Can I take Tramadol with Ibuprofen?
Tramadol is a prescription opioid medication. Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Both medications can be taken together. In fact, they are often prescribed alongside one another when patients need help managing specific types of pain. There are no known interactions between the two. However, like other medications, they should only be used as prescribed by your healthcare provider who knows your medical history and condition.
Inflammation is a condition that is a protective response from the body when it encounters injury, infection or irritation. Inflammation plays an important role in healing. However, when there is excessive or chronic inflammation, it can lead to pain and discomfort. When it comes to managing inflammation, treatment medications such as the combination of tramadol and Ibuprofen can provide significant pain relief. Using both tramadol and an NSAID such as ibuprofen provides effective pain management without the risks and side effects that using tramadol alone is known for.
What is Tramadol?
Tramadol is an opioid analgesic prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe pain, acute pain or chronic pain. It is typically used to manage pain after surgery or chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis. Brand names of the medication include Ultram, Zytram, Zamadol and ConZip. It is available in various formulations including tablets, capsules, powders, chewables, liquids and injectables.
So how does tramadol work? Opioid medication works by blocking the transmission of pain signals to the brain, which lowers the perception of pain. It also acts as an opioid receptor agonist and activates descending pain suppression by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine.
Tramadol is an opioid drug. There is a risk of dependence and withdrawal if the medication is used for more than a week. However, it poses a lower risk of addiction compared to other opioid medications. If the medication is recommended for long-term treatment, gradual tapering of the medication should be considered in order to avoid experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Common withdrawal symptoms include numbness, burning or tingling sensation, anxiety, ringing in the ears, confusion, panic attacks, paranoia and hallucinations.
What is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps to reduce inflammation, pain and fever. It is commonly used in the treatment of conditions such as muscle aches, joint injuries, tooth pain, lower back pain, menstrual cramps, gout, osteoarthritis, tendonitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Common over-the-counter NSAIDs include Ibuprofen, Naproxen and Aleve.
So how does Ibuprofen work? It works by blocking the release of chemical messengers that lead to pain and inflammation. It blocks the production of prostaglandins in the body and reduces the levels of this chemical that present. Prostaglandin is a compound that is responsible for inflammation in the body. By reducing prostaglandins, it can help reduce feelings of pain, swelling and fever.
There are some risks when taking Ibuprofen. Another function of prostaglandins is to help regulate blood clotting. When the chemical is suppressed, the NSAID medication can increase the risk of bleeding. This is especially risky at higher doses or if the medication is taken over a long period of time. Gastrointestinal issues such as stomach irritation, ulcers, kidney damage and cardiovascular risks of heart attack can occur with NSAID misuse. This can cause symptoms such as easy bruising, bleeding gums, peptic ulcers, intestinal bleeding, or bleeding of the esophagus.
What are NSAIDs?
Ibuprofen is a type of NSAID medication. NSAIDs are nonopioid analgesics and are a common type of pain relief medication. Two of the most popular brands of NSAIDs are Ibuprofen and Naproxen. NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation and minimizing its effects on pain nerve stimulation and sensitivity in the body. It blocks the enzyme called cyclooxygenases (COX), which supports the reactions that produce prostaglandins. The body naturally produces prostaglandins when there is an injury. Ibuprofen helps to reduce prostaglandins at the site of injury, which ultimately lowers tissue inflammation.
However, long-term use of NSAIDs is risky and can lead to dangerous side effects. Prostaglandins have other functions such as helping to protect the stomach lining by producing mucus. When NSAIDs reduce prostaglandins in the body, it can leave the stomach open to the effects of stomach acid. Long-term use of NSAIDs can also cause increased blood pressure and risk of heart attack and stroke.
Can I take Tramadol with Ibuprofen?
In short yes. You can take tramadol with Ibuprofen. There are no known serious interactions between the two drugs. However, it should only be done so under the guidance of your healthcare provider. There is currently no standard protocol for the co-administration of tramadol and NSAID medications like Ibuprofen.
Recent studies have found that the combination of tramadol and an NSAID such as Ibuprofen can be more effective in treating pain than taking only one of the drugs alone. The combination of the two offers a dual approach to pain management that helps to directly target inflammation as well as change the perception of pain by impacting the central nervous system.
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Benefits of taking both Tramadol and Ibuprofen
- Dual action pain relief. When taking both medications together, it can target both the brain’s perception of pain as well as the inflammation in the body causing the pain.
- Reduces the need for higher doses. Using both medications allows for lower doses of each drug and in turn, can minimize the risk of negative side effects associated with a high dose use.
- Improvement in quality of life. The combination of both medications can greatly improve chronic conditions and lead to better mobility, reduced pain and overall better functionality.
- Conditions that benefit from taking medications together: osteoarthritis, joint pain and inflammation, post-surgical pain and acute injuries involving inflammation and severe pain.
Side Effects of taking both Tramadol and Ibuprofen
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Stomach discomfort
- Stomach cramping
- Indigestion
- Weakness
- Dizziness and drowsiness
- Risk of bleeding
- Sleepiness
- Dry mouth
- Respiratory depression
Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Tramadol and Ibuprofen can be greatly beneficial for pain management. The combination of non-narcotic opioids and over-the-counter NSAID medications can be used to alleviate various types of chronic, acute or severe pain. Despite being commonly used medications, if misused or abused, they can cause dangerous side effects. Because tramadol is an opioid, there is always a risk of dependence and addiction. Long-term use of NSAIDs causes gastrointestinal bleeding and can be very harsh on the stomach. Users who should avoid this combination of drugs include those who have a history of opioid addiction, those who have a history of substance abuse, people with gastric ulcers, people with bleeding disorders or people with kidney disease.
If dependence on tramadol occurs, a professional behavioral treatment center such as Hotel California by the Sea can provide effective care for prescription medication abuse. We offer treatment at all levels including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-backed treatment methods such as CBT, DBT and EMDR therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping our clients reach their goals in sobriety and overcome their substance addiction.
Reach out to Hotel California by the Sea
We specialize in treating addiction and other co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD. Our Admissions specialists are available to walk you through the best options for treating your addiction.
References:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/179211
https://www.rapiddetox.com/tramadol/managing-inflammation-with-tramadol-and-ibuprofen/
https://www.verywellhealth.com/tramadol-and-aleve-5119155
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4995251
https://anrclinic.com/blog/can-you-take-tramadol-and-ibuprofen-together-to-control-pain-and-inflammation