Tramadol

Tramadol is an opioid medicine available only on a prescription from a doctor. It works directly on opioid receptors in the central nervous system. It reduces the body's pain sensation by interrupting how nerves signal pain to the brain and the body. 

What are the uses of Tramadol?

A doctor will prescribe Tramadol for short-term relief from moderate to severe pain. This medicine will mostly be prescribed when other forms of non-opioid pain relief have not worked for you to manage pain or have not been tolerated by you. Tramadol is not usually recommended for the treatment of long-term or chronic pain. 

How and when to take Tramadol?

Do exactly as your doctor tells you to do while taking Tramadol. Follow the guidelines in the prescription and read all the medication guides. Do not take Tramadol for longer than and in amounts higher than prescribed. 

Tramadol can be taken with and without food, but it is important to consume it the same way each time, as advised by the doctor. You can swallow the pill whole. Do not crush, chew, break open, or try to dissolve the tablet. Trying to crush or mix it into a liquid to inject it in the veins or break the Tramadol tablet to inhale the powder is not recommended. 

If you have liquid medicine, measure it with the supplied syringe or a dose-measuring device. Avoid using kitchen spoons. You may encounter withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly. Consult your doctor before stopping the medicine. 

What forms of tramadol are there?

Tramadol is typically found in the form of oral tablets, although there is occasionally a liquid variant available.

Tramadol is offered in combination with paracetamol in tablet form as well. Your physician will determine the appropriate form of tramadol to suit your specific needs.

If your doctor prescribes both tramadol and paracetamol in combination, it's crucial to avoid any other medications that also contain paracetamol, as this could elevate the risk of a paracetamol overdose.

What are the side effects of Tramadol?

All opioids, including Tramadol, can have side effects. These side effects could also include breathing problems that can be life-threatening. Patients are at a higher risk when taking the first Tramadol dose. They increase the dosage if they are older or have an existing lung problem. 

The side effects can be: 

• Sleepiness
• Constipation
• Sweating
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Vomiting
• Noisy breathing, shallow breathing, sighing, breathing that stops during sleeping
• Slow heart rate, weak pulse
• Light-headed feeling
• Seizures
• Low cortisol levels

What precautions should be taken?

• Avoid drinking alcohol
• Avoid driving or doing other dangerous activities until you know how Tramadol can affect you. 
• Tramadol can cause dizziness, and this can cause falls, accidents, or serious injuries. So, for the safety of you and everyone around you, it is better to be aware of the effects of Tramadol and be cautious.

What if I missed the dose of Tramadol?

If you have skipped a dose and it is almost time for your next dose, skip it. Do not use two doses at a time just because you missed one. 

What if there is an overdose of Tramadol?

Immediately seek medical attention or call the poison helpline. An overdose could be potentially fatal if it is ingested by a child or a person who is using the medicine without a prescription. Overdose symptoms can include severe drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, slow breathing, or even no breathing, leading to fatality if seeking medical help is delayed. 

What are the storage conditions for Tramadol?

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep track of your medicine to ensure that no one else is using it. Do not keep leftover Tramadol after your use for it is over. Even one can result in death if used accidentally or improperly. Ask your pharmacist to find a drug take-back disposal program. 

Caution with other medicine

You may experience withdrawal symptoms or breathing issues if you start or stop using certain medications. Inform your doctor without fail if you are taking any antibiotics, medicine to treat HIV or hepatitis C, seizure medication, heart or blood pressure medication or antifungal medication.
Keep your doctor in the loop if you take:

• Medicine for allergies, blood pressure, asthma, motion sickness, irritable bowel or bladder
• Other opioid medicines
• Valium, Klonopin, Xanax
• Antidepressants, stimulants, medicine for Parkinson's disease or migraines.
• The list is not exhaustive. Inform your doctor if you are using prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

How quickly does Tramadol show results?

It may peak in your system after 2-3 hours and typically lasts for about 6 hours. 

Tramadol vs Tramazac 

FAQs

1. Can I take tramadol if I'm breastfeeding?

Tramadol is generally not recommended while breastfeeding, as it can pass into breast milk and potentially affect the nursing infant. You should consult your healthcare provider for alternative pain relief options that are safe during breastfeeding.

2. Is tramadol safe for daily use?

Tramadol can be used on a daily basis for the management of certain types of pain, but this should be under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional. Prolonged or unsupervised daily use can lead to dependence and other potential issues.

3. What are the side effects of tramadol?

Tramadol can have various side effects, including nausea, dizziness, constipation, headache, and drowsiness. It can also lead to more serious side effects, such as breathing difficulties or allergic reactions. It's essential to discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider.

4. What is the maximum amount of tramadol you can take in a single day?

The maximum dosage of tramadol in a day is typically determined by your doctor based on your medical condition and individual factors. It is important to strictly follow your prescribed dosage and not exceed it, as tramadol can be habit-forming and has associated risks.

5. What kind of pain does tramadol treat?

Tramadol is commonly prescribed to alleviate moderate to moderately severe pain. It is often used to manage pain following surgeries, injuries, and chronic conditions, such as arthritis or nerve pain.

6. Is tramadol a good painkiller?

Tramadol can be effective in managing certain types of pain when used as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Its effectiveness may vary from person to person and depending on the specific pain condition. It's essential to discuss with your doctor whether tramadol is a suitable pain relief option for your particular situation.

References:

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/Tramadol#:~:text=a%20specific%20medication.-,What%20is%20Tramadol%20used%20for%3F,(long-term)%20pain https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-4398-5239/Tramadol-oral/Tramadol-oral/details https://www.drugs.com/Tramadol.html

Disclaimer: The information provided here is not meant to substitute an advice from a healthcare professional. The information is not intended to cover all the possible uses, side-effects, precautions, and drug interactions. This information is not intended to suggest that using a specific drug is suitable, safe, or efficient for you or anyone else. The absence of any information or warning regarding the drug should not be interpreted as an implicit guarantee from the organisation. We strongly advise you to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about the drug and never use the medication without a doctor’s prescription.