The safety of taking ibuprofen while experiencing the effects of a psychoactive substance, or being “high,” requires understanding the interaction between two different pharmacological processes. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used widely for pain, fever, and inflammation. Being high refers to the altered state of consciousness induced by substances like cannabis, alcohol, or stimulants. Examining the combined effect of a pain reliever and a substance that alters central nervous system function reveals potential risks that go beyond the effects of either substance alone. A safe decision requires knowledge of how each substance works in the body and the specific dangers that their combination can create.
How Ibuprofen Works in the Body
Ibuprofen is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that provides relief by targeting the body’s inflammatory response. Its primary mechanism involves inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which produce prostaglandins—lipid compounds that mediate pain, fever, and inflammation. Ibuprofen is a non-selective inhibitor, blocking both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes.
Inhibiting COX-2 reduces inflammation and pain, which is the desired therapeutic effect. However, blocking COX-1 is responsible for common adverse effects, as COX-1 helps protect the stomach lining and aids in kidney function. Taking ibuprofen can cause side effects such as stomach irritation, indigestion, and gastrointestinal bleeding. The drug’s effect on the kidneys is also a concern, as blocking prostaglandin production can temporarily narrow kidney blood vessels, risking acute kidney injury.
The Physiological Effects of Being High
The term “high” describes a state of altered perception and bodily function resulting from the use of psychoactive substances, which primarily act on the central nervous system (CNS). These substances disrupt the normal communication between neurons by interfering with natural neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. The specific effects vary widely depending on the substance, but they share a common theme of altered mental and physical states.
CNS depressants, such as alcohol, slow down brain activity, leading to sedation and impaired coordination. Stimulants, like cocaine, increase alertness, heart rate, and blood pressure. Cannabis causes euphoria and relaxation, but also impaired memory and reaction time. This altered state means the user’s ability to accurately assess their physical condition, perceive pain, or react appropriately to a medical emergency is compromised.
Risks of Combining Ibuprofen and Psychoactive Substances
Combining ibuprofen with psychoactive substances introduces several specific dangers by creating synergistic stress on organ systems and impairing the body’s natural defense mechanisms. One significant risk is the increased likelihood of gastrointestinal bleeding, especially when mixing ibuprofen with alcohol, which is a common depressant. Alcohol irritates the digestive tract, and when combined with ibuprofen’s effect of inhibiting the protective COX-1 enzyme, the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding is significantly elevated.
The combined effect on organ function also poses a substantial threat to the liver and kidneys. Both ibuprofen and certain recreational substances, such as alcohol, place a metabolic burden on these organs to process and eliminate them. This dual strain can increase the risk of acute kidney injury, particularly in individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Psychoactive substances can also interfere with the body’s processing of the pain reliever. Certain compounds in cannabis, for example, can affect the liver enzymes responsible for breaking down ibuprofen, potentially prolonging its effects or leading to higher concentrations in the bloodstream. This interference increases the risk of dose-dependent side effects like dizziness and liver strain.
Furthermore, the altered perception caused by being high can mask the warning signs of serious ibuprofen side effects. Symptoms of severe gastrointestinal bleeding, such as abdominal pain, can be dulled or misinterpreted, leading to a delay in seeking medical attention. A high can also exacerbate the central nervous system effects of ibuprofen, such as drowsiness or dizziness, increasing the risk of accidents due to impaired coordination and judgment.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If ibuprofen has been taken while under the influence of a psychoactive substance, immediate medical attention is necessary if any signs of a serious adverse reaction appear. Symptoms pointing to internal bleeding, organ distress, or severe CNS impairment require emergency care.
- Severe, persistent abdominal pain or tenderness.
- Black, tarry stools, or vomiting blood or material resembling coffee grounds.
- Producing little to no urine, swelling in the arms or legs, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (suggesting kidney or liver injury).
- Extreme confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, or difficulty breathing (indicating overdose or severe drug interaction).