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Can Tramadol For Pinched Nerve Cause Loss Of Appetite?
My husband, a 78 year ole man, has a pinched nerve in his spine. He is taking tramadol (ultram) for pain. He has lost his appetite and lost 15 lbs. since this happened. Could the drug have anything to do with this. At present he is taking only one at night.
Mon, 1 Sep 2014
Hi,
Tramadol does not directly cause a loss of appetite. However, it can cause some nausea which may affect appetite although taking it at night may mean this is not a factor. If the pinched nerve is causing chronic back pain then the state of being in constant pain is enough to reduce appetite.
I suggest he continue with the Tramadol if he finds the pain relief helpful and try some dietary adjustments such as high calorie foods and specific high calorie drinks available from pharmacies or health shops.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger
Tramadol does not directly cause a loss of appetite. However, it can cause some nausea which may affect appetite although taking it at night may mean this is not a factor. If the pinched nerve is causing chronic back pain then the state of being in constant pain is enough to reduce appetite.
I suggest he continue with the Tramadol if he finds the pain relief helpful and try some dietary adjustments such as high calorie foods and specific high calorie drinks available from pharmacies or health shops.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger
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