Tramadol Versus Oxycodone - Alternating And Addiction?

I have a rheumatoid condition and am prescribed both Oxycodone and Tramadol. I alternate between them, not wishing to become addicted. What I'm unsure of is whether they are different enough chemically to prevent my body getting too used to either one. I also take a day off here and there, but I just feel very wary. I have to do pain management, but I just want to verify that taking Oxycodone one day and Tramadol the next doesn't strike my body chemically as being the same thing. Many thanks for any helpful response! (Cross-posted in oxycodone forum as well).

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From what I could gather, nih.gov classifies each drug under similar, but different drug categories:

"Tramadol is in a class of medications called opiate agonists. It works by changing the way the body senses pain.

Oxycodone is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain."

According to an article I read on opiate facts: Opiate 'agonists' (such as Tramadol) are designed to bind to opiate receptors, although they are not actually derived from opium. Opiates are made from the opium poppy. Other similar drugs are made by chemists and are often called opioids. Opioids were developed to get longer acting drugs. The most common opiates or opioids include heroin, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methadone.

Based on that information and the reviews of many here on the site, I can conclude that they are in fact chemically different by origin and overall efficacy. So I don't get the sense that your body will react to each drug in the same way. As long as you continue to take each drug as prescribed and not any more than necessary, you should be able to maintain your tolerance levels for the most part.

I hope this info helps!

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Thank you very much! This is essentially what my rheumatologist said, but I felt worried about it.

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Re: David (# 1)

Tramadol is a class V drug, which means it's not DEA regulated, since there is really only class II-III. Oxycodone is a class 3. Classes not only deal with strength but with addiction properties. Don't drink alcohol or other sedatives, breathing problems can occur, or if you have asthma. Although tramadol can be psychologically addictive, but different from the narcotic Oxycodone, taking more can just get you in the hospital, as will the other. The above person is correct in everything they said. Get off the oxy as soon as is reasonable for your pain. Tramadol much safer, and oxycodone is not oxycontin. Oxycontin is way worse!

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Re: SigSgtu (# 3)

Be very careful with Tramadol. It is very deceptive. Stopping completely will cause severe side effects. If you want to stop, do it gradually. It took me almost a year to get off them. When they first came out, doctors prescribed them as opposed to giving an opioid. What they didn’t know was how hard it was to stop. Do it gradually to minimize withdrawals. Good luck & well being.

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