In 2022, nearly 12 million received a prescription for tramadol in the U.S. It is an opioid pain medication that is used to treat moderate to severe and chronic pain. While tramadol is not always the first line of treatment for pain, it is an option when others have not been as effective. Unfortunately, it can also be extremely dangerous if you do not take it as prescribed. One of its significant risks is its interactions with other drugs like alcohol. Mixing alcohol and tramadol together is a very dangerous combination that can easily turn fatal. It leads to respiratory depression, overdose, and death. In this article, we will explore why.
What Is Tramadol – and How Does it Work?
Tramadol is a synthetic opioid pain medication used to treat moderate, severe, or chronic pain. It is sold under the brand names of Ultram, Ultram ER, and Conzip, among others. As other opioids do, it targets the central nervous system (CNS) to suppress the pain signals and relieve pain.
Tramadol is considered a Schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) in the U.S. This means you can only get it under a doctor’s prescription given its high potential for misuse. Tramadol activates the dopamine reward system in the brain, which reinforces the behaviors leading to the same. In simple words, it gives rise to pleasant feelings by increasing the dopamine levels in the brain. So, you might experience cravings or urges to use more than the prescribed dosage of the opioid pain medication. However, tramadol can be extremely dangerous if not taken as prescribed by the doctor and according to the doctor’s instructions.
Can You Mix Tramadol and Alcohol Together?
Tramadol and alcohol interactions can be dangerous when consumed together. While both work differently once consumed, they produce somewhat the same effects, such as:
- Both target the central nervous system.
- Alcohol and tramadol interact with brain functioning related to pain and mood (dopamine).
- Tramadol slows down breathing rate, blood pressure, and heart rate, while alcohol suppresses brain activity.
When taken together, alcohol can worsen tramadol’s side effects, and a person can experience the following:
- Extreme drowsiness and lightheadedness
- Impaired judgment and reasoning
- Impaired coordination and movement
- Slowed breathing
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death.
Tramadol and Alcohol Side Effects
People often mix alcohol with opioids like tramadol to experience intense levels of intoxication. While this can be pleasant for a while, you are bound to experience immediate and long-term unwanted side effects.
The immediate side effects of mixing alcohol and tramadol are as follows:
- Vertigo
- Fatigue
- Irregular breathing
- Abdominal concerns
- Memory loss
- Seizures
- The risk of a substance use disorder.
The long-term side effects of mixing alcohol and tramadol are as follows:
- Numbness
- Tingling sensations
- Disorientation
- Agitation
- Panic attacks
- Hallucinations
- Liver and kidney damage
- Addiction and dependence.
What Are the Severe Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Tramadol?
What happens when you mix tramadol and alcohol is that together they can suppress the CNS to really low levels of activity, which can affect life-supporting systems like the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
Tramadol and alcohol interactions can lead to respiratory depression, wherein one may stop breathing. As the brain needs oxygen to survive and function well, when a person stops breathing, their brain receives oxygen-depleted blood. This leads to brain injury and irreversible brain damage.
Can Alcohol and Tramadol Lead to an Overdose?
Yes, mixing alcohol and tramadol can lead to an overdose, which is a medical emergency. The signs and symptoms of the overdose are:
- Pale or bluish skin
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
If someone is experiencing these symptoms, it may be an indication that they have either overdosed on alcohol or tramadol or both. In this case, you need to contact emergency providers like 9-1-1 immediately. This can be a life-saving move.
So, How Long After Taking Tramadol Can You Drink Alcohol?
Tramadol has a half-life of nearly 6-8 hours, which refers to the time taken for the body to eliminate half of the substance. It takes nearly 4-5 half-lives before tramadol is entirely eliminated from your body, so it is advisable to wait for at least 40 hours after the last dose of tramadol before you consume alcohol.
Certain factors like higher doses of tramadol per day, slower metabolism, and pre-existing liver and kidney conditions mean you have to wait longer than 40 hours before you drink alcohol.
Not waiting long enough can increase the risk of side effects and even severe effects like respiratory depression and overdose. So, it is generally advisable to stay off alcohol if you are on tramadol. For better clarity, you need to speak with your doctor if you take alcohol or other prescription/non-prescription drugs as well. Be open and honest, so that your doctor can direct you appropriately.
Treatment for Alcohol and Tramadol
While it is suggested to stay off alcohol when you are on tramadol, we understand that this is easier said than done, especially in cases of heavy alcohol use or alcohol use disorder that can give rise to withdrawal symptoms if you reduce or quit alcohol suddenly.
However, there are different care options for treating alcohol or tramadol misuse, or even this polysubstance use together. It can be treated in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Treatment typically begins with medical detoxification (detox), where alcohol or tramadol levels are gradually reduced from your body so as to minimize and manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Post detox, you receive psychotherapy, medication management, and social support to uncover and deal with the underlying patterns leading to substance use and develop healthy coping mechanisms where you can deal with life stressors and challenges without resorting to substance use.
A Word From Skyline
If you are struggling with alcohol or tramadol use, you are not alone. As the saying goes, “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” So, do not delay your recovery any longer. Life-changing care is just a call away with Skyline Recovery Center. We provide outpatient rehabilitation options with partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, and standard outpatient treatment services. Reach out to us at (310) 269-00s38 today to journey toward a sober, healthier tomorrow.
References –
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/alcohol
https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/drink-alcohol-tramadol-3565852/