Khaberni - Scientists warn that the simultaneous use of two common medications can raise the risk of neurological episodes significantly, posing a potential threat to millions of patients, particularly among the elderly.
A recent study revealed that combining tramadol, a common opioid pain reliever for moderate to severe pain, with liver enzyme CYP2D6 inhibiting antidepressants could increase the risk of neurological episodes by between 6% and 9%. These inhibitors include drugs like fluoxetine, paroxetine, bupropion, sertraline, and fluvoxamine.
Researchers analyzed data from over 70,000 elderly patients over ten years and found that combining these types of drugs significantly increases the risk of episodes, regardless of the order in which the medications were taken. In the group of patients who took tramadol first and then added an antidepressant, episodes were recorded in 16% of them, while the percentage increased to 20% for those who started with an antidepressant and then took tramadol.
Dr. Yu-Jung Jenny Wei, an expert in geriatric pharmacology at Ohio State University, said, "Our findings emphasize the need for caution in prescribing medications, especially for the elderly with multiple diseases. Doctors should be aware of the potential risks when combining tramadol with CYP2D6 inhibiting antidepressants."
The study explained that the potential reason lies in that CYP2D6 inhibitors interfere with tramadol metabolism, leading to its accumulation in the body and increasing the likelihood of serious side effects, including neurological episodes.
In a related context, a Danish study indicated that tramadol may be ineffective in treating chronic pain, while it increases the risk of serious side effects, including heart diseases, which raises questions about whether its benefits may outweigh its potential harms.
