Lithium and tramadol?

[LoopyLoux]

Hi all, I have done some damage to my back and my GP prescribed me tramadol this morning. I've taken my initial dose and noticed that it can be dangerous to take with lithium (that I take for bipolar disorder) - now I know he's a doctor, but he can be very wishy washy at times and I'm just a bit paranoid. Has anyone taken these medications together before and been ok? It mentions serotonin syndrome and increased risk of seizures. I'm a worry pot so naturally I'm concerned now and any help or advice would be fab. Thanks x

Nip to a pharmacy, they are very highly trained and know more than drs about interactions

Or even just call a pharmacy, agree with above, they will know.

Thank you! I will do that now, I know it sounds bad as a doctors prescribed but I am just concerned now x

Hope you have been reassured OP. Serotonin syndrome is very rare and it would not even occur to me to be worried about either lithium / tramadol which aren’t really serotonergic medications. The usual concerns about lithium interactions are re medications which may affect lithium metabolism (eg a medication that potential affects the kidneys like ibuprofen could affect the lithium levels). But tramadol doesn’t do this so really I can’t see any concerns.

That's interesting @UmbilicusProfundus

I was the other way around, and already taking daily Tramadol when I was started onto Lithium.

It was decided that they weren't too happy about the potential interaction, and so I had my whole pain med regime changed as a precaution (to something much less effective it must be said).

Hope you managed to speak to someone OP, and that you're feeling better soon

I was safely on both for months (didn’t know about a potential interaction!)