Post breast-aug meds - should I be worried about potential side effects?

Question

Hello! I’ll be having surgery soon and just picked up my meds. The pharmacist warned me not to take the Gabapentin and Tramadol prescribed for my surgery together due to potential for an adverse reaction. I’m allergic to Bactrim, so no muscle relaxers due to the sulfa. Is it common to take Gabapentin and Tramadol and should I be worried about a potential side effect?

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Every surgeon has their own experience with these medications. Your surgeon will know you and what you need the best. Good luck. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Jonathan Landon, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! In short, gabapentin and tramadol can have a synergistic effect with each other, meaning the effects of one can add to the effects of the other. The main concern of the pharmacist most likely has to do with central nervous system depression; in other words, taking both drugs together can cause increased sedation, drowsiness, fatigue, and slowed cognition. In serious cases, taking both medications together can lead to depressed respiratory function (aka slowed breathing). The use of both these medications together should always be done under the supervision and guidance of, in this case, your surgeon and their team.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Letsgetthemdone,
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I encourage you to discuss your options with your surgeon.  There are many medications that can be used to manage pain after surgery.  Your surgeon can also advise you how to stagger the drugs for the best pain management.  Another option to consider is Exparel which is injected during surgery to give longer lasting pain relief.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Gabapentin and Tramadol work well for many women, but should not be taken at the same time. You can alternate these drugs. You can also add Tylenol if needed.  Muscle relaxers, like Valium, do not have sulfa and can be very helpful when implants are placed behind the muscle.

Mark T. Boschert, MD · Answer

This is seriously only a question you should ask the surgeon who prescribed your meds. That person will know your history and needs, not a stranger on an app. Call your surgeon!

Post breast-aug meds - should I be worried about potential side effects?

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