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Suggest An Alternative Medication For Tramadol Taken For Pain Management

Posted on Wed, 18 May 2016

Question: I have arthritis in my back and degenetive disk issues. I also have GERD, so I cannot take anti- inflamatories. I will have a new MRI and a steroid injection I two weeks, in the mean time. The pain is debilitating. Other than Tramado, is there anything else I ca tak to help with the pain?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Simple Paracetamol won't hurt....

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX, Welcome to HCM,

Well it is a highly painful condition and I'm really sorry for the trouble that you're in to currently.

Now even if you're having GERD , still you can simply try Tab PARACETAMOL 650mg Three times daily after food (it's the safest of the lot).

Also take Cap PANTOPRAZOLE 40 MG Once Daily 30min before breakfast as prophylactic therapy for GERD .

Give it a try for a few days you should get relief .

However if still no relief then low dose GABAPENTIN can be started(provide you're having a good renal function, otherwise further dosage modification is needed) , to start with , 150mg twice daily - it's Prescription medication , so you'll need your PCP to write a prescription for this.

Pain is the most annoying problem specially when it affects day t oday activity.

Don't worry , there are several alternatives available besides Tramadol (and anti-inflammatories don't always work in chronic pain ).

But before taking any kind of pain killer , please ensure that you're having a good Cardiac , Renal as well as Hepatic functions.

Take Care
My Best Regards

Please feel free to discuss anything, I'll be glad to help.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Arnab (24 hours later)

Thank you. This was helpful. I had a prescription for Gabapentin and it really helped with the nerve pain. Now, though, the large muscle on the left side of my back keeps cramping. I've tried Bengay, a massager, and a Salonpas srip. With everything else I'm taking, can I take a muscle relaxer?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
wait up for another 48 hrs..

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear , Welcome back to HCM,

I'm glad that the pain is relieving , however at this point I'd advice you to wait for another 48 hrs and be vigilant because full effect of Gabapentin will take 24-48 hrs.

So just be watchful and wait for the time being as I don't think you'll be needing another muscle relaxant immediately on top of this.

Avoid strenuous activities and meanwhile continue physiotherapy as well as back massager like you're already using..

Also try to take Calcium rich foods i.e. milk products, cheese , yogurt (you can google for the whole list of food items), it'll help in long term..

Let me know in due course how you stay..

Take care..

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee