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Pain meds and stomach pains

Ali Long

Hey guys!

I’m just wondering if pain medication gives you an upset stomach?

I’m prescribed Tramadol, I try not to take it that often as I find it doesn’t help all of my pains and it makes me feel quiet ‘out of it’.

I took tramadol on Saturday and ever since my stomach has been in agony. It is now Thursday. I’m wondering if something else is going on or if it’s from the tramadol. Would you know?

Also, I’d love to hear your experiences with pain medications and if it causes stomach pains for you?

Ali (Community Member)

maisi Member
Robaxin, Celebrex, Naproxen Sodium (500 mg), Leflunomide (cDMARD) all caused stomach upset/pain.
Anna Samson Moderator & Contributor

A lot of pain medications caused stomach upset, pain, and acid reflux for me. My rheumatologist prescribed me a medication (pantoprazole) that helps soothe the stomach and prevent irritation from medications. Since then taking medications has been a lot smoother.
James Hollens Moderator & Contributor
Hi ,

I was given Tramadol when I was first diagnosed and waiting for my biologics and I too was feeling completely out of it when I was taking it.

I'm not entirely sure if it caused me any stomach pain as to be honest at the time my entire body was in such agony I wouldn't have noticed if it did.

But I know it is quite a strong medication and I think I had to eat before taking it because of this. Maybe it would be a good idea to check with your doctor to see if the two might have been linked?

Hope you start feeling better soon,
James (Community Member)
1. Ali Long Moderator & Contributor
  Hey Nicky!
  
  It's a horrible stomach pain isn't it! Naproxen did the same to me. I take a stomach protection tablet with my meds but it doesn't seem to help! I can only imagine the pain would be a lot worse if I didn't take the stomach protection tablet.
  
  I will definitely ask my doctor about switching me to tramacet instead! Thank you for sharing this with me!
  
  Hope your having a good day!
  Ali (Community Member)
2. James Hollens Moderator & Contributor
  
  It really is a weird feeling! I was also getting some kind of pain killer injection which I don't know if was more tramadol or something else they were giving me. I was sending all sorts of nonsense texts to people that was a mixture of amusing and embarrassing to read back after the effects wore off!
  
  I think I was on it for a month or so, I can't remember exactly but it was before I was given any biologics and was still undergoing tests to get myself diagnosed.
  
  Are you still having trouble with your stomach when you take it?
  
  That might be a good idea, I was taking stomach protection medicine at the time too. Although I was only told recently that I shouldn't have been on them and there was a mistake on my repeat prescription and I was taking them for literally years when I shouldn't have! So be careful with them, don't be like me haha
  
  Wishing you well,
  James (Community Member)
Rebecca C Moderator & Contributor
Here is a list of meds approved for spondyloarthritis - Here is a list of meds used for spondyloarthritis https://spondylitis.org/about-spondylitis/treatment-information/medications/guide-to-medications/ Hope it helps. Rebecca
1. Ali Long Moderator & Contributor
  Thank you for sharing! Ali (Community Member)