Can You Get Addicted to Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is widely used by people around the world for pain and inflammation. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs can be available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription. Even though these types of medications are often available OTC, they still come with many risks, some of which are very serious.

In this post, we will cover what NSAIDs are, the addiction potential of ibuprofen, and the side effects and risks associated with using it. Lastly, we will cover how to take ibuprofen safely and what the safe OTC dosage for ibuprofen is.

What are NSAID drugs?

NSAIDs are medications that relieve pain and inflammation. They do this by stopping your body from making a substance that causes the pain and inflammation. NSAIDs do not contain steroids. Steroids are stronger medicines that help your body fight stress that happens after or during an illness.

Inflammation is your body’s response to stress from infection. Inflammation also occurs when your body attacks its own cells by mistake, like with autoimmune conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or rheumatoid arthritis. Mild inflammation also happens when you have an injury like a strain or sprain.

Signs of inflammation from infection or minor injury include:

• Redness

• Heat

• Swelling

• Pain

• Loss of function, such as inability to move arm due to swollen joint

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Common OTC NSAIDs include:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

• Naproxen (Aleve)

• Aspirin (Bayer)

Common prescription NSAIDs include:

• Meloxicam (Vivlodex)

• Celecoxib (Celebrex)

• Toradol (Ketorolac)

In some studies, ibuprofen has a better safety profile at low doses than prescription NSAIDs. However, it is still important to use the medication as directed. 

Can you get addicted to ibuprofen?

Scientists don’t yet have a definitive answer to this question, but the possibility is something that you should keep in mind before taking this medication.

Ibuprofen use disorder

There are only a small number of cases related to misuse of (and possible dependence on) ibuprofen. For this reason, we aren’t sure whether you can develop an addiction to ibuprofen or other NSAIDs.

Researchers have diagnosed one person with NSAID use disorder. To do this, they used the criteria for substance use disorder. The criteria this person met were: 

• Needing to take more ibuprofen over time to get the same effects

• Taking more ibuprofen than intended

• Trying to stop using ibuprofen without success

NSAID misuse

The different ways that you can misuse NSAIDS are:

• Exceeding the recommended maximum dose

• Exceeding the daily limit

• Taking an NSAID preventatively

Some athletes use NSAIDs as a way to prevent pain and inflammation. However, there is no scientific evidence to support using the medication this way. Also, NSAIDs can cause significant side effects, so avoid taking them if you are not experiencing pain or inflammation. It is also possible to overdose on NSAIDs.

Can you overdose on ibuprofen?

Severe poisoning and death from ibuprofen is very uncommon. But it is possible to overdose on it. Signs of ibuprofen overdose may include:

• Dizziness

• Fast, uncontrollable eye movements

• Slow breathing

• Short periods of time without breathing

• Blue color around the lips, mouth, and nose

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider or go to an emergency room immediately.

What other risks come with ibuprofen use?

As with any medication, ibuprofen comes with both common side effects and more serious potential risks.

Common side effects of ibuprofen

Some common side effects of ibuprofen include:

• Dizziness

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Gas

• Bloating

Inform your healthcare provider if these side effects are severe or do not go away.

Serious side effects of ibuprofen

Serious side effects of ibuprofen are also possible. Stop taking ibuprofen, and inform your doctor right away if you experience:

• Breathing problems: shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Skin issues: rash, hives, blisters, yellowing of the skin, pale skin, or itching

• Swelling: swelling of the eyes, face, throat, arms, hands, abdomen, feet, ankles, or lower legs

• Eye issues: vision problems, redness or pain in the eyes, or yellowing of the eyes

• Flu-like symptoms: fever, fatigue, muscle aches, or chills

• Stomach problems: nausea, loss of appetite, or pain in the upper right part of the stomach

• Other physical issues: back pain, trouble swallowing, unexplained weight gain, fast heartbeat, headache, or stiff neck

• Psychiatric symptoms: confusion or aggression

• Urination issues: difficulty urinating or cloudy, discolored, or bloody urine

How much ibuprofen is safe long term?

To ensure that you are taking ibuprofen safely and to help minimize side effects, be sure to:

• Follow instructions on the label for OTC medication.

• Follow your healthcare provider’s directions if you are taking prescription ibuprofen.

• Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider any questions you may have.

• Do not take more than the recommended daily amount for OTC medication.

• Note that many different types of OTC medications contain NSAIDs, and taking more than one at a time increases the risk of harmful side effects.

For OTC ibuprofen, dosage recommendations are to:

• Take a maximum daily dose of 1,200 mg. 

• Take no more than 6 tablets per day (each tablet has 200 mg).

• Use the smallest effective dose.

• Take only one medicine that contains an NSAID at a time.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Mona Bapat, PhD, HSPP

Mona Bapat, PhD, HSPP, has 15 years of clinical experience providing therapy. She is a licensed clinical psychologist in Indiana and Illinois with treatment experience in individual, couples, family, and group therapy modalities.

Reviewed by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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