Indomethacin and Drowsiness: What Users Say

• QBI...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2013

For Gout, Acute "I have had gout and was prescribed indomethacin. The feelings after taking it make you want to go to sleep. Don't fight that feeling. Hit the sack and relax, and when you wake up, you'll feel like a million dollars!"

• Aus...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 16, 2017

For Gout, Acute "Have had regular flare-ups over the last 10 years or so, starting in the left big toe, then the whole of the left ankle, and now the left knee. At each flare-up, indomethacin has mostly worked effectively, containing the pain, even capsules that are 5 years old. The only side effect is drowsiness just after taking it, but the upside of that is that I'm certain of relief, because on the rare chance that there was no relief, there was also no drowsiness."

• Ted...
• April 21, 2016

For Gout, Acute "I've had gout attacks for the last 10 years (I'm 63), my father and grandfather had it. Attacks can last a few days to a couple of weeks and generally get worse over that period. Seem to be diet-related: overdose of shrimp, scallops, tuna, oily fish, asparagus within a short period. Indomethacin certainly gets rid of the gout quickly, but the side effects are pretty awful, and I stopped using it, including sleepiness and confusion bordering on zombiedom, depression, paranoid thoughts, affects vision, dry mouth, etc. There must be better medication!"

• Im...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 3, 2019

For Gout, Acute "After taking this drug indomethacin for 3 months, the gout kept returning. Each time I took the drug, I was dizzy, lethargic, and dopey on the drug! I have a physical every year, and this medicine took my SGOT (liver) enzyme levels from 23 to over 112"

• Dia...
• June 27, 2016

Indomethacin for Pain "For me, the medication worked fine as far as reducing the inflammation. My inflammation was in one of my eyes, and it did relieve the inflammation, but the side effects, wow. I have been drowsy off and on and had terrible stomach pains. For me, I added this to my do not take list, but for someone who is not taking it every day, probably would not have as much stomach upset. I took it every day for almost two weeks. Too long for something that is hard on someone's stomach."

• Fre...
• July 26, 2017

For Gout, Acute "Having suffered gout a couple of times a year, indomethacin was my drug of choice, combined with omeprazole to protect the stomach. Although it did often make me drowsy and slightly upset my stomach, the pain relief was quick and inflammation would ease quickly. BUT... always continue to take the prescribed dose until the flare-up has completely cleared. This time I didn't, and it came back with a vengeance, to the point indo had no effect. Now on colchicine instead, which, after 24 hours, has had no effect and does not relieve pain, so I am in agony (GP never thought of that!). Praying this new drug begins to work soon - two nights without sleep... keep taking the indomethacin until everything has gone... Am starting anapurinol ASAP."

• hee...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 30, 2017

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "Was prescribed two 75 mg SR (morning and evening) and felt very drowsy and tired every morning. Switched to 1x per day (evening) and get almost the same benefit and feel fine. Other NSAID drugs did not reduce AS inflammation for me. In combination with Enbrel, the indomethacin has controlled my AS for 12 years now. Minimal pain and I can run and exercise."

• Ind...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 26, 2022

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "At age 46, out of nowhere, I started to have increased pain, movement limitations, numbness, weakness, and was diagnosed with a spinal condition which I was told needed spinal surgery. Because everything was new to me, I decided to buy back time and try something else other than surgery. Indomethacin has helped my spinal condition (C4-5, C6-7) over other drugs and treatments like Lyrica, etc. I couldn’t move much for about 8 months, until I started to take this medication. Side effects like drowsiness felt only during the first few (2-3) days, headaches a few times, in order to avoid an upset stomach, I make sure I have something in my stomach, and now after epidural treatments, I only take it as needed. It works marvelously for me, not only helps with my spinal pain, but with elbow and knee pain. I call this medication my green pill, not only because of the manufacturer color but because it’s a cheap way to treat my condition without the need of using any other stronger meds. Good luck."

• Jun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 31, 2019

For Gout, Acute "Just started taking indomethacin 50 mg this past week for gout in big toe. Although it helps, it does make me extremely drowsy. Can only take at night."