The Meaning and Dangers of the Viral

The Meaning and Origin of the "Let's Take Ibuprofen Together" Meme

In recent years, a meme involving offering ibuprofen has spread across the internet. The meme typically involves one person saying to another "let's take ibuprofen together," often accompanied by an image of two animated characters sitting together. But what is the meaning and origin of this odd, yet popular internet meme?

The Literal Meaning

At face value, the "let's take ibuprofen together" meme simply refers to two people taking the medication ibuprofen at the same time. Ibuprofen is a common over-the-counter pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication, sold under brand names like Advil and Motrin. So in a literal sense, the meme is about sharing ibuprofen to deal with pain or discomfort.

The Emotional Meaning

On a deeper level, the meme has taken on more emotional connotations. Offering to take ibuprofen together has become a way to show support, empathy and solidarity during difficult times. It can be seen as an invitation to face shared struggles alongside one another, with the ibuprofen representing the feeling of relief or comfort.

In this sense, "let's take ibuprofen together" expresses a sentiment of "I understand you're going through something tough right now. I'm here for you so neither of us has to deal with this alone. We'll get through this hardship together."

Origin of the Meme

The exact origin of the "let's take ibuprofen together" meme is unclear, but it appears to have first spread on Tumblr sometime around 2018. According to KnowYourMeme.com, one of the earliest variants was posted by Tumblr user @allofthefeelings, and featured an image of SpongeBob and Patrick from the cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants.

The meme seemed to resonate with Tumblr users, as it tapped into the supportive, friendship-centric culture of the platform. From Tumblr, it began spreading to other social media sites like Twitter and Facebook. Its popularity continued to grow during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many people experienced collective grief, loneliness and exhaustion.

The Meme's Use in Internet Culture

Today, the "let's take ibuprofen together" meme is often used to:

• Express support and solidarity during difficult times
• Bond over shared stressful experiences like work pressures or politics
• Send messages of comfort to people going through hardships
• Convey the feeling of needing relief from headaches or other pains
• Add some levity or humor to discussions of pain or hardship

It has become a way for internet users to say "I feel your struggle and I'm here with you" during times of collective stress and fatigue.

Variations of the Meme

While ibuprofen remains the standard drug referenced in the meme, other variations have emerged including:

• "Let's take aspirin together"
• "Let's take acetaminophen together"
• "Let's take [prescription drug] together"
• "Let's take a nap/shot/walk together"

There have also been many different images paired with the meme, from animated shows and movies to stock photos of people bonding. But the core essence of offering comfort and companionship in tough times remains.

Is Overusing Ibuprofen Dangerous?

Given that the viral meme revolves around ibuprofen, this raises the question - can taking too much ibuprofen be harmful? While it is considered relatively safe at recommended dosages, there are some health risks associated with overusing the medication.

Possible Side Effects

Some potential side effects of ibuprofen overuse include:

• Digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, ulcers, and bleeding
• Kidney problems
• Cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure and increased risk of stroke
• Headaches and dizziness
• Skin reactions
• Asthma flare-ups in susceptible individuals

Staying Within the Recommended Dosage

To avoid complications, it's important to stay within the dosing recommendations on the ibuprofen label. For adults, this is usually:

• 200-400mg every 4-6 hours as needed, up to 1200mg (3 tablets) per day

Higher doses may be prescribed for a short time under medical supervision, but long-term daily use at high dosages should be avoided.

Watching Out for Interactions

It's also important to be aware of potential medication interactions when using ibuprofen. Taking ibuprofen with certain other drugs may increase the risk of side effects. People should talk to their doctor or pharmacist about any other medications they take before using ibuprofen.

Seeking Medical Advice

Anyone experiencing side effects with ibuprofen should stop taking it and seek medical advice. Additionally, those with certain pre-existing health conditions like kidney disease, heart disease or bleeding disorders should talk to their doctor before taking ibuprofen.

While ibuprofen is generally safe when used as directed, excessive use without medical oversight can lead to potentially serious complications. It's best to consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns about taking ibuprofen.

Signs of a Toxic Relationship and How to Cope

While sharing ibuprofen together paints a picture of wholesome friendship, relationships can sometimes turn unhealthy or toxic. Here are some signs of a toxic relationship and tips for coping if you're in one:

Red Flags of a Toxic Relationship

Look out for these patterns in a romantic, platonic or familial relationship:

• Controlling behavior - Trying to control your actions, friendships, finances or other aspects of your life
• Constant criticism - Always finding faults and putting you down
• Possessiveness - Acting jealous and paranoid
• Volatility - Prone to angry, scary outbursts
• Manipulation - Using guilt trips, lying, withholding affection
• Dishonesty - Lying, cheating, hiding things from you
• Disrespect - Acting rudely, name-calling, mocking you
• Unreliability - Can't be counted on or trusted

Steps for Coping with a Toxic Relationship

If you're experiencing these red flags, some tips include:

1. Acknowledge that it's toxic - Admitting there's an unhealthy pattern is the first step.
2. Set boundaries - Decide what behaviors you will and won't tolerate.
3. Seek support - Turn to trusted friends and family or join a support group.
4. Communicate issues - Respectfully address problems and request concrete change.
5. Walk away if needed - If they won't change, leaving may be healthiest decision.
6. Focus on self-care - Make your emotional well-being a priority.
7. Try counseling - Work through lingering impact with a therapist.

Ending or limiting contact with toxic people may be difficult but necessary. Surround yourself with positive influences and know you deserve healthy relationships.

Getting Help for an Abusive Relationship

If toxicity turns into abuse - emotional, verbal, physical, sexual or financial - it's critical to get help safely ending the relationship. Contact domestic violence resources like:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: https://www.rainn.org/
• Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: https://www.childhelp.org/childhelp-hotline/

You deserve to feel safe, heard and cared for in all your relationships. Help and support are available.

The Takeaway

At its core, the "let's take ibuprofen together" meme conveys an important message of solidarity and companionship. While it shouldn't be taken literally as encouragement to overuse medication, the essence of looking out for one another even in small ways can be powerful. However, it's also vital to identify and address toxicity in relationships when it arises. With care, communication and support, we can foster healthy bonds that allow each person to thrive.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.