Millions of people in the United States use prescription drugs to treat various medical conditions. Some of these medications have the potential for side effects. Combining medications with other substances, including other prescription drugs, can be dangerous.

This article will explore the risks of mixing two common prescription drugs called gabapentin and tramadol. You will learn:

• The side effects of gabapentin and tramadol
• The dangers of mixing tramadol and gabapentin
• How to recognize the signs of substance use disorder (SUD)
• Where to find addiction treatment and recovery support

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. It is critical to seek the treatment and support you need now. Reach out to the Moving Mountains Recovery specialists to explore your treatment options or schedule an intake appointment. 

What is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is a prescription medication used to relieve neuropathic pain (nerve pain). It can reduce pain after an injury resulting in nerve damage. People may also take it to treat nerve pain after shingles infections and other conditions. 

Gabapentin can also act as an antiepileptic drug, reducing the risk of seizures. People may also use it to treat restless leg syndrome or relieve anxiety.

Gabapentin changes how the brain perceives and processes pain. It can also alter neurotransmitter (brain chemical) levels, impacting how nerves communicate. 

The Side Effects of Gabapentin

Gabapentin is an FDA-approved prescription medication. Like all drugs, gabapentin has the potential to cause side effects. 

Common side effects of gabapentin include:

• Headaches
• Flu-like symptoms
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Shaking
• Double vision
• Nausea and vomiting
• Unsteady gait
• Constipation
• Weight loss or gain
• Diarrhea
• Joint or back pain
• Unusual thoughts
• Anxiety
• Heartburn
• Swelling in the extremities
• Dry mouth

Some of the drug’s side effects may be serious or life-threatening. Potentially dangerous side effects of Gabapentin include:

• Swelling in the throat or face
• Hoarse voice
• Severe rash
• Seizures
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Itching

People experiencing these and other severe side effects of gabapentin may require immediate medical treatment. Mixing gabapentin and other substances, including alcohol and other prescription drugs, can increase the risk of severe side effects. 

What is Tramadol?

Tramadol is a prescription opioid pain reliever. Doctors may prescribe it to treat moderate to severe pain after surgery or other conditions. 

Tramadol works by binding to the brain’s opioid receptors. It affects areas related to pain management, pleasure, and emotional control. Some people may also take it to treat depression. However, tramadol is not intended for this purpose. 

Tramadol is different from other opioids because of how it works. This unique opioid has a dual mechanism of action. This means that it relieves pain in two ways: through the opioid receptors and the brain’s neurotransmitters.

Tramadol is an effective pain reliever because of how it works in the body. However, the way it works also increases the risk of dangerous side effects and interactions. 

The Side Effects of Tramadol

Tramadol is an FDA-approved prescription drug. Like all drugs, tramadol has the potential to cause side effects. 

Some of the potential side effects of tramadol include:

• Anxiety
• Drowsiness
• Headaches
• Uncontrollable tremors
• Heartburn
• Changes in mood or mood swings
• Dry mouth

Tramadol may sometimes cause more severe side effects, including:

• Serotonin syndrome symptoms (hallucinations, loss of coordination, muscle stiffness, nausea, tremors, fever, etc.)
• Seizures
• Hives, blisters, or rash
• Chest pain
• Swelling in the arms, legs, throat, or face

People who abuse tramadol may develop symptoms of addiction, including:

• Cravings
• Withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it
• Tolerance (needing high doses to get the desired effects)

People who become addicted to opioids like tramadol often require intensive treatment to stop. This includes supervision and treatment from addiction healthcare professionals, as well as ongoing support.

The Dangers of Mixing Tramadol and Gabapentin

Your doctor will advise you about potential interactions from mixing medications and other substances. You must talk to your doctor about any drugs or other substances you are using. You must tell your doctor about all the drugs you are taking. This includes illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications you use recreationally.

Healthcare providers typically advise against mixing tramadol and gabapentin. Mixing tramadol and gabapentin may result in dangerous respiratory depression (slow or shallow breathing). 

Respiratory depression can cause a dangerous lack of oxygen in the blood. People can lose consciousness or die. It can also cause long-term cognitive effects and brain damage.

Other potential dangerous drug interactions include:

• Excessive sedation and drowsiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Nausea and vomiting
• General weakness
• Increased risk of seizures
• Lethargy

If you struggle to stop taking gabapentin or tramadol, you may require substance abuse treatment. Reach out to the Moving Mountains Recovery specialists to explore your treatment options. 

Do I Need Treatment for Substance Abuse?

Many people develop an addiction to prescription medications, and some take them recreationally before developing an addiction. Knowing the signs of substance abuse and seeking treatment right away can help you avoid serious complications. 

Some signs of prescription drug abuse include:

• Taking a larger dose of your medication or taking it more often than prescribed
• Needing to take a larger dose to get the desired effects
• Worrying about running out of your prescription
• Doing dangerous or illegal things to get your medication
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking a drug
• Experiencing cravings for a prescription drug
• Using a prescription drug recreationally (without a prescription)

Overcoming prescription drug addiction can be very challenging. Having the right kind of treatment and ongoing support is essential. The right type of treatment can help you address the underlying causes of your substance abuse. Then, you can begin to work toward lifelong recovery. 

Find Treatment Now

If you or a loved one needs treatment for substance use disorder (SUD), you are not alone. Moving Mountains Recovery offers comprehensive, holistic addiction treatment and recovery support programs. Contact our intake team to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.