Tramadol vs Naproxen for Pain Relief: Which is More Effective?

Pain is a complex process and can occur at any given time. Normally with age, pain or discomfort also advances and this can hamper daily activities. Physical, cognitive, and psychological functions are the different aspects of functional ability that may slow down gradually. Tramadol and Naproxen are two drugs that healthcare experts recommend for managing discomfort. One treats pain and inflammation and the other moderate to severe chronic discomfort in adults.

Here in this blog, we will look into the differences between Tramadol and Naproxen that include their functioning, the information you require regarding their safety measures, efficacy and adverse effects. In the end, you can decide which medicine might be safer or more effective for your needs.

Difference Between Tramadol and Naproxen Drugs

Here are some common differences between these painkillers.

Understanding Tramadol and Naproxen

Tramadol – A synthetic opioid analgesic pain relief medicine. Normally, administered when pain is critical for over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen to relieve the pain. Doctors also use Tramadol medicine after surgery or to address conditions such as sciatica neuropathic pain or persistent back pain.

Naproxen – It is a part of the family of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). Naproxen treats mild or light pain and the symptoms of arthritis and several other conditions.

It is a primary treatment for conditions that mandate analgesia. Arthritis, joint inflammation, bursitis, gout, and menstrual cramps are some conditions where this medicine is employed.

Tramadol and Naproxen: Mechanism of Action Compared

Tramadol – It restricts norepinephrine and serotonin. This imitates the effects of natural pain-relieving chemicals. Besides, it prevents their reuptake in the brain, it increases their levels, which helps interrupt the body’s pain signaling system. It refreshes the mood, and relieves certain chronic pain.

Naproxen – NSAIDs typically block the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which creates prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemical substances that advance redness, discomfort, and fever. By inhibiting COX, NSAIDs destroy the ability to produce these prostaglandins, and this results in comfort, reduced inflammation, and lower body temperature.

Medical Uses of Tramadol and Naproxen: Which Conditions They Treat

Tramadol – This is an opioid that acts primarily on the neurological system. It affects the brain’s sense of pain by acting on opioid receptors and neurotransmitter systems at the same time. Tramadol typically treats moderate to severe chronic pain in people. It should only be used for more severe or nerve-related pain that does not respond to NSAIDs.

Naproxen – This medicine is a potent, NSAID medicine that relieves inflammation and its existing pain. It is widely acknowledged to be a strong painkiller. The drug is an anti-inflammatory drug that not only decreases pain, also fights with redness and is useful for ailments including:

• Arthritis
• Muscles under tension
• Menstrual cramps and
• Injuries involving swelling.

Dosage Forms and Strengths Explained

Tramadol – The drug comes in the form of tablets, capsules, injections and oral solutions. Adults beyond the age of 17 or more, take 50 to 100 mg administered orally every 4 to 6 hours as desired. The medicine’s strengths are listed below:

• 50 mg
• 100 mg
• 200 mg
• 300 mg

Naproxen – It is available in a variety of formulations. That may include tablet, suspension tablet, extended release capsule and liquid solution. The drug has variety of dosage strengths, which include:

• 220mg (OTC)
• 250mg
• 275mg
• 375mg
• 500mg
• 550mg
• 750mg
• 25mg/mL

Effectiveness

Both medications are effective for pain relief, but their efficacy varies with the type and severity of pain.

A study which compared tramadol with naproxen for pain comfort during intrauterine device (IUD) insertion revealed that tramadol provided superior pain relief compared to naproxen.

Side effects of both drugs

Stop the use of these two medicines and call your doctor soon as possible in case you have these side effects, which are mentioned below.

Tramadol Side Effects

Some adverse effects of tramadol medicine are:

• Vomiting
• Nervousness
• Indigestion
• Low energy
• Nausea
• Itching
• Breathing problems
• Changes in heart rate
• Headaches
• Constipation
• Feeling sick
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Sweating

Naproxen Side Effects

Common naproxen side effects may include:

• Indigestion
• Stomach pain
• Heartburn
• headache
• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Bruising
• Itching
• Rash
• Swelling
• Ringing in your ears
• Breath shortness
• A rapid weight gain
• Skin rash
• Indications of stomach bleeding
• Problems with liver
• Renal problems
• Anemic condition

Precautions

Both the drugs treat pain. But still there are some crucial safety measures to follow.

• Tramadol bears a risk of addiction particularly when used for longer periods of time due to its opioid-like characteristics.
• Naproxen, a part of NSAIDs, is not advised in the later stages of pregnancy. There is an increased risk to the fetus and newborn.
• Doctors as per the health condition may increase or decrease the dosage of tramadol in elderly patients. It is noticed there is a likely increase in negative effects in the elderly.
• Avoid taking drugs without a doctor’s permission.
• Intake of alcohol after taking drugs should be avoided as it may make you drowsy.

Tramadol vs Naproxen: Which Drug Works Better for Your Pain Type?

The nature of pain is the deciding factor between tramadol and naproxen:

Tramadol: Is more productive for tolerable severe pain. Chiefly when inflammation is not a major concern.

Naproxen: Favored for inflammatory pain conditions due to its anti-swelling properties.

Conclusion

Tramadol and Naproxen are both valuable pain relievers, but each provides relief to pain that is moderate to severe or mild to moderate. Getting familiar with these two medicines as well as their differences with their side effects will help you choose the best drug that is right for you. Consult with your doctor before beginning or mixing these medications to ensure their safety and efficacy.