Gabapentin and Tramadol

Gabapentin and tramadol are two strong medications. When combined they can produce powerful and dangerous results. In this article we will discuss the dangers and side effects of mixing gabapentin and tramadol. We will also compare the main differences between the two.

What is Tramadol?

Tramadol is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as opioid analgesics. It is commonly used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. Tramadol works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to ease the pain. It inhibits the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which contributes to its pain-relieving effects.

Tramadol is often prescribed for conditions such as post-surgical pain, chronic pain, and pain associated with conditions like osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia. It comes in various forms, including immediate-release and extended-release tablets or capsules.

Tramadol carries the risk of side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, and nausea. There is also a potential for dependence and addiction, especially with long-term or misuse of the medication. Therefore, it's crucial to take tramadol exactly as prescribed and to inform your healthcare provider of any concerns or side effects.

What is Gabapentin? 

Gabapentin is a medication primarily used to treat seizures and nerve pain. It is used as an anticonvulsant to help control or prevent seizures. In addition to its anticonvulsant properties, gabapentin is often prescribed to manage certain types of chronic pain, such as neuropathic pain associated with diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia (pain that persists after shingles), and nerve pain related to conditions like fibromyalgia.

Gabapentin works by affecting the way nerves send messages to the brain. It slows the activity of certain neurotransmitters, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which regulates nerve signals.

Gabapentin can have side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, and in some cases, an increased risk of suicidal thoughts. If you or a loved one suffer from gabapentin or tramadol abuse, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery so we can guide you on your path to recovery.

Can You Take Tramadol with Gabapentin? 

Can you take gabapentin and tramadol together? Gabapentin and tramadol are sometimes prescribed together to treat neuropathic (nerve-related) or chronic pain. However, due to their shared classification as central nervous system depressants, it's generally inadvisable to combine these medications. Using them together may cause extremely slowed breathing (respiratory failure) and possibly death. The risk is especially high for older people and those who have pre-existing breathing problems like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.)

An additional risk of taking tramadol and gabapentin together includes a stronger likelihood of addiction. Additionally, the effects of gabapentin become stronger when taken with tramadol. A noteworthy study revealed a 49% increase in the risk of fatal opioid overdose when gabapentin is taken alongside other opioids, such as tramadol. In 2019 - 2010, gabapentin was detected in nearly one out of every ten overdose deaths in the United States.

Dangers of Taking Tramadol and Gabapentin Together 

Below are some potential dangers of taking gabapentin and tramadol together:

Increased Risk of Addiction: Taking gabapentin and tramadol together may increase the risk of addiction.

Intensified Side Effects: The effects of each medication can be intensified when taken in conjunction. This includes drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, which can increase the risk of accidents and injuries.

Respiratory Depression: Both gabapentin and tramadol can suppress the respiratory system. When taken together, especially in higher doses, risk of respiratory depression increases. This is a serious condition that can lead to difficulty breathing and, in extreme cases, respiratory failure and even death.

Increased Opioid Overdose Risk: Studies have indicated that combining gabapentin with opioids, such as tramadol, may significantly increase the risk of opioid overdose.

Sedation and CNS Depression: The combined use of gabapentin and tramadol can result in central nervous system (CNS) depression, leading to sedation, lethargy, and slowed cognitive function. This can be particularly dangerous, especially when engaged in activities that require alertness.

Risk of Seizures: Abrupt discontinuation of either gabapentin or tramadol can trigger seizures. When used together, sudden withdrawal or dosage changes may increase the risk of seizures.

Tramadol vs. Gabapentin

Below are the main differences between Gabapentin and Tramadol:

What Are Some Side Effects of Taking Tramadol and Gabapentin Together?

Below are some potential side effects of taking tramadol and gabapentin together:

• Central Nervous System Depression: Both tramadol and gabapentin can depress the central nervous system, leading to drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination and difficulty breathing. Combining them may increase the risk of these effects.
• Cognitive Impairment: The combination may cause cognitive impairment, affecting memory and concentration.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Both medications can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Taking them together may increase the likelihood of these issues.
• Serotonin Syndrome: Tramadol affects serotonin levels, and combining it with gabapentin or other medications that also influence serotonin may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. This is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by symptoms such as confusion, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure.
• Seizures: Both tramadol and gabapentin lower the seizure threshold. Combining them may increase the risk of seizures, especially in individuals with a history of seizures. 

What Would a Tramadol and Gabapentin Overdose Look Like? 

Symptoms of a tramadol and gabapentin overdose may include: 

• Unresponsiveness
• Loss of consciousness
• Slow heart rate
• Undetectable pulse
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting
• Gurgling
• Pale and clammy skin
• Black or blue lips 

If you recognize these signs of a gabapentin and tramadol overdose, it is crucial to call 9-1-1 immediately. Depressant overdoses are fatal due to their impact on the individual's breathing, and prompt medical assistance is essential to prevent severe consequences.

 Treatment for Prescription Drug Abuse 

Some people think that once a doctor prescribes a medication, they can use the medicine however they want. However, altering your dosage, combining it with other substances, or using it in unconventional ways (like crushing and snorting pills) is abuse.

Prolonged substance abuse can inflict severe damage on vital organs like the:

• Liver
• Kidneys
• Heart
• Brain

Aside from fostering addiction, combining medications without proper guidance may lead to toxicity and overdose, potentially resulting in death.

If you discover that you're unable to manage your use of prescription drugs or are using them other than how they were prescribed, get help right away. Avenues Recovery Center can help you understand your addiction and help you overcome it. We have a fantastic team of top-notch therapists who will educate and empower you to take control of your life again. Our expert staff have helped thousands of people reach sobriety, and they can help you too! We use a mix of traditional and holistic therapies as well as personalized treatment plans to ensure optimal success. If you are serious about addiction recovery, reach out to us today. We will guide and support you every step of the way to the sober future you deserve!