“Medications question?”
I am prescribed suboxone and was given a script for tramadol for a tooth issue. Is it safe to take it if I haven’t taken suboxone in a couple of days?
Female | 23 years old
Medications: Tramadol and suboxone
3 Answers
The Naloxone in Suboxone has a half life of 5-12 hours and a general rule of thumb is 5 half lives before the medication is cleared from your system. However, naloxones primary use is to block the effects of injected opioids. As I don’t specialize in pain management I don’t have a great answer for you, other than yes, it is safe to take, but since tramadol is metabolized into morphine by your liver, and possibly still having naloxone in your system, you may not notice any of the analgesic effects of the tramadol.
Hello, thank you for reaching out,
Tramadol may reinitiate opiate dependence in patients previously addicted. It may also provoke withdrawal symptoms if currently on suboxone. I would avoid taking them together due to the sedation and, as I mentioned, the risks above. If you have not taken suboxone in a couple days, considering that, it’s okay, however, if you see symptoms of withdrawal, please reach out to your doctor.
Thank you,
Dr. Eshita Patel
Tramadol may reinitiate opiate dependence in patients previously addicted. It may also provoke withdrawal symptoms if currently on suboxone. I would avoid taking them together due to the sedation and, as I mentioned, the risks above. If you have not taken suboxone in a couple days, considering that, it’s okay, however, if you see symptoms of withdrawal, please reach out to your doctor.
Thank you,
Dr. Eshita Patel
Ashraf Alfred
Hospice and Palliative Care Specialist | Hospice and Palliative Medicine
Alta Loma, CA
I believe it is okay as long as it's for a short time while handling your tooth issue. Highly recommend to be taken only when needed, and you can alternate with other otc pain meds like motrin or tylenol.
