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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Had Seizures. Using Tramadol And Suboxone, Pain Medication Addiction. What Is The Solution?

Hello Doc- I had 2 seizures (2009 & 2010) from over using tramadol with black cohosh for night seats. It probably would have been more serious if my daughter had not been home with me. Why is this drug not on high-alert for seizures as oppose to just a side effect, that most patients probably think they are not at a risk? I am grateful to say that I am now 1.5 yrs clean from pain medicine addiction with 12-step & suboxone program! thanks
posted on Tue, 6 Aug 2013
Twitter Sun, 18 Aug 2013 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 19 Aug 2013 Last reviewed on
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Neurologist,  's  Response
Hi,

Thank you for sharing your experience about tramadol related seizures. I agree with you that there is a risk of seizures with tramadol and all patients who take this drug should be aware of this side effect. In addition, all physicians especially emergency physicians should also be aware of this complication.

However, looking at the number of people who use tramadol, and the minimal number of patients who get seizures, it is considered to be a safe drug. The risk of seizures after tramadol use is more when it is given rapidly through IV route, or if a higher dose is used, or in someone with a previous history of seizures.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
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Had Seizures. Using Tramadol And Suboxone, Pain Medication Addiction. What Is The Solution?

Hi, Thank you for sharing your experience about tramadol related seizures. I agree with you that there is a risk of seizures with tramadol and all patients who take this drug should be aware of this side effect. In addition, all physicians especially emergency physicians should also be aware of this complication. However, looking at the number of people who use tramadol, and the minimal number of patients who get seizures, it is considered to be a safe drug. The risk of seizures after tramadol use is more when it is given rapidly through IV route, or if a higher dose is used, or in someone with a previous history of seizures. Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) Senior Consultant Neurologist