Tramadol and metaxalone

Tramadol and metaxalone

Posted on by John B. Frank
Tramadol and metaxalone

Can you take Metaxalone and Tramadol together?

Metaxalone and tramadol, both medications, are not generally recommended to be taken together. Metaxalone’s mechanism of action involves central nervous system depression. Using narcotic pain medicines with drugs that cause central nervous system depression can lead to serious side effects. Therefore, under normal circumstances, it is not advisable to take metaxalone and tramadol together, as they both have the potential to cause central nervous system depression and numerous other side effects, such as coma and death.

Taking these medications can cause you to feel drowsy and dizzy, which can compromise your judgment. It is important not to take these medications yourself. Ask your doctors about it, and it’s better to take alternatives since they are both dangerous drugs. If the doctors give alternatives, that’s better. If not, their qualifications allow them to recommend precise dosages. The key is to follow the doctors’ advice strictly. If you are taking other medications, inform the doctor when you receive your prescription.

Tramadol

Overview

The opioid family includes Tramadol, which treats pain ranging from acute to severe. It is unique in its dual action mechanism, which works by attaching to the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. It also aids in the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Both help to regulate the mood. Tramadol also comes in two formulations, i.e., immediate release (IR) and extended release (ER). Both formulations have different dosages and serve different purposes.

Brands

In the United States, the following are the Tramadol brands:

  • Ultram 
  • Ultram ER
  • ConZip
  • Qdolo
  • Ryzolt
  • Rybix ODT
  • FusePaq Synapryn

It is important to consult with your doctor. They will prescribe you a certain brand of Tramadol after analyzing your current symptoms and medical history. 

Interactions

Tramadol is a powerful and highly effective drug. So, if you are taking any other medication, you must inform your doctors about it because tramadol can interact with other medicines, causing serious side effects.

  • Taking tramadol with baclofen can cause respiratory depression, dizziness, and drowsiness. 
  • Tramadol and Percocet together can cause sedation and respiratory depression.
  • Taking tramadol with oxycodone can cause sedation and respiratory depression.
  • Taking tramadol with metaxalone can cause sedation, dizziness, drowsiness, and central nervous system depression. 
  • Tramadol and advil (ibuprofen) together can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration. 
  • Tramadol can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration upon interacting with Motrin (naproxen). 
  • Taking tramadol and Tylenol (acetaminophen) together can cause serious damage to the liver.
  • Serious respiratory and central nervous system depression symptoms can occur if tramadol interacts with benzodiazepines, such as diazepam.
  • Tramadol can interact with quinidine to increase the risk of central nervous system depression.
  • Tramadol can also interact with cyclobenzaprine to increase the risk of central nervous system depression. 

Side effects

Tramadol's common side effects include:

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Constipation
  • Sweating
  • Fatigue
  • Dry mouth

Some rare and dangerous side effects are:

  • Seizures
  • Respiratory depression
  • Addiction
  • Serotonin syndrome

Metaxalone

Overview

Metaxalone, a muscle relaxant, is used primarily to relieve muscle spasms and any associated pain. Its function is to depress the central nervous system. This results in muscle relaxation and sedation. Doctors primarily prescribe Metaxalone for rest and physical therapy to alleviate musculoskeletal conditions such as sprains, strains, and muscle injuries. It is e Although it effectively relieves muscle pain, users should exercise caution when using it. It has the potential to cause sedation, drowsiness, and impairment of the senses.

When taken orally, the effects start to manifest 1 or 2 hours after ingestion. Normally, the effects wear off after six hours. Carefully following the doctor's instructions is crucial to prevent side effects.

Brands

In the United States, metaxalone is famous for its brand name, Skelaxin. In the United States, Skelaxin is the most common, recognized, and prescribed name for Metaxalone. Other brand names for metaxalone, depending on the country, are: 

  • Metaxall
  • Metaxalone-800
  • Metadol
  • Metaxa-DS

The brand names may vary from country to country. It’s best to just consult a healthcare professional about the most accurate information regarding these medications. Most likely, a US citizen will receive a prescription for skelaxin.

Interactions:

Following is a list of potential interactions between metaxalone and other medications:

  • The combination of tramadol and metaxalone can cause central nervous system depression, dizziness, and drowsiness.
  • Taking metaxalone with benzodiazepines can increase the sedative effects, as well as the chances of drowsiness or impaired senses.
  • Use of metaxalone with opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone, or codeine can cause sedation, drowsiness, and impaired coordination. 
  • Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac or Zoloft, can interact with metaxalone to cause serotonin syndrome.
  • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), like Amitriptyline or Nortriptyline, interact with metaxalone and increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. 
  • Combining metaxalone with alcohol can increase the sedative effects and increase the risk of dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired judgment. 

Before taking metaxalone with any medication, it is important to inform your doctor.

Side effects:

Metaxalone can cause side effects if not taken properly. Here are a few common side effects of metaxalone:

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Upset stomach
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Headache
  • Nervousness or irritability

Precautions:

  • It is important to inform your healthcare professional if you have a history of allergic reactions to any medications.
  • When taking metaxalone, people with liver or kidney problems need to adjust their dosages and receive close monitoring.
  • Taking metaxalone with alcohol or other sedatives can increase the sedative effect, but it may cause excessive drowsiness. Don’t consume alcohol, and consult your healthcare professional before taking other sedative medications.
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should speak with your healthcare provider before starting metaxalone.
  • Metaxalone can interact with other medications, such as opioids, sedatives, or antidepressants. Inform your doctors about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential side effects. 

