Nucynta Mixing It and Alcohol
Nucynta should not be taken in conjunction with other central nervous system depressants. These include anxiolytics, general anesthetics, muscle relaxants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepine sedative/hypnotics, and other opioids. The compounded pharmacological effects of these substances can lead to profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
Serotonergic drugs are also off-limits when taking Nucynta due to the risk of toxic serotonin overload known as serotonin syndrome. Serotonergic drugs that should be avoided include selective serotonergic reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclics, triptans, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, and any other drugs that affect the serotonin neurotransmitter system. These include trazodone, mirtazapine, and tramadol.

Nucynta achieves its pain-relieving effects by binding to specific opioid receptors. Nucynta behaves similarly to tramadol. While tramadol inhibits the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin, Nucynta inhibits the reuptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. By inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine, Nucynta increases its activity in the brain.
Nucynta is an alternative pain medication for individuals who are intolerant to other, more common opioids. Substances like morphine need to be heavily metabolized by the liver before the patient can begin to experience any reduction in pain. Certain individuals lack the enzymes necessary to convert common opioids into the metabolites that would then alleviate pain. For these individuals, Nucynta is a possible alternative.
Nucynta is a “pro-drug,” meaning that it can begin to produce therapeutic effects before being metabolized by the liver. Pain relief typically begins 30 minutes following the time of oral ingestion and lasts for approximately three to four hours.
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Speak to an Intake Coordinator now.352.771.2700The primary risk factor of the combined use of Nucynta and alcohol is severe respiratory depression. Both Nucynta and alcohol are central nervous system depressants. Nucynta acts on the brainstem to depress the autonomic urge to breathe. In the event of an overdose of Nucynta and alcohol, the lungs remain unaware that toxic carbon dioxide levels have been reached in the blood. If left untreated, the end results may be irreversible paralysis, brain damage, coma, and death.
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Have more questions about Nucynta abuse?
Read the most frequently asked questionsSeeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help.
Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.
Speak to an Intake Coordinator now.352.771.2700