From the Research
Yes, meloxicam can cause headaches as a side effect, as it is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that affects prostaglandin production in the body, influencing blood vessel dilation and contraction in the brain. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, discusses the development of sustained drug delivery strategies for meloxicam to improve its therapeutic efficacy and safety profile, but does not specifically address the side effect of headaches. However, an earlier study, 2, mentions that the reported side effects of meloxicam are similar to those of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but does not explicitly list headaches as a side effect.
Common Side Effects of Meloxicam
- Stomach upset
- Dizziness
- Fluid retention
- Abdominal pain
- Anemia
- Edema
If you experience persistent or severe headaches while taking meloxicam, you should contact your healthcare provider. They may recommend:
- Adjusting your dosage (typically 7.5-15 mg once daily)
- Switching to a different pain medication
- Providing additional treatment for the headaches Staying hydrated and taking meloxicam with food may help reduce some side effects, including headaches in some cases, as suggested by the general properties of NSAIDs 3, 4, 5.