Pregabalin and tramadol together?

[Lily1986]

Hello.

I’m just wondering whether anyone takes Pregabalin and tramadol together?

My GP has now refused to prescribe me tramadol as it can’t be taken with Pregabalin???!!

I take zapain and pregabalin daily and have always taken tramadol for the days when nothing works and I can barely walk.

However, I had an appointment with my endo specialist consultant who told me to continue this medication and he wrote to my gp.

I’m unsure why this is an issue now and wasn’t before and I’ve never had an adverse reaction.

Does anyone know much about this or if an alternative for the tramadol that can be taken on my worst days?

This particular GP seems to complicate every single request I make, extremely frustrating!

Xx

[Skye22]

I would change my gp especially if your consultant has agreed what medication is suitable for your pain!!!

I take slow release tramadol (100mg) in the morning and at bedtime. I can also take up to four 50mg tablets throughout the day depending on how bad my pain is. I also take amitryptiline (50mg) in the morning and (75mg)at bedtime.

I did try pregabalin but had to stop as they interfered with my tramadol (side effects).

You could have a look on Internet to see if there is any advice on medication but ultimately you should have another conversation with your Gp for a medication review, and see if there are alternative combinations of pain meds you could take. Good luck and good health!!

[Lily1986 in reply to Skye22]

Aw thank you that’s very helpful.

Think I will ring and speak to a different GP.

I’ve had issues with the one in question for years and always try to avoid her but recently she seems to be dealing with all the online prescription requests (probably because no one wants an appointment with her).

She’s recently sent me double the strength of Pregabalin and also told me I’m slightly too early for my new request of it even though I get them mail ordered so need to allow a couple of days. She’s also refused to read out my important results out over the telephone and the list goes on. Everything feels a battle!

How do you find amitriptyline? Xx

[Skye22 in reply to Lily1986]

Amitryptiline is a good pain block and the higher dose at night helps me to sleep. It took a while to get the right dosage during the day as can make you sleepy.

Tramadol is prescribed for me as I have allergies to both paracetamol and codeine so reduces what medications I can take.

Hope you get meds sorted out its ridiculous that we face so many battles with our conditions from getting a diagnoses, treatments and meds,even getting someone (doctor) to actually listen to what we are saying!!!!

[Add-on]

Didn’t think a GP could over-rule a consultant, but some surgeries have their own prescribing protocols and there is a move to cut back or opioids or painkillers. Ring the surgery and ask, or change your GP.

[Buuldog]

GP,s have been told to cut down on prescribing tramadol, I used to have it on a repeat prescription but this has been cancelled. Like you I only ever took it when in a very bad way, i am adverse to taking any chemicals and it is a last resort.

Suggest you discuss this further with your GP ask him why he will not prescribe it on a limited basis.

[Suzydeans]

What a lot of nonsense - I would change my GP. I take the combination and it’s keeping me sane! I have been prescribed both by the Oxford Pain Clinic at the Churchill Hospital. Now a specialist has written to your GP I hope life will become a bit less complicated. I’m sure you just don’t need this on top of your pain.

[Servantofhis]

Hi Lily. Its probably due to the fact that Tramadol is a controlled substance. Doctors do not want to prescribe any, no matter how bad the pain is. I am allergic to non steroid Anti-inflammatory medication, and I am in severe pain sometimes. The doctors treat everyone as if we are addicts. They are actually afraid to prescribe any narcotic for pain, due to drug abuse and the new drug laws. It is really sad. I hope that you get the help that you need and the answers.

[Lily1986]

Thank you everyone, you’ve each been very helpful and reassuring.

It is ridiculous that we face these battles on top of everything else.

Pretty certain if the GP experienced this height of pain she’d be taking at least tramadol.

Best wishes for pain free days to you all xx

[Lipsyl]

Hi Lily, I read your post and responses with a bit of deja vu! I was on liquid Morphine (oromorph) Dihydrocodeine and Gabapentin, along with another 8 different tablets! I was actually on liquid morphine for well over a year and half when my GP gradually weaned me off and put me on Zomorph, slow release morphine 12 hours apart. He then went on to adding Amatriptylin 75mg at night. As I was on so much medication he referred me to a pain releif physician, probably with the notion that my meds would be cut! The opposite happened! he upped my Amatriptyline to 2 in the morning (50mg). I know for a fact the powers that be are trying to stop the nation becoming addicted to opoids. I don't know where my pain will take me, even on the cocktail I take I still have pain! I hope you get sorted soon hun. Good luck.