Side Effects of Tramadol Abuse
Tramadol ranks among one of the strongest painkillers in use in the medical industry. They are often given to patients who have undergone surgery. Some doctors recommend them when regular painkillers no longer have the desired effect.
Tramadol belongs to a class of drugs called opioid agonists and works by changing how the brain senses pain. Like endorphins, it is a medication used to treat moderate and severe pain with the onset of pain relief beginning within an hour. The prominent immediate-release tablet is also available under the brand name Ultram. Tramadol treats moderate to severe chronic pain when it’s urgently needed.
Tramadol is a controlled substance that’s distributed under the supervision of a doctor. You may be required to take it with other medications as part of combined therapy. This drug is known to cause addiction, and misuse can result in overdose and death. Therefore, one should be careful to use this medication as prescribed by his or her doctor.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Tramadol?
Taking Tramadol for a long time leads to tolerance. When you stop taking it suddenly, you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. They can include:
- Shaking
- Feeling agitated
- Anxiousness
- Agitation
Talk to your doctor first when you decide to stop taking your prescription.
Coping With Side Effects
The side effects of Tramadol vary from one individual to the other. In case you are experiencing these side effects, try out the following tips to suppress them.
- Headaches. Drink plenty of fluids and get adequate rest. Do not take Tramadol and alcohol at the same time. Headaches go away after the first week. In case the headaches persist, talk to your doctor.
- Dry mouth. Chew sugar-free gums, and suck on sugar-free sweets. An artificial saliva prescription may help keep your mouth moist.
- Vomiting. Consume simple meals, and restrict yourself from eating rich or spicy food. Take your Tramadol prescription after you have eaten. Frequent sips of water also help.
- Constipation. Take more fiber into your diet. The best sources of fiber are fruits and vegetables. Drink water regularly. Gentle exercises, like short walks and swimming, help the situation. If constipation persists, get a different medication from your doctor.
- Dizziness. It usually wears off after one week as your body gets accustomed to Tramadol. Drinking alcohol only makes you more tired. Avoid it at all costs.
- Sweat. Wear loose clothing, or use a strong antiperspirant. Keeping cool using a fan also helps.
Overdose
If you suspect that someone has had a Tramadol overdose, give him or her naloxone, and call for help. Look out for the following symptoms.
- Troubled breathing
- Coma
- Seizure
- Slow heartbeat
- Passing out
Do not share your medication with someone else. It is illegal. Do not use it for another condition unless your doctor tells you to. It is wise to teach your family members how to deal with a Tramadol overdose to ensure you are safe.
Who Should and Shouldn’t Take Tramadol?
Dosage information for Tramadol tablets will depend on your age, the condition, other present medical conditions and how you react to the first dose. This drug can be prescribed for pain relief in child dosages for patients between 0-17 years of age, adult dosages for those who are 18-64 years old, and senior dosages for patients above 64 years old.
People suffering from seizures, mental health issues, addiction problems, head injuries, stomach-related problems, liver or kidney disease, and breathing problems should avoid taking this drug.
Other groups barred from taking the drug are pregnant women since Tramadol may affect the fetus. Women who breastfeed are also advised to avoid taking Tramadol since the drug passes to the feeding child. Seniors who have liver- and kidney-related problems should also avoid taking this drug. Patients with allergies to opioids should also avoid taking Tramadol since it can cause severe allergic reactions. Individuals who drink alcohol are advised not to take this drug since it causes serious side effects.
Use With Other Prescriptions
The combination of Tramadol with other drugs contributes to the overall side effects. The effects tend to be more severe, unlike when on Tramadol alone. When you visit your doctor, ensure you tell him or her that you are taking other medicines.
Prescription drugs for the following conditions are likely to cause prolonged side effects.
- Pain relief
- Depression
- Relief
- Infection
- Psychiatric conditions
- Tension or anxiety
- Allergies
In some instances, some prescriptions weaken the effect of Tramadol. Your doctor should know if you are taking:
- Rifampicin (an antibiotic)
- Buprenorphine (a painkiller)
- Carbamazepine (treats epilepsy)
- Ondansetron (stops the feeling of sickness)
Pregnancy and Tramadol
Taking Tramadol is not very safe during pregnancy. If you are taking Tramadol and start to experience problems with your unborn child, consult your doctor. There is a high likelihood that Tramadol is the cause.
Do not take Tramadol during the end of your pregnancy because there is a chance your newborn baby may experience withdrawal symptoms. For pregnant women experiencing severe pain, Tramadol is the best solution. Seek the advice of your doctor.
Precautions
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Before taking Tramadol, tell your doctor:
- If you have a Tramadol allergy or any other allergy
- Your medical history. Inform your doctor if you have a brain disorder, liver disease, substance use disorder, stomach or intestinal problems, breathing problems, kidney disease, depression, or obesity.
Tramadol may make you drowsy. If you use it with alcohol or marijuana, you may become dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery under this condition.
Tramadol can result in QT prolongation (an irregular rhythm of the heart). It is rarely fatal, but it can cause dizziness, fainting and irregular heartbeats. Make sure you seek medical attention.
Children tend to be more sensitive to Tramadol’s side effects. If your child is experiencing severe side effects, consult your doctor for help. Additionally, older adults can develop hyponatremia (a salt imbalance) while using Tramadol.
Granite Recovery Centers
Overcoming Tramadol’s side effects can be challenging. You require the utmost patience and perseverance. We offer the following services.
- Mental health program: We take you through dialectical and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Our motivational interviews, process groups, and one-on-one individual sessions can help you overcome these side effects.
- Structured sober living program: Our homes in Manchester ensure you live in a supportive environment, which helps you adapt to the challenges of experiencing side effects.
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP): Green Mountain Treatment Center provides holistic therapies, individualized treatment plans, primary drug rehab program, medical detox, clinical modalities and client-to-client program.
- Top-notch residential addiction centers: We have three centers in New Hampshire. Green Mountain Treatment Center, NFA Behavioral Health, and the Granite House. Services available at our centers include evidence-based therapies, discharge/aftercare planning, and a fully-staffed medically supervised detox program. We provide medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency.
- Alumni program: Since many people seek our services, Granite Recovery Centers help you form a strong bond with your peers. The program is essential because you get to interact with individuals who are also seeking to achieve sobriety. You get a sense of belonging.
We are the best at what we do, and we do it with utmost care and professionalism. Recovery is a challenging process, and not everyone can endure it. Taking the bold step and coming to us shows that you care about your health and life. We reciprocate this by ensuring you complete the journey successfully.
Conclusion
Beyond a doubt, Tramadol is a vital weapon against pain. However, the side effects of this drug can be extremely difficult. We have analyzed all possible dimensions about Tramadol’s common and fatal side effects, coping with these effects, medical precautions and getting help. At Granite Recovery Centers, we will help you cope with these side effects. Seek our services today, and you will not be disappointed. You are not alone. You deserve help. Granite Recovery Centers provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency.
