The Dangers of Mixing Gabapentin and Tramadol

Tramadol is a prescription opioid that is used to treat moderate to severe pain.[1] It reduces pain symptoms by binding to opioid receptors in your brain. Unfortunately, using it long-term can lead to dependency and addiction.

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant and nerve pain medication.[2] It is used to treat neuropathic pain, restless leg syndrome, and seizures. Because it is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, large doses of it can cause a mind-altering high.

Both substances can cause potential side effects and long-term addiction when abused. Mixing them can lead to life-threatening consequences. Unfortunately, many people combine tramadol and gabapentin to increase the high they experience.

Some of the dangers of mixing gabapentin and tramadol include increased side effects of both drugs, a higher risk of addiction, and life-threatening respiratory depression.

In this article, you will learn:

• What is gabapentin
• What is tramadol
• What are the risks of mixing tramadol and gabapentin

What is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is a prescription medication that treats nerve pain and seizures. Healthcare professionals might prescribe it if you have a condition like restless leg syndrome or postherpetic neuralgia.

The common side effects of gabapentin include:[2]

• Dizziness and drowsiness
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Headaches
• Double or blurry vision
• Shaking or tremors
• Unsteadiness or coordination issues
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Memory problems
• Strange or unusual thoughts
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea and constipation
• Dry mouth or heartburn
• Increased appetite and weight gain

While the federal government does not consider gabapentin as a controlled substance, it is frequently abused. This has led certain states to classify it as a Schedule V drug. Abusing large doses of gabapentin increases the risk of developing an addiction.

What is Tramadol?

Tramadol is a prescription opioid that is used to treat pain. It is often prescribed before more potent opioids are given to a patient. While it is considered a lesser opioid, it can still lead to substance abuse and addiction.

The side effects of tramadol may include:[1]

• Dizziness and drowsiness
• Sleepiness
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Itchy skin
• Shaking or tremors
• Changes in mood
• Heartburn and indigestion
• Dry mouth

When abused, tramadol can cause a rush of euphoria and pleasure. You might experience a sense of calmness. Because of this, it is considered an addictive drug.

Tramadol is considered a Schedule IV drug, which means it has acceptable medicinal uses despite its risk of misuse.

What are the Dangers of Combining Tramadol and Gabapentin?

When you are mixing drugs to experience a high, you might not consider drug interactions. Certain medications might interact negatively with one another, causing you to experience adverse effects and sometimes life-threatening complications.

The dangers of mixing gabapentin and tramadol include:

Increased Adverse Effects

Tramadol and gabapentin both cause similar effects, as they cause central nervous system depression. Taking them simultaneously will increase the intensity of their side effects.

When mixing gabapentin and tramadol, you could experience:

• Increased drowsiness and sedation
• Weakness or lethargy
• Nausea and vomiting
• Trouble concentrating and decreased cognitive abilities
• Difficulty breathing
• Increased risk of injuries and accidents

Addiction

Both tramadol and gabapentin are commonly abused. When you mix them, the mind-altering effects you experience will be more potent. This increases your risk of developing an addiction.

The signs of addiction include:

• Having a hard time controlling how much you use
• Running out of prescriptions early
• Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities to abuse tramadol and gabapentin
• Isolating from friends and family
• Experiencing urges or cravings to abuse them
• Failing to meet responsibilities at home, school, and work
• Using gabapentin and tramadol even though it is causing social or interpersonal relationship issues
• Continuing to use them despite experiencing adverse physical and mental health effects
• Needing to increase your dose to experience the desired effect
• Dealing with withdrawal symptoms when you stop using gabapentin and tramadol

If you or a loved one suffers from an addiction to these drugs, you should seek professional help. Drug rehab programs like the Mandala Healing Center can provide you with the tools and support you need to achieve long-term recovery.

Respiratory Depression

Since tramadol and gabapentin both cause CNS depression, you could experience life-threatening respiratory effects. Also referred to as respiratory depression, you might develop difficulty breathing, low oxygen levels, and even brain damage.

Unfortunately, respiratory depression is fatal without prompt medical treatment. A study found that mixing gabapentin with opioids increased the risk of dying from an overdose by 49%.[3]

Due to this risk, you should avoid mixing tramadol and gabapentin. If you are struggling with an addiction to this mixture of drugs, seek professional substance abuse treatment immediately. Attending rehab can prevent you from experiencing life-threatening dangers like respiratory depression.

Find Help for Drug and Alcohol Abuse

If you or a loved one suffers from tramadol, gabapentin, or any other type of substance abuse, it’s time to seek professional help. At the Mandala Healing Center, we offer individualized treatment plans to help you receive the type of support you need.

Contact us today for more information on how to get started.

References:

1. The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Tramadol
2. Medline Plus: Gabapentin
3. PLOS Medicine: Gabapentin, opioids, and the risk of opioid-related death: A population-based nested case-control study

Learn more about prescription drug addiction treatment.

Previous in this series: Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction · Next: The Dangers of Snorting Gabapentin

Clinically Reviewed

Mandala Clinical Team

This page was prepared by Mandala Healing Center and reviewed by our clinical team, the licensed medical and behavioral health professionals who provide detox and treatment at our West Palm Beach facility. We review it regularly so it reflects current clinical guidance.

Last reviewed: October 27, 2024

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Content on this page is written and reviewed according to our editorial policy. It is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have questions about your medication, talk to your prescriber before making any changes.