Tramadol falls under a class of drugs known as opiate antagonists, and these are used to treat minor to severe pain. When using tramadol, you must avoid drinking alcohol at all costs. The effects of mixing alcohol and tramadol are more significant than the individual effects when used separately. Tramadol works by affecting pain receptors in our brain and inhibiting your sense of pain, which is very similar to other narcotic painkillers such as morphine.
Consuming alcohol when using tramadol increases your risk of experiencing severe or life-threatening side effects. It’s essential to understand that both alcohol and tramadol work as central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which means the substances impact our brain and slow things down. What’s even worse, however, is that these two substances may cause respiratory depression and cause you difficulty breathing. Individuals using tramadol for pain relief are reminded not to consume alcohol before or after using the medication.
Alcohol consumption, taking prescription or nonprescription medication containing alcohol, or using street drugs during your pain management with tramadol increases the odds you will experience some life-threatening side effects. You must not drink alcohol or use other prescription medication unless a doctor instructs you otherwise.
Side Effects of Tramadol and Alcohol Consumption
As you mentioned above, using the two drugs at the same time increases your chances of developing severe side effects. Some of these include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Breathing problems
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Severely low blood pressure
- Diarrhea
- Memory loss
- Seizures
- Dangerous behavior that may put others are risk
After consuming tramadol, many individuals notice that the effects of alcohol become more pronounced. They report becoming extremely intoxicated even with a small amount of alcohol, which is why this medication comes with labeling that you should not take tramadol until your body is alcohol-free.
Withdrawal Symptoms and Other Tramadol Warnings
Those who have developed a tolerance to alcohol and tramadol should never stop using the two cold turkey, or without the assistance of professionals. Those undergoing the process of alcohol withdrawal are instructed not to use tramadol to avoid seizures. If you stop using tramadol suddenly, you will go through symptoms similar to alcohol withdrawal.
Other drugs that are dangerous to mix with alcohol and tramadol include:
- Fentanyl
- Codeine
- Dilaudid
- Heroin
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- OxyContin
- Vicodin
- Percocet
Treatment for Alcohol and Tramadol Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal alone is one of the most dangerous substances to stop using alone. When you combine that with another potent opiate antagonist, it can make stopping nearly impossible. While addiction was considered a life-sentence in the past, treatment has increased steadily in terms of success rates.
If you want to stop using tramadol and alcohol but are afraid of withdrawals, you must check yourself into medical detox. During this phase of treatment, you will have 24-hour around-the-clock care by professionals, who will provide medication and monitor your status to ensure safety.
The physicians that oversee this process will help you find meaning in life after addiction. You may be moved to another level of care that will monitor your progress, or go home. Only a licensed medical professional can make this determination. If you need help, you must reach out immediately.
