Ultram/antidepressants

[scarletky]

Have been on Ultram for 10 years and Zoloft for 9 years.
I was advised just recently that taking Ultram and Zoloft can cause Seratonin Syndrome and it can be fatal.
I confronted my doctor on this and she said it was ok to take.

[Cats Meow]

Here's what the DDC drug interaction checker had to say

sertraline and tramadol (major Drug-Drug)
Description:

GENERALLY AVOID:
The coadministration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) with tramadol, which has weak serotonin reuptake inhibiting effect, may potentiate the risk of serotonin syndrome, which is a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition thought to result from hyperstimulation of brainstem 5HT1A receptors. Patients receiving this combination may also have an increased risk of seizures. Pharmacokinetically, coadministration with certain SSRIs, namely fluoxetine, paroxetine and possibly sertraline, may result in decreased plasma concentrations of the active O-demethylated (M1) metabolite of tramadol due to inhibition of CYP450 2D6, the isoenyzme responsible for the formation of the metabolite. The clinical significance of this potential interaction is unknown. However, M1 is thought to possess up to 6 times the analgesic effect of tramadol, thus diminished therapeutic response to tramadol should be considered.

MANAGEMENT:
In general, the concomitant use of SSRIs and tramadol should be avoided if possible, or otherwise approached with caution if potential benefit is deemed to outweigh the risk. Patients treated with the combination should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of excessive serotonergic activity such as CNS irritability, altered consciousness, confusion, myoclonus, ataxia, abdominal cramping, hyperpyrexia, shivering, pupillary dilation, diaphoresis, hypertension, and tachycardia.

I guess if you haven't experienced a problem after 9 years you're never going to.
It was smart of you to bring that up to her, more people should be more active understanding what meds they take and their effects, doctors do make mistakes and new info is published all the time.

^..^ ~~ ,
=´`= ___ )~~

[scarletky]

Thanx for replying to my post.
I am one to ask questions at the doctors office and I want to know what each pill is for, side effects, etc...