Alcohol and Mobic should never be mixed, as there can be serious risks and side effects. Drinking and using this prescription medication could result in internal bleeding, gastritis, cardiovascular problems, and gout. The best way to avoid these risks and side effects is not to drink while taking this medication. If you cannot control your drinking or struggle with alcohol addiction, it is best not to even start Mobic.
What Is Mobic and How Does It Work?
Mobic is the brand name for a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which also has the generic equivalent called meloxicam. The drug inhibits certain enzymes in the body that produce prostaglandins. These enzymes are responsible for inflammation, fever, and pain.
It can be prescribed as an analgesic for pain relief or as an anti-inflammatory medication. It is commonly used to treat various types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Mixing Alcohol and Mobic
The most serious risk of mixing alcohol and Mobic is internal bleeding. Both Mobic and alcohol have blood-thinning properties, which can increase the risks for:
- Intestinal and stomach holes
- Ulcers
- Internal bleeding in the stomach and intestines
Other risks of combining these two substances are:
- Cardiovascular problems: Taking Mobic on its own comes with a warning of increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Combining the drug with alcohol compounds these dangerous side effects.
- Gout risk: Mobic is prescribed to treat gout flares. However, drinking counteracts the drug’s effects and increases the risk of triggering gout flares.
- Gastritis: Gastritis is a condition that causes inflammation of the stomach lining. Using Mobic and drinking alcohol increases the risk of gastritis, which can cause stomach ulcers, damage to the stomach lining, and an increases the risk of stomach cancer.
Symptoms of Mixing Alcohol and Mobic
The symptoms of mixing alcohol and Mobic will vary depending on the amount of alcohol consumed, the frequency one drinks, as well as the Mobic dosage and how often it is taken. Symptoms range from mild to severe and include:
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Indigestion
- Nauseas
- Heartburn
- Stomach pain and discomfort
- Stomach and intestinal bleeding
- Kidney problems
- Liver damage
- Vomiting
It is equally important to be aware of symptoms associated with stomach and intestinal bleeding, such as:
- Tarry and dark (blackish) stools
- Bloody stools
- Pinkish to reddish colored urine
- Vomiting blood
- Small dark particles that look like coffee grounds when vomiting
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Certain types of people can be at a higher risk of the dangers of mixing Mobic and alcohol, including:
- People with a family history of alcohol use disorder
- People with stomach ulcers
- People with prior intestinal or stomach bleeding problems
- People with liver problems or liver disease
- People with kidney problems or kidney disease
- People using other substances or medications
- People with a family history of cardiovascular problems, heart attack, and stroke
Alcohol and Mobic: Side Effects
Alcohol and Mobic both have their own potential side effects, which can be compounded when the substances are mixed.
Side Effects
- Slowed reaction time
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Impaired judgement
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Blackouts
- Impaired coordination
- Liver damage
- Weakened immune system
- Increase risk of certain cancers
- Heart disease
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Alcohol use disorder (AUD)
- Depression
- Anxiety
Mobic Side Effects
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Stomach and abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Cardiovascular problems
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Upper respiratory tract infections
Can you Drink Alcohol with Mobic
Mobic, like other NSAIDs, has a risk of intestinal and stomach bleeding when taken. Drinking alcohol increases this risk, so people should avoid alcohol when taking Mobic. Ideally, individuals should discontinue alcohol use at least ten days prior to starting Mobic to ensure the body is fully detoxed. If individuals cannot abstain from alcohol use, they should inform their primary care physician so the physician can prescribe a different medication.
An inability to stop drinking and struggles to remain sober for ten days, this is a sign that the person has alcoholism. If the person starts Mobic while still drinking, they are at risk of the adverse side effects of combining the two substances. Even having just one or two drinks every few days increases these risks.
Treatment Options
When someone is experiencing the adverse side effects of drinking and taking Mobic, the first step is to address their immediate medical needs. The various treatment options used to treat AUD involve using comprehensive and evidence-based therapeutic modalities as part of a personalized treatment plan.
The first step in the treatment process is discontinuing alcohol use immediately through medically supervised alcohol detox. Mobic may also be discontinued depending on the severity of the symptoms being experienced. While Mobic is usually not considered an addictive substance, people can still misuse the drug. Detox treatment will address alcohol use and any Mobic misuse. Once the person has completed detox and is stabilized, then they should transition to an appropriate addiction treatment program, which includes:
- Residential treatment
- PHP (partial hospitalization program)
- IOP (intensive outpatient program)
- Outpatient (OP) treatment
- Rehab aftercare
Start Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Abuse in Southern California Today
If you are unable to stop drinking when prescribed Mobic, help is available at Renewal Health Group. Our caring and supportive team provides comprehensive care tailored to your specific needs to help you overcome alcohol use disorder. Contact us today to take the first steps to reducing the risks of severe side effects of combining alcohol and Mobic.
Published: 5/21/2025
