Tramadol is a powerful opioid medication that can be used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is available in both generic and in brand-name formulations. Like any opioid, however, tramadol can be addictive if used improperly or for prolonged periods of time. Side effects of tramadol addiction include physical and psychological dependence, acute cravings for more of the drug and mental health issues.
Understanding the benefits and risks of tramadol can help you to make the best decisions for your health and well-being. If you or someone you love shows signs of tramadol addiction, seeking help as soon as possible can ensure the best chance of full recovery.
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What is Tramadol?
Tramadol is a prescription medication that is available in tablet, capsule and liquid forms. Common dosages for tramadol range from 50 mg to 300 mg. Tramadol is typically used for short durations to manage severe pain after an injury or surgical operation. It is not usually recommended for cases of chronic pain because of the risk of addiction associated with opioids.
Tramadol is a Schedule IV controlled substance that is available by prescription only. This status indicates that a drug has medicinal uses but can be addictive if not used properly. It may be available under brand names Ultram, Zerdame, Tradorec, Mabron, Larapam, Oldaram or Invodol, among others. Some patients may become sleepy, dizzy or have vision issues while using tramadol.
How Tramadol Works (and Why It’s Different)
Like most opioid medications, tramadol activates the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to provide significant relief from moderate to severe pain. Tramadol also prevents the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, a process that blocks pain signals from being transmitted to the brain. This dual action as both an opioid and a non-opioid analgesic allows tramadol to provide effective pain relief for patients but can also lead to a higher risk of addiction for some individuals.
Tramadol is generally considered to be one of the safest and least habit-forming opioids available. However, the potential for addiction to tramadol or any opioid painkiller should be considered before beginning a course of treatment with these medications. Understanding the risks and side effects of tramadol is essential to maintain a healthy relationship with this and other painkillers.
Side Effects of Tramadol
Tramadol is a prescription pain medication used to manage moderate to severe pain. As with other prescription opioids, it carries a risk of side effects ranging from mild to serious.
Common Side Effects:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Loss of appetite
Serious Side Effects:
- Seizures (increased risk with higher doses or misuse)
- Severe respiratory depression (dangerously slowed breathing)
- Serotonin syndrome (agitation, hallucinations, fever, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, muscle stiffness)
- Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, skin reactions)
- Dependence, tolerance, or addiction
Signs of Tramadol Overdose:
- Slow, difficult, or stopped breathing
- Extreme drowsiness or inability to wake up
- Cold, clammy skin
- Pinpoint (very small) pupils
- Loss of consciousness or coma
Always take tramadol exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider, and contact them immediately if you experience serious side effects or signs of overdose.
The Risk of Addiction and Dependence
Tramadol and other opioids offer dependable relief from moderate to severe pain for many patients. Unfortunately, opioid painkillers have a high potential for misuse, overuse and addiction because of the following four factors:
- Tolerance: While a relatively small dose of tramadol may serve to relieve pain during the early days of use, patients typically require larger doses to achieve the same level of relief. This tolerance to opioids can cause patients to use higher or more frequent doses of tramadol to manage pain.
- Physical dependence: Over time, patients can develop a physical dependence on tramadol or other opioids. Like tolerance, physical dependence can lead to increased use of tramadol over what is prescribed by a physician.
- Psychological dependence: Patients may also become emotionally or mentally dependent on tramadol. Cravings and uncharacteristic behaviors may occur during periods of withdrawal or tapering off of tramadol use.
- Addiction (substance use disorder): Some patients may develop a tramadol addiction. This is a chronic illness that typically manifests itself in severe cravings for the drug, compulsive behaviors regarding acquisition and use of tramadol and continued use despite negative experiences and consequences for that use.
Factors Contributing to Tramadol Abuse
A number of factors can play a role in the development of tramadol addiction among at-risk patients.
- Duration of use: For most patients, long-term use significantly increases the risk of tramadol addiction. By contrast, short-term use comes with a much lower risk.
- Dosage: Higher dosages are also associated with greater risks of developing an addiction to opioids in general and to tramadol specifically.
- Individual risk factors: Mental health issues, genetic predispositions and environmental factors can all increase the chance of opioid dependence and addiction for certain patients.
- Prior history of substance abuse: Patients with previous substance abuse disorders may be at significantly higher risk of developing opioid dependencies and tramadol addiction.
