Canada
A 74-year-old male asked:
Are there any other non opiate pain killers besides 'tramadol' to control abdominal and stomach pains?
5 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in

Dr. John Munshoweranswered
Family Medicine 31 years experience
Several: There are many pain medications that are not narcotic or opiate medication. The NSAID class for example may help, Acetaminophen may help, anti-spasmodics, muscle relaxants may help. etc. BUT, you first need to be properly diagnosed so the underling cause is revealed and you do not mask pain, which i the bodies way of telling you "something is wrong." Good luck.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago


Dr. Tadge Kanjoanswered
General Surgery 24 years experience
Treat the cause: One of the areas pain killers are the least effective is in the abdomen. More often than not they will worsen the cause of the pain and defeat the purpose. The exception being chronic conditions such as chronic pancreatitis. The best way to deal with abdominal pain is to determine the cause and treat it. Without more information much cannot be said about the actual cause of your pain.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Cynthia Archer commented
Internal Medicine 20 years experience
This is absolutely true. a diagnosis need to be established so the cause can be addressed and targeted selectively. I agree Dr. Kanjo!
Jul 30, 2014

Dr. Michael Romananswered
Internal Medicine 27 years experience
There : Are several meds that treat abdominal pain. I'm not sure the exact pain you are having but I would talk to your doctor to get the proper treatment. For example the treatment for an ulcer would be different than the treatment for a muscle pull. So talk to your doctor to get the correct and best treatment
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago


Dr. Susan Arnoultanswered
Family Medicine 26 years experience
Yes: Smooth muscle relaxers like Bentyl and Levsin (hyoscyamine) can help with abdominal cramping.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Cynthia Archer commented
Internal Medicine 20 years experience
If the pain you have has been diagnosed as related to bowel hyperactivity or irritable bowel syndrome, these medications can be very helpful.
Jul 30, 2014

Dr. Cynthia Archeranswered
Internal Medicine 20 years experience
Tramadol technically: is an opiate. It is a synthetic opiate receptor binding drug and is effective for mild to moderate pain. There are many modalities for treating pain other than medication alone. If this is a chronic problem you may wish to speak with a pain specialist (in fact I strongly recommend this). NSAIDs like Ibuprofen and Tylenol (acetaminophen) are also helpful for pain, but have significant potential for adverse effect
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Cynthia Archer commented
Internal Medicine 20 years experience
Provided original answer
And as many of my colleagues have pointed out correctly, one must have a diagnosis if the treatment is to be meaningful and selective for your problem in particular. Find a good general internist to see you and evaluate your pain if you do not yet have a diagnosis. Best wishes!
Jul 30, 2014
Last updated Aug 2, 2014
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