Tramadol & Amoxicillin, advice very much appreciated

[Wascally Weasel]

In a bit more pain than humble paracetamol can deal with while I wait for the course of antibiotics I am on to do their stuffs. I happen to have an unused box of Tramadol prescribed from my last crash - are these safe to use together as the lack of sleep and appetite is getting me down - it's nothing serious btw, just very painful.

[Julian]

I have done this and survived the experience.  I think it's usually ok to take an antibiotic with a painkiller.  However IANADoctor and you should probably ask a doctor, or at least another bit of the internet as a second opinion.

GWS

[Wascally Weasel]

My googling has already indicated that it should be ok but not on any official site. I could ring NHS Direct but they will probably not approve of me using a previous prescription (in date though, have checked).

[pixieannie]

Do not take on an empty tum tum.

[pixieannie]

I'm assuming that you haven't had any gastric upset with the Amoxicillin?

[Wascally Weasel]

I have done this and survived the experience.  I think it's usually ok to take an antibiotic with a painkiller.  However IANADoctor and you should probably ask a doctor, or at least another bit of the internet as a second opinion.

GWS

Thanks! Probably going to take them I think as I could really use some sleep now

[Wascally Weasel]

I'm assuming that you haven't had any gastric upset with the Amoxicillin?

No, the empty stomach thing is a problem though as I haven't eaten much since Sunday

[pixieannie]

I'm assuming that you haven't had any gastric upset with the Amoxicillin?

No, the empty stomach thing is a problem though as I haven't eaten much since Sunday

This is not good.  You need to eat something before taking Tramadol, even dry crackers or biscuits.  The last thing you need is to be nauseated.

[Feline]

Tramadol is much safer than a non-steroidal pain killer on an empty stomach.
I know of no drug interactions between these two and regularly prescribe them together so it is IMO fine. Bear in mind I am a vet not a doctor though 

[Julian]

^ That's alright, he's a Weasel

[hellymedic]

I don't think I've prescribed much/any tramadol and have very little experience of it (unlike amoxicillin).
I can't think of any obvious problem if you've been OK with tramadol before, you should be OK. Tramadol is Strong Stuff and should be used with respect.

[why1040]

When I was nursing (many moons ago now), I had patients on a variety of antibugs and Tramadol...as far as I can remember, they had no interactions.  However, my knowledge is nearly 2 decades old and stuff occasionally changes in health care...

[simonp]

I’ve fainted (landing on a nearby nurse) after trying to go to the loo after being on Tramadol post-op.

[Wascally Weasel]

^ That's alright, he's a Weasel

But not feeling very Wascally right now...

[Wascally Weasel]

Tramadol is Strong Stuff and should be used with respect.

Agreed, I'm careful around such stuff, hence I had a full box unused. This time round the choice over drinking/not drinking is an easy one for a change. Have been barely drinking at all these past few days which has surprised Ms Weasel.

[Wascally Weasel]

I CAN SEE THROUGH TIME!

(Not really but now a bit fuzzly-headed)

[simonp]

You had a curry?

[Wascally Weasel]

You had a curry?

Sadly no. Couldn't eat one at the moment, rare for me I know (to anyone that knows me at least).

[trixie]

I was given Tramadol after an op last year, sadly it did very little for the pain but did help me sleep - which I suppose was something.  The wound became infected so was also given antibiotics, flucloxacillin (penicillin based), I think.

From my nursing experience I can remember Tramadol on the medicines rounds and don't recall any problems with antibiotics.

[onb]

I was given Tramadol after I broke my shoulder , I only took it for a day , it made me feel very unusual , sort of spaced out but in a very detached way .I stil lhave the rest of the box in a drawer somewhere.

[Biggsy]

Eat plenty of fruit/prunes and drinky plenty of water if you'll be taking Tramadol for more than a day, to counter the constipation effect.

Don't take more than the normal amount (especially at any one time) if you want to minimise your chances of becoming addicted.

[simonp]

I forgot about the constipation. Constipation and hernia surgery. I thought I was going to burst.

[Biggsy]

Duloease (from chemist) or lactulose (prescription) is good for constipation if natural remedies don't help enough.

[Charlotte]

I've always liked Tramadol and I've definitely had it with antibiotics.  You've got to treat the stuff with respect (no empty tummies and get plenty of roughage in you, or you're headed for an appointment with Nurse Enema and her Nozzle of Doom) but if you're careful, it's marvellous stuff when you're in a lot of pain.  It's mildly addictive so go easy on it as soon as you can.

On the occasions I've been inna world of hurtypain, Tramadol and Diazepam have made it about a million times better.

[Biggsy]

It's mildly addictive so go easy on it as soon as you can.

Like all opioids, Tramadol can become HIGHLY addictive and you can become physically dependent on it.  To prevent this happening, you need the discipline to not take more than you're supposed to and to not take it for anything other than pain.  It's especially difficult if/when you find it an excellent remedy for depression.