ULTRAM

Ultram (tramadol) is a weak opioid analgesic.  Combining tramadol with SSRI antidepressants can be dangerous.  Do an internet search, and you will find plenty of information.

Thank you, Princess.  I'm glad you posted the link. My bad for saying 'do an internet search' without posting anything!  Duh.

We had an excellent poster (Stallion) whose signature was 'Information = Freedom'.  He is so right.   And I need to personally remember to post links to more information whether the info is asked for or not asked for.  If not wanted at the time, someone else may really need the information later.

Again thanks for the reminder.  I'll try to be more thorough.  And remind me again whenever it's necessary.  Old dogs can learn new tricks, really!  Or at least I hope so.

Sorry allkisses, just like your last couple of posts I have to say that you really need to consult your doctor or pharmacist about this.

They are the only ones that can give you proper dose info (your previous posts), info on mixing meds, etc. Plus, they have your medical history, current condition, records, etc. right in front of them. All we can really offer you are a few facts printed in patient handouts.

A certain combo might be safe for one person and considered safe in general, but due to another person's condition the combo could prove dangerous or fatal.  

At the least you could call your doctor or pharmacist. If for some reason the drugs aren't prescribed to you, you should still be able to call a pharmacist and ask them if the combo is safe.

http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/Interaction/ChooseDrugs/1,4109,,00.html

1 potential interaction was found for the drugs you selected.

You searched for interactions between the following drugs:

    * Effexor
    * Ultram

(Note: Not all drug interactions are known or reported in the literature, and new drug interactions are continually being reported. This information is provided only for your education and for you to discuss with your personal healthcare provider. )

TRAMADOL (in Ultram) may interact with VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE (in Effexor)

Both venlafaxine and tramadol have an effect on serotonin, a chemical that is found in the brain. Excess levels of serotonin in the brain may cause serious or potentially life-threatening side effects. Early signs of this problem include increased confusion and restlessness. Other possible symptoms may include weakness, fever, nausea, and anxiety. In rare cases, high levels of serotonin in the brain may cause severe complications like seizures, stroke, and even death. If venlafaxine and tramadol are used together, your doctor may want to closely monitor you for side effects. Ask your healthcare provider about these drugs and this potential interaction as soon as possible.

This interaction is poorly documented and is considered major in severity.

Hope this helps.

  Princess

"but i would think that since ive been on effexor for almost 2 years surely my body is quite used to it"

 
That could be a dangerous assumption.  

Many meds do not say "don't take with ________". 

That doesn't make it safe. The entire point of an Rx med is that a trained professional PRESCRIBE them as they see fit (hence the name). They are also educated on effects/interactions/etc.  There is a reason that it takes quite a bit of school to become a doctor, they don't just go to med school to learn the alphabet.

Oh well, Im done. You know what I think you should do, now it's up to you. 

I didn't mean to sound rude, but it is obvious that my advice was ingored.

And this translates to me that my advice was unwanted and unappreciated.

 
I tried to help, which is what you asked for. In my last post I was simply stating that in the future I will not waste my time digging up info just to have my posts/thoughts go unheeded. Maybe someone else will help you in the future.

Pill_Head

TRAMADOL may interact with VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE (in Effexor)

Both venlafaxine and tramadol have an effect on serotonin, a chemical that is found in the brain. Excess levels of serotonin in the brain may cause serious or potentially life-threatening side effects. Early signs of this problem include increased confusion and restlessness. Other possible symptoms may include weakness, fever, nausea, and anxiety. In rare cases, high levels of serotonin in the brain may cause severe complications like seizures, stroke, and even death. If venlafaxine and tramadol are used together, your doctor may want to closely monitor you for side effects. Ask your healthcare provider about these drugs and this potential interaction as soon as possible.

    YES, IT IS PERFECTLY FINE, I take 75 mg of effexor everyday, along with 30mg of prozac, plus 100mg of ultram(2 tablets) 3 times a day, plus 1 darvocet every 6 hours if needed and 2mg of Xanax 3 times a day.  All of these medicines are prescribed by my psychiatrist and Primary Doc which both know what each is prescribing.  I have been on this cocktail for a long time and have never had a problem. 

   The only 2 drugs I know of that don't mix well with what your taking and are mentioned to avoid are Flexeril and Wellbutrin.  Ultram package inserts mention not to take Flexeril a muscle relaxant and Wellbutrin an anti-depressent that I was told by my psychiatrist that it does'nt go well with effexor, she said their have been a lot of complaints of bad side effects.