Learn About the Effects of This Prescription Medication
What Is Tramadol?
Tramadol is a prescription medication that is available in both generic and brand-named versions. The brand-named version of this prescription, Ultram, is taken in an oral tablet form. Tramadol may come as either an oral tablet, which is offered in immediate release and extended release forms, or an oral capsule. It is a synthetic opioid, known for being weaker than a typical opioid, and is also known as an opioid agonist. Since Tramadol is a controlled substance that comes with a risk of addiction, it’s vital that individuals only use it after receiving a prescription from a doctor that understands their specific condition.
Why People Use Tramadol
Tramadol is used to treat moderate to severe pain in the body. This medication works similar to the endorphins in the brain to help relieve pain. Like endorphins, tramadol binds to your receptors to decrease the pain messages that the body sends to the brain. Basically, the medication changes how your brain senses pain. Tramadol is sometimes used as part of a combination therapy and may be prescribed alongside other medications or treatments.
Tramadol Side Effects
Like most prescription drugs, Tramadol comes with its fair share of side effects. In fact, the number of individuals who experience symptoms after taking this drug is continuing to climb. Some of the more common side effects of Tramadol include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea & vomiting
- Constipation
- Lack of energy
- Sweating
- Dry mouth
These symptoms may begin immediately after you take the drug, but they should not last long or cause any severe complications. However, Tramadol may come with more serious risks. If you experience any of the following side effects after using Tramadol, contact the doctor who prescribed it to you as soon as possible. Some serious symptoms or Tramadol use may include:
- Serotonin syndrome
- Slowed or stopped breathing
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Seizures
- Misuse, physical dependence, & addiction
While addiction is a serious side effect of Tramadol, it is unfortunately more common than you may think.
Can You Withdraw From Tramadol?
Yes, you can withdraw from Tramadol. If you stop taking Tramadol suddenly, you are likely to experience common symptoms of withdrawal. Tramadol withdrawal symptoms closely mirror antidepressant withdrawal or flu symptoms, and the severity depends on the individual. The experience that someone will have during Tramadol withdrawal depends on several factors such as their previous drug use, history with addiction, age, weight, genetics, mental health, level of pain, and more. Withdrawal symptoms typically begin anywhere from one to two days after a person’s last dose, and usually don’t last for more than one week.
Someone who is undergoing withdrawal from Tramadol may experience the following side effects:
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Increased blood pressure
- Trouble sleeping
- Fast breathing rate
- Fast heart rate
- Yawning
- Teary eyes
- Dilated pupils
- Runny nose
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea/vomiting
- Sweating
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
While these symptoms are certainly undesirable, you should be able to experience withdrawal comfortably if you are in an appropriate environment with trained and supportive professionals.
How to Treat Tramadol Withdrawal Symptoms
If you are experiencing withdrawal from Tramadol, the best solution is to enroll in a detoxification program at a rehabilitation center or medical facility. These programs are designed to help individuals detox comfortably and successfully so they can begin their recovery journey. After detox, depending on the severity of the addiction, inpatient or outpatient treatment may be encouraged. Other treatment options may include therapy or group support meetings.
Using Prescriptions Responsibly
Tramadol, along with many other prescriptions, must only be taken according to dosage. Avoid taking it with alcohol or mixing with other drugs unless your doctor specifies that it can be combined with another prescription or over-the-counter drug. If you decide to stop taking Tramadol, talk to your doctor about tapering off instead of stopping suddenly to decrease chances of withdrawal.
To learn more about the effects of Tramadol and other prescription drugs, contact our team of medical and substance abuse professionals by calling 267.719.8689.
