Did someone advise you to start using painkillers to combat joint pains? While painkillers can be an easy way to get rid of pain, did you know that taking it regularly can weaken your heart? Yes, your cardiovascular health can be at risk, a reason you need to consult your doctor before starting any medicine.[1]
Tramadol is one of the most prominent analgesic medicines available in the market aimed at treating moderate to severe pain. This synthetic opioid is sold by a number of other brands such as Rybix, Ryzolt Ultram, and Synapryn. Tramadol is being used in different fields. It is extremely necessary to be aware of the drug thoroughly before you start using it to avoid problems.
What is Tramadol?
It is an oral tablet that is available to have faster effects on pain. This immediate-release and extended-release medicine acts in the perfect manner in the body.[2] As the name suggests, the immediate-release medicines tend to have a faster impact on the body, while the extended-release tends to have a slower impact on the body.
Although both are available in the market, they are generic in nature. Compared to the branded drugs, generic drugs tend to have low cost. Nonetheless, they are as effective as any other, so you don’t have to worry. However, do note that Tramadol is a controlled substance and is not given out everywhere without a prescription. You need to visit your doctor and have a prescription for you it before you can get your hands on one.[3]
Why is Tramadol used?
As stated above, Tramadol is aimed at offering relief to moderate to severe pain. Often doctors might even make it a part of the combination therapy to ensure faster treatment. As a result, you can surely take the drugs with other medicines. However, make sure to check if it works properly with blood thinners. Most of the drugs tend to have a negative impact.[4]
Tramadol may react with other medicines
Tramadol is an oral tablet that may interact with other medicines. This may further change how medicine affects you. It prevents the respective drug from showing effect and harming you.
Since you are not an expert, you need to ensure that you consult your doctor carefully.[5] If you are on any other medicines such as vitamins or herbs, you need to inform your doctor about those.
Some of the prominent drugs that Tramadol interacts with include the following.
- Carbamazepine
Taking Tramadol and Carbamazepine together will prevent Tramadol from functioning. As a result, you won’t notice many changes when it comes to your pain. Apart from decreasing the impact, it will increase the risk of getting seizures.
- Depression drugs
If you have been put on depression drugs such as sertraline, paroxetine, venlafaxine, you should avoid Tramadol as it can make you restless and more agitated. However, in some cases, the doctor may monitor the impact and recommend a dosage accordingly.
- Lithium
If you have too much serotonin, it can lead to serotonin syndrome. You may experience fast heartbeat, vomiting, feeling agitated, and more. But, you must avoid consumption with these medicines since it may not have a positive impact but a negative impact.
Some of the other medicines that you shouldn’t be taking with Tramadol include St John’s Wort, Linezolid, and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors.[6] You should also avoid taking in hypnotic medicines like zolpidem or other common headache medicines as it could result in side effects. Antipsychotic medicines and anaesthesia are a no-go too.
Some People Cannot Process Tramadol
One of the unknown facts about Tramadol is that it is not FDA approved. It is for this reason that many doctors refrain from prescribing it.[7]
As a general rule, Tramadol is not given to children below 18yeard of age. This may interact with the body and cause other side effects such as difficulty in breathing and sometimes even death. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid the use of Tramadol as well because it harms the infants.[8]
Although the impact of Tramadol on pregnant women has been clearly stated, it is safe to avoid this medicine.
Tramadol can have serious side-effects
Tramadol may be an effective medicine, but it can show mild to severe side-effects. It is one of the most tolerated medicines if taken in suggested amounts. However, it may show mild side effects that may be temporary. Some of the common side effects of Tramadol include the following
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
Accidental overdose can be pretty harmful. It is for this reason that one should Tramadolamadol to a major extent. Some of the lesser common side effects of Tramadol include
- Excessive sweating
- Itching
- Rash
- Loose motions
- Dry mouth
- Vertigo
Compared to adults, the kids are more prone to severe side effects due to Tramadol. Some of these serious side effects include
- Seizures
- Slow breathing
- Serotonin syndrome
- Angioedema
- Life-threatening allergy
Often people also slip into depression due to Tramadol. It is for this reason that a number of them have shown symptoms of suicidal thoughts and actions.
Tramadol can be addictive
Although not completely addictive, many people have shown to have developed the habit of Tramadol. The doctors, despite providing recommended dosage have stated that many patients have developed the signs of addiction. The people have a tough time withdrawing from medicine.[9]
If you find yourself becoming dependent on Tramadol, you need to consult your doctor. The doctor can be of great help if you want to get off the medicines. Apart from that, there are a number of other pain relievers that you may want to try.[10]
You Should not Swallow it Completely
If you are put on Tramadol, you need to swallow it as a whole and as it is rather than splitting it. Often people have tried to have Tramadol in a split and crushed format.[11] Not swallowing the medicine as a whole and consuming it in pieces will lead to a lot of drugs being released in your bloodline. This is the accidental dosage, which later on proves to be harmful.
Take your medicine in proper dosage to avoid any negative impact. Tramadol is a strong medicine which if not taken in recommended amounts, will prove to be harmful. Make sure to consult your doctor thoroughly before starting with your medicine dosage.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3652964/
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[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15509185
[8] Khan AH, Rasaily D. Tramadol use in premature ejaculation: daily versus sporadic treatment. Indian J Psychol Med. 2013 Jul;35(3):256-9. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
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[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2714818/
[11] Ojha R, Bhatia SC. Tramadol dependence in a patient with no previous substance history. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2010;12(1):PCC.09100779. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
