Navigation: Tramadol Overview, Tramadol Abuse and Effects, Tramadol Addiction, Tramadol and Other Drugs
Tramadol is an opioid painkiller that is known to be less habit-forming compared to other prescription opioids. However, people who take this drug are still at risk of developing an addiction.
Although it is typically used to treat moderate pain, this drug can cause seizures when taken in large doses. In fact, one study from 2005 found that 84 percent of tramadol users who abused their prescription by taking high doses of the drug suffered from seizures within 24 hours.
In 2013, 1.5 million people reportedly abused painkillers like tramadol for the first time. This drug can cause intense withdrawal symptoms that can even be dangerous in some cases. If you or a loved one is dealing with a tramadol addiction, look for a rehab near you today. The best way to treat it is through medically-assisted detox.
Tramadol Overview
Dealing with any kind of addiction is very difficult. But understanding the problem is the first step in solving it. Tramadol is an opioid painkiller that is prescribed for moderate pain. It is often given to patients after surgery. It can also help treat chronic pain for people with conditions like fibromyalgia.
The medication often comes in 50mg, 100mg, 150mg, and 300mg tablets that are taken orally. Because of its potentially dangerous effects, tramadol should never be taken with other opioids.
Tramadol brand names include Ryzolt, Ultram, Ultram ER, and ConZip.
Tramadol Abuse and Effects
Just like other opioids, Tramadol is abused because of its euphoric side effects. In fact, it even has street names like trammies, chill pills, and ultras. Opioids are painkillers that not only block incoming pain signals from entering the brain, but also produce an intense high that makes the user feel relaxed and euphoric. This is why they are commonly abused in recreational settings.
Also like other opioids, tramadol can be dangerous in large doses. Despite the fact that it is one of the least potent painkillers in the market, it is still addictive. A person who takes it for an extended period of time may develop tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction.
To avoid this, patients should follow their prescriptions carefully and report any side effects to their doctors. Do not take it in larger doses than prescribed, and do not take it more often than you are supposed to.
While most other opioids are Schedule II drugs under the Controlled Substances Act, tramadol is a Schedule IV substance. This means while it has an accepted medical use, it still has a low risk of abuse.
People who abuse tramadol feel relaxed and happy. But in large doses, the drug can cause seizures and respiratory depression. Because it is a central nervous system depressant, tramadol can slow down lung and heart function to the point where the person stops breathing altogether.
Recreational users may take tramadol and eventually shift to more potent painkillers and illicit drugs to satisfy their growing cravings.
It is possible to overdose on tramadol. Watch out for symptoms such as sleepiness, unconsciousness, coma, seizures, respiratory depression, low blood pressure, sweating, weak muscles, slow heart rate, clammy skin, and pinpoint pupils.
Tramadol Addiction
Even though the risk of abuse is relatively low compared to stronger opioids, the risk is still there. Of course, it is easier to develop an addiction to tramadol if the person takes larger doses regularly. It is also possible for people who follow their doctor’s directions to become addicted even if they took it the right way.
Frequent and prolonged tramadol use may lead to tolerance. This means that the person no longer feels the same euphoric and pain killing effects that they used to enjoy. They will have to take more tramadol to experience the same effects.
If a person is dependent on tramadol and they suddenly stop taking it, it is possible to suffer from withdrawal symptoms. Tramadol withdrawal symptoms include depression, irritability, and flu-like symptoms. It is easier to deal with withdrawal effects with the help of medical professionals because they can detox the patient properly.
An addicted individual will prioritize their drug use over other responsibilities, neglecting their regular duties and losing interest in things they used to enjoy. They may spend most of their time trying to obtain and use their drug of choice.
Because tramadol is a prescription drug, users may attempt to get multiple prescriptions from different doctors. This is called “doctor shopping” and is a clear indication of addiction.
Tramadol and Other Drugs
Tramadol is sometimes abused with other drugs, which increases the risk of fatal overdose. Alcohol, sleeping pills, cold medicine, and other opioid painkillers can dramatically increase the adverse effects. These substances, when mixed together can lead to severe respiratory depression, seizure, overdose, and even death.
If someone in the family is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it is important to seek help. A combination of medical detox and behavioral therapy can go a long way in the fight against substance abuse. But because every individual is affected by addiction differently, a comprehensive program tailored to their specific needs is necessary. Look for a nearby addiction treatment facility today and find out how drug treatment programs work.
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