Generally, Tramadol is one of the medications not prescribed with Suboxone. It is an opioid and has the potential to be addictive. Suboxone can also be prescribed as a treatment for tramadol addiction. If you are concerned regarding whether it is safe to take tramadol with Suboxone, Call ChoicePoint drug rehab center at 844.445.2565 or fill out this form to overcome prescription medication abuse alongside the effective dual disorder treatment options.
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Why Is Tramadol Prescribed with Buprenorphine (Suboxone)?
Tramadol is a prescription narcotic (opioid) that is used to treat short-term acute pain. Buprenorphine, despite being an opioid analgesic, is not as effective in treating pain as some other medications, which is why Suboxone is not prescribed for pain. Some cases in which Tramadol may be prescribed:
- In cases of postop pain or injury where other medications don’t work
- Long-term treatment only in rare cases
When it comes to opioids, Suboxone can block their effect. You can take Tramadol alongside Suboxone if your doctor prescribes it. It is important to remember that Suboxone can potentially influence the impact of tramadol by causing a ceiling effect. So, if you take both medications for a limited time, there is less chance of adverse effects. Our medical staff boils this down to the fact that working closely with your healthcare provider is imperative.
Is it Safe to Take Tramadol with Suboxone?
The combo of Tramadol and Suboxone may not be dangerous if you are taking tramadol alongside Suboxone as per your doctor’s prescription. When an opioid is taken with Suboxone, it can cause precipitate withdrawal. However, since Tramadol is not a very strong opioid, the withdrawal is unlikely to be too severe.
In the case of Tramadol addiction, taking Suboxone may be tricky. Therefore, working with your healthcare provider is highly important. Some treatments for tramadol abuse include:
How Long After Tramadol Can I Take Suboxone?
There is no one fixed answer for this. It is for your doctor to make this decision. This is because, in some cases, depending on the dose, Tramadol may not work if taken after Suboxone because the latter will block its effects. Suboxone can also cause precipitate withdrawal if it is taken alongside Suboxone.
Some people report taking the two together and still managing their pain and addiction, while many doctors prescribe non-opioid pain relievers to serve this purpose.
Can You Take Suboxone and Tramadol on The Same Day?
Yes, you may if your doctor has instructed you to do so. However, in some cases, it may induce precipitate withdrawal as well. So, unless your doctor has given the instructions, do not take the two together alone.
When to Get Help: Signs of Interaction
- Shallow breath
- Drowsiness or light-headedness
- Low heart rate
- Seizing
- Feeling very lethargic
Top 5 Things You Must Know About Tramadol
Effects of Taking Tramadol with Suboxone
Tramadol is an opioid, and the primary ingredient of Suboxone is an opioid agonist (buprenorphine). Taking the two together in the long term may not be advisable due to harmful consequences.
Effectiveness of Tramadol
Tramadol affects the opioid receptors, while buprenorphine keeps these receptors occupied. For some people, this may result in decreased effectiveness in managing pain. However, studies suggest combining the two can enhance the analgesic effect.
Respiratory Depression
A high dose of Tramadol should not be taken with Suboxone or opioids. This can result in respiratory depression. Signs of respiratory depression include:
- Cold and clammy skin
- Dilated pupils
- Pale of bluish skin
- Unconsciousness or dizziness
- Increased heart rate
Note: Opioid-induced respiratory depression can be reversed with the help of Narcan, an opioid antagonist. Call 911 immediately if someone goes into a state of respiratory depression.
Precipitated Withdrawal
Precipitated withdrawal refers to the sudden onset of withdrawal symptoms that are triggered when SUD medications, typically an antagonist or partial agonist, are administered. Taking tramadol with Suboxone may induce the following withdrawal:
- Cramps or body aches
- Trouble sleeping
- Being feverish
- Diarrhea
- Increased blood pressure
- Depression
This can especially happen if a person has a history of opioid use disorder or is taking opioids alongside Tramadol and Suboxone.
Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.
Misusing Tramadol with Suboxone
While Suboxone generally has less potential for abuse on its own, when mixed illicitly with other substances like Tramadol, the outcomes can be dangerous. Many people are seen to snort Tramadol, which can be life-threatening. Illicit use of high doses of Tramadol may result in:
- Respiratory depression
- Overdose
- Death
The best and safest course of action is to get in touch with your addiction specialist before taking any drugs.
How to Remain Safe from Mixing Tramadol and Suboxone Side Effects
- Take the prescribed dose
- Do not buy illegal tramadol
- Inform your doctor if your body reacts badly to Tramadol
- Do not drive when taking Tramadol with Suboxone
- Not taking it for more than the instructed time
What to Do If You Are Addicted to Tramadol or Other Prescription Meds?
Addiction to prescription medications is not entirely uncommon. You do not have to wait for your condition to worsen. Getting in touch with a drug rehab will help you combat tramadol addiction effectively.
If an additional mental illness accompanies your addiction, getting specialized dual-diagnosis treatment can be the best option.
Insurance-covered treatments Formats at ChoicePoint Drug Rehab in New Jersey Include:
Taking treatment at a reputable rehab is paramount. It helps you reduce the risk of further exacerbating substance use disorders and will stabilize your condition.
We Accept Most Insurance Programs
Queries About Safe Use of Tramadol with Suboxone
Drugs can interact with one another, which is why it is safe to have information about their working. Some queries about Tramadol and Suboxone are answered below:
Can Buprenorphine Be Given With Tramadol?
When given to manage pain, tramadol and buprenorphine have shown additive pain management effects, as per a study. However, when buprenorphine is administered for SUD, it is better to be cautious because studies suggest that long-term Tramadol may increase the risks of prolonged opioid use.
Does Suboxone Effect Tramadol?
Yes, there is a chance that Tramadol’s effects are underestimated when Suboxone is used concurrently. Ask your doctor these questions before taking Tramadol.
What Drugs Cannot Be Taken With Tramadol?
Tramadol should be avoided alongside antidepressants like MAO inhibitors or serotonin precursors. If you are on Tramadol, ask your doctor before taking any new medications.
Does Tramadol Interact With Blood Pressure Medication?
Tramadol has not been seen to interact with blood pressure medication. However, to best avoid complications, do not self-medicate. Work closely with your provider and explain your medical history properly.
Can I Use Tramadol to Help Get Through Suboxone (Buprenorphine) Withdrawal?
No, Tramadol will not work for Suboxone withdrawal because it will block its effects. Moreover, taking an opioid when you are going through withdrawal is not a good idea. Other medications like ibuprofen may be taken only after you consult your doctor.
Sources
- Thiels, C. A., Habermann, E. B., Hooten, W. M., & Jeffery, M. M. (2019). Chronic use of tramadol after acute pain episode: cohort study. BMJ, l1849.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1849 - Spies, P. E., Pot, J. L. W. (Hans), Willems, R. P. J., Bos, J. M., & Kramers, C. (2016). Interaction between tramadol and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: are doctors aware of potential risks in their prescription practice? European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, 24(2), 124–127.
https://doi.org/10.1136/ejhpharm-2015-000838
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.
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