Suggest Medicines For Chronic Knee Pain Without Any Side Effects

Posted on Sat, 12 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 12 Apr 2014 Answered on

Fri, 2 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, in the past, I took Tramadol for my chronic pain. It was discontinued due to itching. I was put on dihydrocodeine but it also started gap making me itch. My GP gave me allergy tablets to help with the itch. They worked for a few days & my XXXXXXX is itching again. Ps advice. I am in severe pain due to unsuccessful knee surgery two years ago. Thank you XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: Possible allergic reaction to opioids Detailed Answer: Hi dear XXXX, I have gone through your medical history carefully! Tramadol is an opioid-like drug with the same effects as codeine or other opioids. If you are experiencing itching while taking these drug, it means that you are allergic to them. Let me explain that there are 3 main classes of opioid analgesics based on their chemical composition: - phenanthrenes (e.g. codeine, morphine, etc.) - phenylpiperidine (e.g. fentanyl, meperidine, etc.) - phenylheptanones (e.g. methadone, etc.) If you are sensitive to codeine, then, can ask your doctor if you can try other class groups. I usually try combination therapy in order to minimize cross-sensitivity. A short term course of injectable analgesics can also help you get pain-free when your pain is unbearable. God bless you! Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar