Concerns About Accidental Medication Interaction
Hello everyone, I am a 25-year-old woman weighing 65 kg from New Zealand, and I’m currently undergoing a medical abortion. Lately, I've been in significant discomfort and was advised to take a combination of Panadol with codeine (500mg plus 8mg). After taking two of those, I mistakenly took a tramadol dose of 100mg approximately an hour later. I now realize I should have researched potential interactions between these medications before taking them together. Should I be worried about this? I’m feeling quite anxious right now.
Answers (1)

6/28/2025, 6:10:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about accidentally taking medications that may interact, especially during a medical procedure. Let's address your concerns about the combination of Panadol with codeine and tramadol.
Main Points:
- Potential Risks: Combining codeine and tramadol can increase the risk of respiratory depression (slowed breathing) and sedation.
- Monitoring Symptoms: It is important to monitor for any concerning symptoms.
- Immediate Actions: Stay calm, assess how you're feeling, and take steps to ensure your safety.
Explanation:
Taking Panadol with codeine and tramadol together can be risky because both codeine and tramadol are opioids, which can lead to an increased effect on your central nervous system. This can cause symptoms like extreme drowsiness, confusion, difficulty breathing, or fainting. However, if you feel stable and are not experiencing severe side effects, focus on how to manage your situation wisely.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Yourself: Pay attention to how you're feeling over the next few hours. Look out for any unusual symptoms such as:
- Severe drowsiness or inability to stay awake
- Confusion or difficulty thinking clearly
- Breathing difficulties (shallow or slow breathing)
- Dizziness or fainting spells
-
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body process the medications. Avoid additional medications or substances that can depress your system (like alcohol).
-
Contact Support: If you experience any concerning symptoms or if your anxiety becomes overwhelming, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional or calling a helpline for immediate advice.
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Document Your Experience: Keep track of how you feel and any symptoms for reference, especially if you need to discuss it with a healthcare provider later.
-
Educate for Future: Once you feel more settled, consider learning about medication interactions. Using an app or website for drug interactions can be helpful for safe medication management.
Remember, it’s always better to be cautious, so if you're ever in doubt, don't hesitate to seek help. Take a deep breath, and focus on keeping yourself safe. You’ll be okay!
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