- Lack of medical supervision: Individuals who acquire tramadol illegally or without the approval of a physician are also at higher risk of becoming addicted to this painkiller. These individuals typically acquire opioids from illegal sources. The potency and actual composition of these drugs can vary widely, which makes illegal sourcing of tramadol a risky proposition not only from a standpoint of potential addiction but of personal safety as well.
Patients with one or more of these known addiction risk factors should be especially careful when using tramadol or other opioids.
Recognizing Tramadol Addiction
Understanding the early warning signs of opioid addiction can help tramadol users and their families to address this issue in the most effective way possible. Some of the most common behavioral changes in cases of tramadol addiction include the following:
- Reported cravings for tramadol and focus on its acquisition and use
- Doctor shopping, a practice in which patients visit multiple doctors to obtain prescriptions for opioids
- Increased withdrawal from friends and family and concerns about mental health
- Failing to meet obligations at work, school or in personal interactions
- Suffering financial consequences of addictive behaviors
- Unexplained financial outlays
- Denial of addiction despite serious negative results
Tramadol dependence can also produce physical symptoms, some of which are listed here:
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Clumsiness or lack of coordination
- Sudden or persistent changes in sleep patterns
- Changes in pupil dilation
- Physical dependence on tramadol
Psychological symptoms of tramadol misuse or addiction may include the following:
- Severe or unexplained mood swings
- Lack of focus
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Irritability or short temper
If you notice any of these signs of tramadol addiction in yourself or in a family member or loved one, seeking the help of a qualified addiction treatment center is the best way to resolve problems with tramadol addiction.
Tramadol Withdrawal Symptoms
Tramadol withdrawal can be painful and even dangerous without proper medical supervision. Some of the most common symptoms of opioid withdrawal include the following:
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia
- Chills, muscle aches and night sweats
- Gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
- Tremors
- Seizures
These symptoms can be frightening and dangerous. Withdrawal from tramadol or any opioid should be supervised by a qualified medical team to reduce risks to the patient. At Illinois Recovery Center, we can create a detox plan and addiction treatment designed to resolve substance use disorders and to provide a safe space for patients during their journey to recovery.
Tramadol Addiction Treatment
At Illinois Recovery Center, we take a holistic approach to addiction treatment. Our caring professionals will work with you and your family to find the best solutions for your unique set of needs. We offer treatments to reduce cravings, limit side effects and to improve your mental health during your recovery process. Our treatment plans include but are not limited to the following options:
- Detox: Detoxification is the process through which withdrawal from opioids can be safely managed. In most cases, patients will be weaned gradually off the medication to reduce the potential side effects of tramadol withdrawal.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): During treatment at Illinois Recovery Center, your recovery team may provide you with medications designed to ease the withdrawal process. Tranquilizers, methadone, antipsychotics and antidepressants are among the most common medications used to assist in the recovery process.
- Individual and group therapy: Treating the immediate symptoms and side effects of addiction can make patients more comfortable during the early stages of their recovery. To ensure the best chance of long-term sobriety, however, exploring the underlying reasons for addiction in individual and group therapy sessions can provide added support for those recovering from tramadol addiction.
- Support groups: After release from an addiction treatment facility, many people benefit from groups like Narcotics Anonymous. These groups offer a friendly ear and support throughout the recovery process.
Both inpatient and outpatient options are available for patients at Illinois Treatment Center. Whether you or a loved one need drug or alcohol detox, inpatient rehab, partial hospitalization or outpatient counseling and treatment.
Prevention
Preventing tramadol addiction usually requires a three-pronged approach:
- Physicians should monitor the use of tramadol and should prescribe it at the lowest dosages and for the shortest times possible to achieve the desired pain relief for patients.
- Patients should be informed of the risks of tramadol addiction and the potential side effects of this opioid.
- Controlled substances like tramadol should be stored securely. This can prevent misuse by those for whom it has not been prescribed.
Resources for Patients and Their Families
Tramadol is widely regarded as one of the safer opioids. Its use is not without risks, however. If you suspect that you or someone you love may be developing a tramadol addiction or a dependence on any other opioid, the friendly and caring professionals at Illinois Treatment Center are ready to help you begin the process of recovery. Seeking help as soon as possible will often increase your chances of success in achieving sobriety and recovering from tramadol addiction. At Illinois Recovery Center, we’re here to help you and your family navigate addiction treatment and recovery.
FAQ
Can You Take Tramadol and Oxycodone Together?
