Does Tramadol have Aspirin in it? 

Does Tramadol have Aspirin in it? 

No, Tramadol does not contain Aspirin. These are two different medications belonging to different classes and work in entirely different ways. Tramadol is a prescription medication and is an Opioid analgesic. 

Aspirin, on the other hand, is an over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Although both of them can be used for pain management, they are quite different when it comes to the actual pain-relief effect they cause. 

Why is Tramadol prescribed and how does it affect your body? 

Tramadol is an Opioid analgesic and it works by binding to the opioid receptors present in your body – the receptors Morphine binds to (1). However, Tramadol is a thousand times less effective than Morphine, and it doesn’t affect your brain as typical Opioids do. 

Tramadol, being a narcotic, can be used for moderate to severe pain, like postoperative pain or pain associated with a severe injury. The duration of treatment can depend on the condition of the patient taking it. 

However, Tramadol should be used cautiously because it’s a Schedule-IV controlled substance and it has a high potential for addiction and abuse. Tramadol is associated with a number of side effects, which may vary with dosage strengths. 

Common side effects 

  • Drowsiness 
  • Nervousness 
  • Shakiness
  • Headaches
  • Bloating 
  • Dizziness 
  • Muscle stiffness 
  • Dry mouth 
  • Upset stomach 
  • Mood changes 

Serious and rare side effects 

  • An allergic reaction 
  • Swelling in different parts of the body 
  • Hallucinations 
  • Agitation 
  • Arrhythmia 
  • Confusion 
  • High fever
  • Severe muscle twitching 
  • Loss of consciousness 
  • Loss of coordination 
  • Unusual behaviour 
  • Convulsions 

These side effects can vary from person to person. If you’re new to Tramadol and you begin to feel unusual, talk to your healthcare provider. 

Why is Aspirin used and how does it affect your body? 

Aspirin is an OTC medication that can be used for pain, fever, and inflammation. Aspirin can also be used as a blood thinner in people having coronary artery disease or those who are at risk of cardiac diseases (2). 

Aspirin basically inhibits Prostaglandins which are important mediators of pain and inflammation. This NSAID is associated with some side effects, most of which are gastrointestinal in nature. 

This is because Aspirin inhibits Prostaglandins, which form the protective lining around your stomach. This can make your stomach more sensitive to the negative effects of Aspirin. The most commonly reported side effects are 

Common side effects 

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting 
  • Abdominal pain
  • Acid reflux 
  • Flatulence 

Rare and serious side effects 

  • An allergic reaction or hypersensitivity 
  • Arrhythmia or abnormal heartbeat
  • Irregular breathing 
  • Tremors 
  • Bloody vomiting 
  • Loss of hearing
  • Black or tarry stools – indicating gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Ulceration 

Make sure you don’t take Aspirin if you already have a stomach condition, like ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Using Aspirin can exacerbate these conditions and cause you more pain. 

Aspirin should also not be used in people with blood disorders, or with other medications which may also cause blood thinning or increase the risk of bleeding. If you’re concerned about anything, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

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References

1.-

PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 33741, Tramadol; [cited 2023 Mar. 03]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Tramadol

2.-

PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 2244, Aspirin; [cited 2023 Mar. 03]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Aspirin