Tramadol
Tramadol is a synthetic opioid that has been available for the treatment of mild to severe pain since its development by the Grunenthal Corporation in the late 1970’s. The drug is manufactured in a variety of forms and has numerous pain reducing applications, while serving as an alternative to medications that have a higher potential for addiction. Although Tramadol is usually not classified as a controlled substance, it has similar characteristics to narcotics such as codeine and morphine, therefore requiring a doctor to prescribe the medication.
Tramadol has been successfully used for reducing pain in both humans and animals, while having a generally mild degree of side effects. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting and excessive sweating. Despite having a lower risk for dependency than narcotics, Tramadol can cause similar withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, depression and head aches. It is also possible to overdose on the drug when taking more than the prescribed amount, often resulting in adverse recreations, including the sudden onset of seizures and a higher risk for physical dependency.
Adults using Tramadol should never take more than 400mg in a 24-hour period. A daily regiment usually includes four to six doses that range between 25mg and 100mg, with 50mg being the most commonly prescribed amount. The first signs of an overdose can be as mild as drowsiness, slowed breathing and an irregular heart rate. It is highly recommended that a patient experiencing these symptoms quickly contact poison control or be taken directly to an emergency room to avoid the onset of more serious complications associated with a Tremadol overdose.
Regardless of whether an overdose is accidental or deliberate, excessive levels of Tramadol can cause seizures in patients that do not have a history of epilepsy. It is also possible for an overdose to result in a heart attack or cardiac arrest, which can lead to additional complications and sometimes death. These severe reactions are generally uncommon and are more likely to occur in patients that have a history of drug and alcohol abuse or a medical record of health related problems. Tramadol can be safely prescribed in lower doses to compensate for the increased dangers associated with patients that have a previous or current medical condition.
When taken on its own, Tramadol is much less likely to result in adverse side effects. Combining the drug with other medications can be very dangerous, so it’s necessary for the prescribing doctor to be aware of additional medications being used by a patient. Tramadol has mood lifting qualities similar to anti-depressants, in that both medications release the neurotransmitter serotonin. Taking an anti-depressant with Tramadol can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, which can cause an increased heart rate, higher blood pressure and tremors. Certain drugs used to treat bipolar disorders or epilepsy can sometimes be taken safely with Tramadol, although reducing the medications main purpose of effectively treating pain.
Having a history of alcohol and drug abuse greatly increases the risks of using Tramadol to treat pain. The consumption of alcohol can intensify and compound the rate of negative side effects such as extreme drowsiness and slower breathing. There is a mild euphoria that results from taking Tramadol that can be compared to low doses of other pain treating narcotics like codeine. This makes an intentional overdose a likely scenario when a patient builds up a tolerance to the medication and feels the need to take more without a doctor’s permission. A history of drug and alcohol abuse can make the withdrawal process much more uncomfortable, while increasing the chance that the patient will seek out self-medications to replace the mild euphoria associated with Tramadol.
Despite the possible dangers involved with Tramadol, there are many benefits in taking the medication to reduce or eliminate excessive pain. When taken properly and as prescribed, there is usually a very low risk for adverse side effects. The powerful medication has been successfully applied for over four decades, helping millions of people to live a better and more pain-free lifestyle. It comes highly recommended that all prospective Tramadol patients discuss their options with a qualified and licensed physician.