The Difference Between Gabapentin and Tramadol

Gabapentin is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant. It affects chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in the cause of seizures and some types of pain. Gabapentin is used in adults to treat nerve pain caused by herpes virus or shingles (herpes zoster). The Horizant brand is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS).  The Neurontin brand is also used to treat seizures in adults and children who are at least 3 years old.  Neurotin (generic, gabapentin) is NOT classified as an ADDICTIVE substance.

Gabapentin and Tramadol Comparision; Tramadol is a Controlled Substance but Gabapentin is not

Normally Gabapentin is prescribed to patients with nerve Pain and Nerve damage. A lot of patients are taking it for  diabetic nerve pain.

 

But it is possible to develop a physical dependence on the drug. In fact, people can experience withdrawal symptoms for up to 45 days after they stop taking gabapentin. Although gabapentin does give some people a euphoric “high” which can cause gabapentin abuse, gabapentin abusers do not present with the kind of compulsive, drug-seeking behavior or strong cravings that indicates addiction.

Tramadol Addiction

Natural opiates are acquired by processing the dried “milk” of the opium poppy plant. Synthetic opiates, on the other hand, are formulated in labs to create a product with an identical chemical structure. These drugs––both natural and synthetic forms––compose a group of painkillers called opioids that alleviate the symptoms of discomfort associated with pain.

Tramadol is a synthetic opioid analgesic––or pain reliever––which has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to treat moderate to severe pain in adults. Analgesics like Tramadol bind to receptors throughout the central nervous and the gastrointestinal systems. The narcotic, also known as a CNS depressant, dulls or eliminates the sensation of pain signaled to the brain.

According to the DEA, Tramadol has more than one name, including its chemical name, 2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexanol, and its trade name, Ultram. The prescribed pain medication should be administered orally in tablet form, dosed between 50mg and 100mg, at a rate of every 4 to 6 hours, as needed.

Dosages should not exceed 400mg in a single day. In 2014, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration listed Tramadol under the Schedule IV classification for controlled substances because of its abusive potential.

Gabapentin Vs. Tramadol.

 

 

 

 

For more information, please read: Gabapentin is better Analgesic than Tramadol

Gabapentin is better Analgesic than Tramadol and It is Illegal to Buy Tramadol Online

the Comparison Table Between Gabapentin and Tramadol

Here is a comparison table between Gabapentin and Tramadol:

Property	Gabapentin	Tramadol
Mechanism of Action	Increases GABA neurotransmitter in the brain, reducing nerve excitability	Binds to opioid receptors and inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, reducing pain sensation
Medical Use	Used to treat seizures, neuropathic pain, anxiety disorders, and restless legs syndrome	Used to treat moderate to severe pain
Drug Class	Anticonvulsant	Opioid analgesic
Schedule	Not a controlled substance	Schedule IV controlled substance
Side Effects	Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, headache	Nausea, constipation, dizziness, headache, sweating, dry mouth
Risk of Dependence/Abuse	Low risk of dependence or abuse	Moderate risk of dependence and abuse
Drug Interactions	May interact with antacids and other medications that affect the absorption of minerals	May interact with other medications that affect serotonin levels, such as antidepressants and migraine medications

It is important to note that both gabapentin and tramadol should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider and as prescribed. They can have serious side effects and interactions with other medications, and can also be habit-forming if not used as directed.