Drug interactions
Sumatriptan + Tramadol
Severity: Moderate
Sumatriptan and Tramadol: moderate interaction.
Last updated
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 enhance serotonergic transmission, so the combination may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Case reports are limited, but tramadol may also lower the seizure threshold.
What this interaction means in plain words
Sumatriptan and Tramadol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Sumatriptan belongs to Central Nervous System; Tramadol belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from tramadol reuptake inhibition and triptan 5-HT1B/1D agonism.
What to do
Counsel the patient to report agitation, tremor, sweating or fever, and monitor after starting or increasing either drug. Stop one drug if serotonin syndrome is suspected.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Sumatriptan
- Almotriptan + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergoloid mesylates + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Sumatriptan with Tramadol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Sumatriptan and Tramadol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Both drugs enhance serotonergic transmission, so the combination may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Case reports are limited, but tramadol may also lower the seizure threshold.
How serious is the interaction between Sumatriptan and Tramadol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel the patient to report agitation, tremor, sweating or fever, and monitor after starting or increasing either drug. Stop one drug if serotonin syndrome is suspected.
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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