Drug Interactions: Antidepressants and Tramadol

Tramadol, an opioid pain medication, is commonly prescribed for moderate to severe pain management, but its use alongside antidepressants can pose significant risks due to potential drug interactions.

  • Tramadol affects serotonin levels in the brain, similar to many antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
  • When taken together, these medications increase the risk of developing a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome, which occurs due to an excessive accumulation of serotonin.

ANSWER THIS QUESTION FIRST:

Question:

Antidepressants can interact with tramadol, potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects. Which antidepressant carries the lowest risk of interacting with tramadol compared to others?

Answer: Mirtazapine

TRAMADOL’S INTERACTIONS WITH ANTIDEPRESSANTS:

SEVERE (CONTRAINDICATION): DO NOT USE TOGETHER.

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

MAJOR: MONITOR PATIENT CLOSELY.

  • SSRIs
  • Bupropion
  • Duloxetine
  • Venlafaxine
  • Nefazodone

MODERATE (LIMITED EFFECTS):

  • Mirtazapine
  • TCAs
  • Maprotiline

NOTE:

  • Tramadol is only contraindicated in combination with MAOIs but not other antidepressants.

 

(Reference: Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2009 Apr; 6(4): 17–21.)

FOR ACADEMY MEMBERS:

Antidepressants & Tramadol

ACADEMY

INTERESTED IN ACCESS TO THIS & OTHER CLINICALLY RELEVANT LECTURE SERIES?

JOIN ACADEMY MEMBERSHIP:

This is a closed membership for medical professionals only.

  • 400+ Clinically Relevant Chapters: Each chapter within these sections is of direct clinical relevance for your daily practice. (Table of Content)
  • Journal Club: we will post the most recently published psychiatry articles relevant to your daily clinical practice. (Read Content)
  • Clinical Case Discussion: Dr. Singh (Psychiatry) and Dr. Kaur (Family Medicine) discuss clinical cases to integrate the clinical cases from Psychiatry and Medicine. (Read Content)
  • Discussion Forum & Community: Connect with other medical professionals and discuss your difficult-to-treat clinical cases. (Academy Network)
  • Goal: is to have all important clinically relevant topics in one place for ease of access.
GENERAL
$ 150/YR
  •  
STUDENTS
$ 99/YR
  •  

DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR: Residents & Students ONLY.

Email us your student information (program information and way to confirm your student status) to: HSingh@PsychiatryEducationForum.com

© 2024 All Rights Reserved.

Related Articles

Responses

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *