People experience pain due to many reasons, like: injury, arthritis, cancer, or other health complications. In this condition, to manage the pain, it’s very common for doctors to prescribe effective medications that help with healing. There are two remarkable pills for pain management, such as Tramadol and Gabapentin. It is very difficult to conclude whether Gabapentin vs Tramadol which is stronger. This article is all about this: Tramadol Vs Gabapentin. Let’s discuss the difference between Tramadol and gabapentin.
What is the Difference Between Tramadol and Gabapentin
Both Tramadol and Gabapentin are prescribed medications for pain relief. But they used to treat different types of pain. Tramadol is an opioid pain reliever to treat moderate to severe pain, and Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant used to treat certain seizures and nerve pain. Let’s see the difference between them:
What is Tramadol?
Tramadol is a strong opioid based narcotic painkiller under the Schedule IV class of medication, generally used to moderate to moderately severe pain in patients. Doctors prescribed this medicine due to its effectiveness when other drugs don’t work to relieve pain. It is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved synthetic opioid that works by targeting the central nervous system (CNS), altering how the brain perceives pain.
What is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin belongs to the anticonvulsant drug class and is used for other medications that control seizures. It is a prescribed generic drug that comes under the brand name Neurontin and is used to treat postherpetic neuralgia and partial-onset seizures. It affects the chemical receptors in the brain and nerves, helping to calm overactive nerve signals. Gabapentin’s usage extends to treat off-label anxiety, restlessness, alcohol withdrawal, headache, and fibromyalgia.
Difference In Mechanism
Tramadol works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and the spinal cord to block pain signals, while Gabapentin affects the chemical receptors in the brain and nerves by affecting calcium channels.
Primary Use
Gabapentin is used for the treatment of neuropathic pain, seizure disorders, alcohol withdrawal, and off-label anxiety, whereas Tramadol is recommended to treat moderate to severe pain, including chronic pain, post-surgical pain.
Side Effects
After using the Tramadol pill, it shows common side effects like nausea, vomiting, serotonin syndrome, respiratory depression, dizziness, and drowsiness. Gabapentin shows common side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, weight gain, and swelling.
Onset of Action:
The immediate-release tramadol is effective in 1 hour after taking and peak effective in 2-3 hours and lasts up to 4 to 6 hours, whereas extended-release tramadol is effective in 2 hours and peak effective in 6 hours, and lasts up to 24 hrs. The immediate-release Gabapentin is effective in 2-3 hours after taking, and peaks effective in 3-4 hours and lasts up to 6 to 8 hours per dose, whereas extended-release gabapentin is effective slowly in 5 hours and lasts up to 24 hours.
If you are confused about choosing gabapentin vs tramadol, which is better, it is important to see what type of pain you are experiencing. If you are suffering from chronic nerve pain, Gabapentin is the superior choice, but if you want to take medication for short-term pain, then Tramadol will be the best option.
Dosing Information Of Tramadol & Gabapentin
Forms and Strengths of Tramadol Drug:
Tramadol is available in two different forms, immediate-release and extended-release, and comes in more strengths which as shown in the table below.
| Immediate-release (ir) | Extended-release (ER) |
|---|---|
| Tramadol 50 mg | 200 mg |
| 100 mg | 200 mg, 300 mg |
Forms and Strengths of Gabapentin Medication:
Form:- Gabapentin is available in immediate-release oral tablets, extended-release oral tablets, capsules, and oral solutions, and comes in different strengths as follows:
| IR & ER tablets | oral ir capsules | er oral capsules |
|---|---|---|
| 300 mg | 100 mg | 300 mg |
| 600 mg | 300 mg | 600 mg |
| 800 mg | 400 mg | 800 mg |
For pediatric patients, Gabapentin is recommended only in immediate-release form. For children 3-4 years, it is recommended 10-15 mg/kg/day and in aged 5-11 years, it is also 10-15 mg/kg/day.
What Happens If You Take Gabapentin and Tramadol Together?
Sometimes doctors may prescribe Gabapentin and Tramadol together when an individual experiences both types of pain, such as after an injury with nerve damage. On the other hand, when someone takes both medications without a doctor’s prescription, it comes with risks and enhances side effects.
Some Common Side Effects of Both Drugs:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Headache
Some Serious Side Effects of Both Drugs:
- Seizure
- Diarrhea
- Sedation
- Allergic reaction
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Tramadol Vs Gabapentin Overdose
If an individual takes an overdose of Tramadol and Gabapentin, immediate contact with emergency medical help. Recognizing the signs of an overdose is vital for a quick response. Let to know about the symptoms of overdose of tramadol and gabapentin:
- Drowsiness: A sleeping disorder or difficulty staying awake is a common and first symptom after taking an overdose.
- Confusion: when individuals affected due to overdose may appear confused and have trouble understanding basic information.
- Difficulty Breathing: Slow breathing is a dangerous sign indicating that the overdose affects the respiratory system.
- Muscle Weakness: This indicates difficulty moving.
- Dizziness: Feeling faint or weak that may lead to fall injuries.
- Seizures: When high doses are involved, it indicates a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain.
- Heart Rate or Blood Pressure Change: There are changes in heart rate and blood pressure due to overdose, either it is increased or decreased.
If any of these symptoms are observed after taking Tramadol and Gabapentin, it is crucial to seek immediate medical assistance. Overdose treatment typically involves supportive care and, for Tramadol, may include the administration of naloxone, an opioid antagonist.
Precautions for Both Medications
Before using Tramadol and Gabapentin medicine, you should tell your doctor if you have conditions like heart-related disease, kidney disease, depression, and brain disorders. On the other hand, it is important to remember that this medicine is stored at room temperature. Without crushing, chewing, or breaking, people can use it safely. Don’t take an overdose.
Frequently Asked Questions On Tramadol vs Gabapentin
Can you take Tramadol & Gabapentin on the same day?
Yes, it is possible to take both medicines on the same day, and doctors often prescribe to use Tramadol and Gabapentin together for neuropathic or chronic pain.
Which is a stronger pain reliever than Tramadol?
An oxycodone pill is stronger than Tramadol.
What is the best painkiller to take with Gabapentin?
Acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, and naproxen are the best pain killers to take with Gabapentin.
Conclusions
In conclusion, we understand that Tramadol and Gabapentin are used in different pain management methods. Normally, individuals use Tramadol to treat moderate to severe pain. On the other hand, Gabapentin is prescribed for the treatment of nerve pain and also for the treatment of seizures.