HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Can Tramadol Be Replaced With Tapentadol To Effectively Treat Chronic Pain?

default
Posted on Fri, 19 May 2023
Question: Please see information on me below. I have just reduced Tramadol to zero over three weeks. However I have had some bad headaches this last week and today - today it is partly from a massage that was too heavy on the neck yesterday. I need to know what I can take (taking into account Wenckebach arrhythmia) for pain at times like this. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are not strong enough. Thank you

Weight 94 kg Height 175 cm Age: 54
Diagnosed conditions: Fibromyalgia (including Interstitial cystitis), C2/3 facet joint damage (MVA 14 years ago), C6/7 nerve root impingement (MVA 8 years ago), RSI right wrist (35 years), plantar fasciitis (comes and goes), sacro-iliac pain (comes and goes). Wenckebach arrhythmia occasionally – brought on by some medications.
Recent blood test – bit low in Vitamin D.
Medications: Tramadol 100 mg/day (reduced to zero from 5 March to 30 March), Codeine 30 mg day PRN, Citalopram 10 mg, Oxazepam 7.5 mg Piroxicam 100 mg PRN, Amitryptaline cream (for interstitial cystitis).
I feel very breathless on little exertion and my heart rate increases a lot – for example just bending down to do up shoelaces. However, I can go for a 50 minute walk and not get too out of breath (except on hills). Having trouble sleeping for last two months as came off Stillnox after eight years on it. Sometimes use codeine, Temazepam and periactin to sleep. Doctor has listened to chest – all ok. Might have a bit of reflux at night – not sure – but I think morning coughing could be due to that. Put on 12 kg in over the last year. Also feel pretty exhausted and tired and lacking motivation quite a bit of the time.
Medications I have tried over the years: Tramadol, codeine, amitryptaline, mirtazapine, diazepam, oxazapam, pre-gabalin (brought on Wenckebach), Mersyndol, Digesic, Citalopram.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Divya Agarwal (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:

Fibromyalgia

Detailed Answer:

Hello.

One option is another medication called tapentadol which may act similar to Tramadol.

also considering the chronic pain condition that you are going through exercise has been proven to help a great deal especially if it is increased in a graded manner.

Another medication called gabapentin might help with chronic pain in case you have not used it before and it doesn't produce side effects.

Meditation and deep breathing exercises are also good for pain and relaxation.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Divya Agarwal, Rheumatologist
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Divya Agarwal

Rheumatologist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 659 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Can Tramadol Be Replaced With Tapentadol To Effectively Treat Chronic Pain?

Brief Answer: Fibromyalgia Detailed Answer: Hello. One option is another medication called tapentadol which may act similar to Tramadol. also considering the chronic pain condition that you are going through exercise has been proven to help a great deal especially if it is increased in a graded manner. Another medication called gabapentin might help with chronic pain in case you have not used it before and it doesn't produce side effects. Meditation and deep breathing exercises are also good for pain and relaxation. Hope I have answered your query. Take care Regards, Dr Divya Agarwal, Rheumatologist