Tramadol

Tramadol

Tramadol, also known as Ultram, is a strong pain relief medicine that comes under the class of opioids. Opioids are drugs found naturally in the opium poppy plant that works in the brain to produce an effect—for example, pain relief. Opioids can also be referred to as narcotics. It is a highly addictive drug, hence should be used carefully. In 2013, 1.5 million tramadol abuse was reported.

It is a prescription-based medication that can be given orally through drops, capsules, tablets, and IV by intravenous injections. Taking plenty of fluids and rest is recommended when you are on tramadol therapy. In this article, we have covered every detail related to tramadol medication.

What Is Tramadol Used For?

Tramadol is used to treat moderate to severe pain. As it is a strong pain relief medicine, it is also effective for relieving chronic pain after surgery.

Tramadol is used for treating:

• Moderate pain
• Chronic to severe pain
• Pain after surgery
• Chronic ongoing pain
• Nerve-related pain

How Effective Is Tramadol?

Tramadol is a potent analgesic medicine and is highly effective for treating chronic pain. The drug should not be used for minor day-to-day pain. Misuse can develop tolerance to the drug, making it ineffective.

Tramadol Mechanism Of Action- How It Works?

As compared to other opioid medications like morphine and codeine, tramadol is less potent and is a lower-risk opioid drug option that can effectively treat moderate to severe pain. Structurally, opioids are similar to codeine and morphine.

Unlike other opioids, tramadol works by utilizing two mechanisms:

1. It is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
2. It is a μ-opioid agonist.

How Should I Take Tramadol?

Take tramadol as prescribed by your doctor.

• You can take tramadol with or without food. If you face nausea with the medication, prefer taking tramadol in the middle of your meals.
• If you have been prescribed tramadol tablets or capsules, do not break, crush, chew, bite, or dissolve the tablets in any liquid. Swallow them whole with a full glass of water. 
• Do not take a dose of tramadol of more than 400 mg in 24 hours.
• Never take more or less than the prescribed dose. Misusing this medicine can lead to overdose, addiction, and even death.
• If you have missed your tramadol dose, do not take the missed dose if it is near to your next dose time. Do not take two doses within a 3-hour interval. In case less time is remaining for your next dose, skip the missed dose and wait for your second dose.
• Do not take any other opioids along with tramadol.
• Tramadol should not be given to pediatric patients.
• Tramadol immediate-release capsules should not be used for children under 12 years of age. 
• Do not use tramadol if you previously had an allergic reaction to any of the opioid drugs.

Tramadol Strengths

Tramadol comes with the following strengths:

• Slow-Release Tablets
• 50 mg
• 75 mg
• 100 mg
• 150 mg
• 200 mg
• 300 mg
• 400 mg
• Capsules
• 50 mg
• Drops
• 100 mg/1 ml of liquid
• Orodispersible Tablets (Mouth Dissolving Tablets)
• 50 mg
• IV Injection 

What Dose Of Tramadol Should I Take?

The dose of tramadol can be different for each patient depending on their medical history and disease severity. Hence, take the amount recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.

The usual doses of tramadol are given below:

• The maximum dose of tramadol is 400 mg per day. Do not take more than the maximum dose as it can lead to addiction.
• The initial tramadol dose for adults (17+ years) is 50 to 100 mg every 4-6 hours.
• If you are prescribed extended (prolonged) release tablets, the dose would be 100 mg orally once a day. The maximum dose for extended-release tablets and elderly patients above 75 years of age is 300 mg per day.
• The dose for renal or liver failure patients may require adjustments.

Why Is Tramadol Considered A Good Treatment For Pain Relief?

Tramadol is a potent opioid (narcotic) analgesic. It is designed to work potently at the pain receptors, i.e., relieving chronic or surgery-related pain.

Interactions Of Tramadol

Alcohol reacts with tramadol and causes nervous system side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and concentration problems. Hence, do not use alcohol with tramadol. Taking alcohol with tramadol increases the risk of seizures.

Tramadol interacts with the following diseases, hence if you have a history of these diseases, inform your doctor or pharmacist prior to taking tramadol.

• Respiratory depression
• Drug addiction or dependence
• Alcohol intoxication
• Seizures
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Hypotension
• Renal damage
• Liver disease

What Are The Side Effects of Tramadol?

The common side effects of tramadol may go away on their own as your body gets used to the drug. They may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness 
• Headache 
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Constipation
• Itching

If these side effects become severe or persist, consult your pharmacist.

The severe side effects of tramadol include:

• Seizures
• Apnea
• Pruritus
• Hallucinations
• Too slow heart rate or too fast heart rate.
• Any kind of breathing difficulties
• Excessive and uncontrollable tiredness, dizziness, and lightheadedness.

How To Manage Tramadol Side Effects?

The common side effects of tramadol go away with time. So, you don't need to worry about them as they usually occur. However, if they persist or become intolerable, consult your pharmacist to switch your medication. The side effects of tramadol vary from patient to patient. Here are some tips for managing the common side effects of tramadol:

• If you face GIT disturbance or nausea with tramadol, use the drug during your meal.
• Do not engage in any mentality exerting activity after taking tramadol. Take rest as the drug causes dizziness and drowsiness.
• Do not take tramadol with any sedative drug, antidepressants, or antipsychotics, as they may worsen the side effects of tramadol.
• Drink plenty of fluids for managing diarrhea and GIT disturbances.

Alternative Treatment Options For Pain Relief

As tramadol is a strong pain-relieving drug and is used only in severe and chronic pain, it can be intolerable for some people. If the drug is causing severe side effects or is intolerable, it is advisable to switch to non-opioid pain medication. For example, some non-opioid pain medicine options include:

• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen
• Acetaminophen 
• Non-medication options like physical therapy or treating the underlying cause of pain.

Can I buy Tramadol online? 

Yes. You can buy tramadol online with a prescription. As tramadol is a prescription-only medicine, you cannot order the drug online without showing an authentic and valid prescription. After the pharmacy approves and validates your prescription, tramadol will be delivered safely to your home.