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Had Orofacial Pain Condition In Upper Rear Molar Areaa. Taking Tramadol. Does It Cause Long Term Liver Damage?
Question: Over the last 5 or so years I have had an orofacial pain condition that consists of constant pain (but variable in nature) and is located in the upper rear molar areas…bilaterally. It is believed I have trigeminal neuropathic pain possibly due to dental procedures. It is not trigeminal neuralgia or even atypical trigeminal neuralgia. Over the last 5 years I have taken at least 10 different medication trials, but have always found that Tramadol seems to be the most effective. If works most of the time, and can bring the pain down by %50 or more. It may work 3 out of 4 times I take it. The XXXXXXX dose I will take is 200 MG in a 24 hour period. Also, I only take this medication as needed, which may be no more than two times per week. I have concerns about liver damage. I asked my doctor and she said at the dosage and rate I am taking it, there is no chance of that. My liver enzymes are normal with ALT usually running at 35 and AST at 28. I do yearly physicals and blood work and I think in the last 5 years I had one minor ALT elevation by a few points but it went back to normal. I am generally in very good health with just triglycerides issues that are chronic. I do not take any other meds.
My concern is long-term liver damage if I take this medicine for many years to come. Wondering what your opinion was?
Thanks,
XXXXXXX
My concern is long-term liver damage if I take this medicine for many years to come. Wondering what your opinion was?
Thanks,
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Safe. No need to worry.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Welcome to Healthcare Magic!
While tramadol overdose can cause acute liver failure, pharmacological use of tramadol is not usually associated with clinically apparent drug-induced liver disease. So I agree with your doctor that the dose of tramadol that you are taking will not cause any liver damage even in the long term.
However, there are a few considerations that you must be aware of. Often people use tramadol preparations that also contain paracetamol (acetaminophen). Using these can increase the chances of liver damage as paracetamol in high dosages can damage the liver.
Tramadol also increases the risk of seizures. You must keep this in mind and reduce the dose of tramadol if you ever take any other medicine that also does the same, to avoid getting a seizure.
Tramadol has a risk of physical dependence and tolerance, though less than that of other opioid analgesics. So, over time you may find that the analgesic effect has decreased. Or you may see that if you miss your dose or reduce your intake, you have increased pain, anxiety, restlessness, dilated pupils, yawning, sneezing, rhinorrhea, goose flesh, loose motions etc. To avoid this, if possible, ensure that you avoid exceeding your present pattern of use.
The other thing is that mild elevations of liver enzymes are not significant. They should be more than three times the upper limit to be considered significant.
So you need not worry and use the medicine to help improve the quality of your life without any qualms.
Please feel free to ask if you need any clarifications.
Best wishes.
Dr Preeti Parakh
MD Psychiatry
Safe. No need to worry.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Welcome to Healthcare Magic!
While tramadol overdose can cause acute liver failure, pharmacological use of tramadol is not usually associated with clinically apparent drug-induced liver disease. So I agree with your doctor that the dose of tramadol that you are taking will not cause any liver damage even in the long term.
However, there are a few considerations that you must be aware of. Often people use tramadol preparations that also contain paracetamol (acetaminophen). Using these can increase the chances of liver damage as paracetamol in high dosages can damage the liver.
Tramadol also increases the risk of seizures. You must keep this in mind and reduce the dose of tramadol if you ever take any other medicine that also does the same, to avoid getting a seizure.
Tramadol has a risk of physical dependence and tolerance, though less than that of other opioid analgesics. So, over time you may find that the analgesic effect has decreased. Or you may see that if you miss your dose or reduce your intake, you have increased pain, anxiety, restlessness, dilated pupils, yawning, sneezing, rhinorrhea, goose flesh, loose motions etc. To avoid this, if possible, ensure that you avoid exceeding your present pattern of use.
The other thing is that mild elevations of liver enzymes are not significant. They should be more than three times the upper limit to be considered significant.
So you need not worry and use the medicine to help improve the quality of your life without any qualms.
Please feel free to ask if you need any clarifications.
Best wishes.
Dr Preeti Parakh
MD Psychiatry
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
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