I don't think you need to stagger them. I've been in that boat, and every doc I've consulted about my back pain has told me that they're safe together. I'm not giving advice, just telling you what I've been told (and I'm still here!) I had a terrible experience with the opioid Tramadol a few years ago. I won't regale you, but it taught me to avoid like the plague anything containing opioids, including concoctions containing codeine.

That's just me!