Suggest Alternative Medication For Tramadol Taken For Osteoarthritis

Posted on Mon, 4 Apr 2016

Question: I have been taking tramadol 37.5/325 for years for osteoarthritis pain. In the last few months, I have developed constipation, irregular heartbeat, numbness/tingling in my hands& feet, frequent urge to urinate as well as several other possible sides listed on this website. I think that I can't blame them all on the tramadol, but I would like to try an alterative drug if one is available. Even If it's just for a month or two to see what happens. Can you suggest any others I could discuss with my doctor? I also have an RX for percoset for the really bad days. Thanks for any info you can provide.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can take Etoricoxib

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case and I think your constipation can be due to Tramadol but rest all are due to lack of vitamin B 12. There is also chances of urinary tract infection. So I have following suggestions for you.
1.If you want alternative then you can take tablet Etoricoxib 90 mg for pain. it will be better effective then tramadol and less side effect.
2.Get your urine examination as there is chances of urinary infection. If it is present then take antibiotics for it.
3.get your serum b12 estimation and if it is low then take Methylcobal 1500 microgram daily for three months.
Along with Etoricoxib you should also take calcium and vitamin D3. This will strengthen your bone and decrease OA pain. Volitran gel and hot water fomentations is also effective.
I hope this answer will be useful for you.Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thanks

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar