Tramadol and Ibuprofen
Tramadol is a narcotic pain-killer that is used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. Tramadol is a potent drug that can engage in a number of drug interactions, some of which potentially dangerous. That is why you should always consult your physician when taking Tramadol and any other drugs, even if they are over-the-counter medicines, herbs or dietary supplements.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Nurofen, Motrin etc) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of certain substances in the affected organs that lead to inflammation and pain. Unlike Tramadol, it is not a centrally-acting medicine. Ibuprofen is used to treat mild to moderate pain and to reduce fever and inflammation. It is commonly prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis as it not only reduces pain, but also treats inflammation which results in reducing the swelling of joints.
In general, the combination Tramadol and Ibuprofen is a safe one. These drugs together potentiate each other’s pain-relieving effect without any significant side effects. Ibuprofen adds an anti-inflammatory effect to the strong pain-relieving effect of Tramadol which makes the combination especially useful when treating conditions accompanied with inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis and many of the diseases of the musculoskeletal system. When taken together, a lower dosage of Tramadol may be needed. The maximum dosage per day for Ibuprofen is 600 mg but when combined with Tramadol, a lower dosage is also recommended.
No significant side effects have been reported when taking Tramadol along with Ibuprofen but still a consultation with a physician is necessary prior to combining the drugs.
The prolonged use of Tramadol has the potential of causing dependence and tolerance so it should only be taken under strict medical control. Although Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter medicine, there are some precautions to be considered when taking Ibuprofen. It can slightly increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. If you have high blood pressure, you should discuss it with your doctor before taking Ibuprofen. Using Ibuprofen by patients with a history of gastritis or ulcers is not recommended as it can lead to heartburn and increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Both Ibuprofen and Tramadol are not recommended to patients suffering from any kind of liver or renal dysfunction. In some milder cases and under medical control they can be used in a very low dose and for a short period of time.
In case you are taking Tramadol and its effect is insufficient, there may be more serious underlying conditions so do not add another pain-killer before consulting a doctor.
