Tramadol, Pharmacology, Side Effects, and Serotonin Syndrome: A Review.

Article Details

Citation

Beakley BD, Kaye AM, Kaye AD

Tramadol, Pharmacology, Side Effects, and Serotonin Syndrome: A Review.

Pain Physician. 2015 Jul-Aug;18(4):395-400.

PubMed ID
26218943 [ View in PubMed
]
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Serotonin syndrome is a mild to potentially life-threatening syndrome associated with excessive serotonergic activity within the central nervous system. Serotonin syndrome is associated with medication use, drug interactions, and overdose. While serotonin syndrome is often associated with the use of selective serotonin inhibitors (SSRI), an increasing number of reports are being presented involving the use of tramadol. METHODS: This review article contains an overview of serotonin syndrome while specifically looking at tramadol's pharmacology and risk factors for serotonin syndrome. With tramadol's increasing popularity, the goal of this article is to make physicians more alert and aware of this potential side effect associated with tramadol. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, with the increasing incidence of serotonin syndrome, prescribing physicians should be aware of and educate their patients on the potential side effects of tramadol. It is important that the prescribing physician reviews patient medications for concurrent serotonergic drugs and monitors for potential abuse.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drugs
Drug Reactions
Reaction
Details
Drug Interactions
DrugsInteraction
Tramadol
Cyclobenzaprine
The risk or severity of serotonin syndrome and seizure can be increased when Cyclobenzaprine is combined with Tramadol.
Tramadol
Buprenorphine
The risk or severity of serotonin syndrome can be increased when Buprenorphine is combined with Tramadol.
Tramadol
Methotrimeprazine
The risk or severity of serotonin syndrome can be increased when Methotrimeprazine is combined with Tramadol.
Tramadol
Rotigotine
The risk or severity of serotonin syndrome can be increased when Rotigotine is combined with Tramadol.
Tramadol
Tapentadol
The risk or severity of serotonin syndrome can be increased when Tapentadol is combined with Tramadol.