug abuse, addiction, and other serious health problems.

Abuse Potential Of Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen can be habit-forming due to its high accessibility and status as an analgesic (pain reliever). Forms of ibuprofen abuse may include taking ibuprofen in higher doses than directed, taking ibuprofen to get high, and crushing or snorting ibuprofen tablets.

Side Effects Of Ibuprofen Abuse

Improper drug use of ibuprofen can cause side effects such as:

• nausea
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• dizziness
• headache
• diarrhea

Symptoms Of Ibuprofen Addiction

Ibuprofen addiction, also known as a substance use disorder, is a mental health condition where you are unable to stop taking ibuprofen. You may experience cravings for ibuprofen, along with other health effects such as:

• changes in weight
• bloody or black stools
• constipation
• yellow skin or eyes
• high blood pressure
• difficulty urinating
• worsening of moderate or severe pain

Symptoms of an ibuprofen use disorder may occur along with side effects of the drug.

Does Ibuprofen Cause Physical Dependence?

Withdrawal symptoms, which can occur after you stop taking a habit-forming drug, have not been reported in case studies of ibuprofen addiction. More research may be needed to determine whether ibuprofen causes physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

Ibuprofen Overdose

An ibuprofen overdose can occur after taking high doses of ibuprofen. Symptoms of an ibuprofen overdose may include:

• nausea
• drowsiness
• black or bloody stools

Taking high doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen combination products may also cause an acetaminophen overdose. Acetaminophen overdoses can lead to life-threatening liver damage.

Non-prescription drug abuse can be harmful to your health. Contact us for information on our inpatient treatment program for over-the-counter medication abuse.