MajorGabapentinoids (antiepileptics)×Other opioids
Updated · Methodology
Mechanism
Additive CNS depression. Gabapentin does not lower the seizure threshold, but opioid-gabapentinoid combinations are associated with respiratory depression risk, especially in older patients.
Symptoms
Drowsiness, slowed breathing (rate below 12/min), cyanosis of lips. Severe cases include respiratory arrest. Older patients: fall risk.
Management
The combination is possible in neuropathic pain. Keep doses minimal, start low. Warn the patient about drowsiness and ataxia. Older patients: enhanced fall monitoring.
Check the full regimen, not just this pair
Opens the checker with these two drugs prefilled. Add the rest of the regimen and recompute additive risks.
Summary of a multi-drug list →
Medicine list: everything you take in one place →
Sources
- FDA: Tramadol hydrochloride tablet (Amneal Pharmaceuticals NY LLC) – Prescribing Information (2017)– ; DailyMed setid 8ec4e4e5-a56e-4198-8428-6b770b9bf27d
- AEMPS: Ficha técnica: Tramadol (nº registro 63440), sección 4.5 (2024)– AEMPS, CIMA, nº registro 63440, revisión 09/2024, sección 4.5