You can use many medications to treat pain, but not all are effective for everyone. Tramadol and medical marijuana are possible treatments that have shown promise for some people.
Tramadol is a prescription medication you can typically use to treat moderate to severe pain. It changes the way the brain responds to pain signals. Some people find tramadol an effective pain reliever, but it does not work for everyone.
Medical marijuana is another option that is helpful for some people with pain. Marijuana contains cannabinoids, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system plays a role in regulating pain, inflammation, and other bodily functions.
Some people find that tramadol and medical marijuana provide the best pain relief. However, talking to a doctor before starting any new treatment is vital, as there can be potential risks and side effects. Tramadol and medical marijuana are two possible treatments for pain relief, but they may not work for everyone. So, speak with a doctor to determine which option is best for you.
And read this article to understand how you can use tramadol and medical marijuana for pain relief.
What is Tramadol?
Tramadol is a synthetic opioid pain reliever. It’s also known as Conzip, Ultram, and Rybix ODT, and adults can use it to treat moderate to severe pain. It works by changing the way the brain responds to pain signals.
You can take tramadol with or without food. Tramadol’s extended-release form (Conzip, Ultram ER) is for around-the-clock pain treatment. This tramadol form is not for use on an as-needed pain relief basis.
It is similar to codeine and morphine but has less potential for abuse and addiction. Tramadol works by binding to the brain and spinal cord opioid receptors, which helps block pain signals.
How Might Tramadol and Medical Marijuana be Used for Pain Relief?
You may use tramadol and medical marijuana together or separately for pain relief. Some people find that using both provides the best comfort, while others find that one works better for them.
However, studies show that there are potential benefits and risks.
Potential Benefits
Combining morphine and a synthetic form of THC in monkeys proved to be a more effective treatment for opioid medication users than using the drugs alone, according to a 2019 study.
And if you’re worried about the side effects of lowering tramadol use, you can use cannabis to help those withdrawal symptoms, according to a 2018 review paper.
Potential Risks
You may want to lower your tramadol use if you do decide to use cannabis with it because both tramadol and cannabis can lead to drowsiness, confusion, and impaired motor skills.
And because both tramadol and medical marijuana affect your memory, you could take too much tramadol and not remember it. Too much tramadol is a killer. Too much medical marijuana has never done such a thing.
If you are worried about possible interactions, you should talk to your doctor before using medical marijuana while taking tramadol.
Tramadol Cautions
You should also be cautious if you take other medications and tramadol. That’s because tramadol can cause dangerous side effects from drug interactions with other drugs.
And if you have certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, kidney disease, or seizures, you should not use medical marijuana with tramadol.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for pain relief, using both tramadol and medical marijuana may help more than either drug alone. But be sure to talk to your doctor first and start with a low dose to avoid any possible interactions or adverse side effects.
If you’re experiencing chronic pain, make an appointment with one of the doctors here at Medwell Health & Wellness centers. We provide medical evaluations for Medical Marijuana certifications in Massachusetts and Florida.
Aaron Bloom serves as the CEO, overseeing the mission and growth of DocMJ and Medwell Health and Wellness Centers. Aaron’s passion for improving patients’ lives comes from his background in health care. For more than 20 years, Aaron owned, operated, and represented traditional healthcare organizations. This experience created a passion for finding improved ways to relieve suffering. His goal as CEO is to work daily to relieve all patients who seek better health and wellness through the medicinal benefits of medical cannabis and evidence-based alternative medicines.
