Tramadol

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Also indexed as:

Ultram

Tramadol is a drug, unrelated to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or opiates, used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain.

Herbs

Summary of Interactions for Tramadol

Depletion or interference	None known
Adverse interaction	5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)* L-tryptophan*
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Supplements

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and L-tryptophan

Tramadol, which blocks serotonin reuptake in the brain, has been associated with two cases of serotonin syndrome.^{1, 2} 5-HTP and L-tryptophan are converted to serotonin in the brain. While no interactions have yet been reported with tramadol and 5-HTP or L-tryptophan, taking 5-HTP or L-tryptophan with tramadol may increase the risk of tramadol-induced side effects, including serotonin syndrome.

Other Interactions

Food

Tramadol may be taken with or without food.³

Alcohol

Tramadol may impair mental ability and physical coordination.⁴ Alcohol may intensify these effects and increase the risk of accidental injury. People taking tramadol are cautioned to avoid alcohol.

References

1. Mason BJ, Blackburn KH. Possible serotonin syndrome associated with tramadol and sertraline coadministration. Ann Pharmacother 1997;31:175-7.
2. Hernandez AF, Montero MN, Pla A, Villanueva E. Fatal moclobemide overdose or death caused by serotonin syndrome? J Forensic Sci 1995;40:128-30.
3. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Central Analgesics, Tramadol HCl. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, May 1995, 246b-6f.
4. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Central Analgesics, Tramadol HCl. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, May 1995, 246b-6f.

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Last Review: 01-21-2009

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