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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Phillipa on May 3, 2013, at 9:37:01
I know tramdol was mentioned to me by the spinal doc as a med they sometimes use for pain. But I've heard it works well with lexapro for depression. I always thought that the combo could cause serotonin syndrome? Is it true or not or does it depend on the dose used? Thanks Phillipa
Posted by brynb on May 3, 2013, at 12:10:39
In reply to Tramadol + Lexapro For Depression?, posted by Phillipa on May 3, 2013, at 9:37:01
hi Phillipa-
Tramadol is decent for pain--it's not that strong. Though it's often contraindicated for use with Lexapro (and other ADs), at a low dose it doesn't pose a problem. I currently take the lowest dose of Tramadol, which is 50 mg, with 20 mg of Lexapro.
I find the Tramadol helps me with leg pain, but much more importantly, it's great for my mood. I've taken this combo many times without a problem and never had to raise my Tramadol dose. That said, the higher the dose, the greater your risk for seizures and serotonin syndrome. I've also been given up to 150 mg of Tramadol for pain while in the hospital (and on Lexapro). So, in my experience, and from what I've heard, they're safe together when the dose of Tramadol is low.
Posted by Phillipa on May 3, 2013, at 20:50:55
In reply to Re: Tramadol + Lexapro For Depression? » Phillipa, posted by brynb on May 3, 2013, at 12:10:39
Brynb I wonder why all the cautions on using an SSRI while on Tramadol? Phillipa
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on May 6, 2013, at 19:55:17
In reply to Tramadol + Lexapro For Depression?, posted by Phillipa on May 3, 2013, at 9:37:01
Tramadol plus an SSRI *can* cause seretonin syndrome, if you're unlucky
Tramadol or an SSRI with an MAIO *will* cause seretonin syndrome, so never even consider taking them together
Posted by brynb on May 6, 2013, at 20:41:23
In reply to Re: Tramadol + Lexapro For Depression?, posted by jono_in_adelaide on May 6, 2013, at 19:55:17
> Tramadol plus an SSRI *can* cause seretonin syndrome, if you're unlucky
>
> Tramadol or an SSRI with an MAIO *will* cause seretonin syndrome, so never even consider taking them togetherHi jono-
This is true, but as you pointed out, with SRIs, you'd be *very* unlucky to get SS with Tramadol (it's uncommon). And naturally, risks are greater with higher doses (which shouldn't be taken w/ SRIs). Doses of 100mg or less of Tramadol with an SRI are pretty safe, as long as patients are aware there are certain risks. And yes, it's a big no-no with MAOIs!!
-b
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on May 7, 2013, at 18:21:21
In reply to Re: Tramadol + Lexapro For Depression? » jono_in_adelaide, posted by brynb on May 6, 2013, at 20:41:23
If you wanted to play safe, Remeron + tramadol would be a good combo
This is the end of the thread.
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