Drug interactions
Amobarbital + Tramadol
Severity: Major
Amobarbital and Tramadol: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Both drugs depress the central nervous system, so combined use can cause deeper sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Barbiturates also induce CYP3A4, which may lower tramadol exposure and reduce analgesia while the sedative burden stays high.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amobarbital and Tramadol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Amobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System; Tramadol belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression, with barbiturate induction of tramadol metabolism.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if it is needed, use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time and monitor sedation and respiratory rate. Counsel patients against driving and alcohol.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Tramadol
- Isocarboxazid + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Safinamide + Tramadol Contraindicated
Other interactions of Amobarbital
- Amobarbital + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Isavuconazonium Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amobarbital with Tramadol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amobarbital and Tramadol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both drugs depress the central nervous system, so combined use can cause deeper sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Barbiturates also induce CYP3A4, which may lower tramadol exposure and reduce analgesia while the sedative burden stays high.
How serious is the interaction between Amobarbital and Tramadol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible; if it is needed, use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time and monitor sedation and respiratory rate. Counsel patients against driving and alcohol.
What other medicines interact with Tramadol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tramadol with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Tramadol page.
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