Side effects of taking tramadol and metaxalone together:

Serotonin Syndrome:

Serotonin syndrome occurs when an excessive amount of serotonin accumulates in the body. We must prevent this highly dangerous and life-threatening condition. Serotonin is actually a neurotransmitter, and it helps regulate the mood, anxiety, and various body functions. Both tramadol and metaxalone can affect serotonin levels, leading to increased levels of serotonin in the body.

Both tramadol and metaxalone can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. It occurs when tramadol inhibits serotonin reuptake, while metaxalone may indirectly affect serotonin levels. When these medications combine, the body's excessive serotonin accumulation leads to serotonin syndrome.

There are several symptoms of serotonin syndrome:

  • Restlessness
  • Agitation
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • An increase in blood pressure
  • Sweating
  • The skin is reddish.
  • Loss of coordination
  • Seizures

If you happen to experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Treatment is necessary to prevent complications, as it is considered a very dangerous situation.

Central Nervous System Depression:

Central Nervous System (CNS) depression is a side effect where reduced activity or depression of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) occurs. A decrease in brain function serves as a diagnostic. It shows numerous symptoms, ranging from sedation to a severe loss of consciousness and vital functions.

When tramadol and metaxalone interact together, there is a high risk of CNS depression due to the combined effects of both medications on the central nervous system. Tramadol is an opioid analgesic drug that possesses sedative properties. On the other hand, metaxalone is a muscle relaxant that can also cause central nervous system depression. Combining these medications can result in central nervous system depression.

Symptoms of CNS depression include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Sedation
  • Impaired coordination
  • Confusion
  • Slurred speech
  • Slowed reflexes
  • Low blood pressure
  • Low heart rate
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Coma

These are pretty dangerous symptoms, and if you experience any of them, consult your doctor. Not everyone will experience the same kind of CNS depression. After taking these medications together, it can vary from person to person. Therefore, it's important to adhere to your doctor's instructions.

Respiratory distress:

Respiratory distress is a condition when there is difficulty breathing or an insufficient amount of oxygen in the body's tissues. It can range from mild symptoms, such as shortness of breath, to severe respiratory failure. Combining these drugs significantly increases the risk of respiratory distress. In severe cases, the suppression of respiratory function eventually leads to slowed breathing, insufficient oxygen intake, and potentially respiratory failure.

Respiratory distress symptoms may include the following:

  • Shortness of breath 
  • Rapid or shallow breathing
  • Wheezing 
  • Chest pain 
  • Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the lips or skin.
  • Rapid heart rate 
  • Mental confusion
  • Anxiety
  • Restlessness

If you experience any symptoms of respiratory distress, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Cognitive impairment:

Cognitive impairment is a condition when there are difficulties in thinking, memory, concentration, and other cognitive functions. It has the potential to significantly impact an individual's mental abilities. These abilities include attention, problem-solving, language skills, and decision-making, among others.

The sedative properties of both medications increase the likelihood of cognitive impairment when used together.

Symptoms of cognitive impairment may include:

  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory lapses 
  • Slowed thinking
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty in making decisions
  • Reduced attention span 
  • Mental fog
  • Impaired coordination

It's important to note that cognitive impairment can have an impact on daily activities. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for proper guidance. 

Coma:

A coma is a severe medical condition that occurs when a person is unresponsive to anything and is in a prolonged state of unconsciousness. An individual cannot awaken from this state of deep unconsciousness.

When used together, the effects of tramadol and metaxalone on the central nervous system can be additive, which leads to a higher risk of severe sedation, decreased brain activity, and potential loss of consciousness. The next stage could easily be a coma.

Symptoms of coma may include:

  • There is complete unresponsiveness to external stimuli (sound, touch, pain).
  • No reactions
  • No eye movements.
  • There is no verbal communication.
  • Normal reflexes are absent.
  • Absent breathing patterns
  • Impaired vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure)

Dizziness and drowsiness:

Dizziness and drowsiness are common side effects of tramadol and metaxalone. Here's a quick explanation of these terms and how taking these drugs together can cause these symptoms:

Dizziness is a sensation of lightheadedness, imbalance, or feeling unsteady. It can feel like a whirling sensation, faintness, or as if you're about to lose consciousness. Many factors, such as blood pressure, inner ear disturbances, or disruptions in the central nervous system, can cause dizziness.

Drowsiness is a state of extreme sleepiness or feeling excessively tired. Drowsiness can also impair cognitive function, which then affects a person's ability to perform daily tasks safely. 

Conclusion:

In conclusion, taking tramadol and metaxalone together can lead to various potential effects and risks. It is crucial to be aware of these possibilities, and you should be cautious when using these medications together. Taking tramadol and metaxalone together can potentially increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, central nervous system depression, respiratory distress, cognitive impairment, etc. 

It is important that you are aware of these potential risks and side effects. Seek medical advice if you have experienced any symptoms. Consult with a healthcare professional. They will advise you on how to use these medications safely and appropriately.