Originally Posted by mrsD

Tramadol is thought by some doctors to work on nerve pain better than opiates. It is often used in fibromyalgia patients.



It works on the mu pain receptor like the opiates, and has some actions with serotonin. Because of the serotonin actions it is not to be used with SSRIs.



There is a listed "major" interaction between Cymbalta and Tramadol:

Drug Interaction Report - Drugs.com



Tramadol has to be activated by the liver to its pain relieving compound. Some people lack this enzyme,and so for them Tramadol doesn't work well. It is also slow to relieve pain because of this delay of activation.



Tramadol does have side effects. Nausea, dizziness are the most common. And for some it is habituating.



You won't know it if works for you, unless you try it. I would suggest a short trial of the immediate release. If you have side effects they will be short lived. If it works for you, you can then try the ER version.