I have been taking meloxicam for 5 years, 7.5 mg twice/day. My doctor has asked me to wean myself off of it before I have my prostate removed next month but I have not started yet. Right now I have a crushing cold/flu thing and my head/ jaw/teeth hurt so that I cannot sleep. If I take no more meloxicam, starting this morning, is it alright for me to take some excedrin extra strength? I am a very healthy 65 year old with no allergies, no respiratory problems, no heart problems, just some discomfort from arthritis. I appreciate any information you could share.