Tramadol is the generic name of pain relief drug made under the brand names Ultram, Conzip, Rybix ODT, and Ultram ER. Tramadol belongs to the group of medicine called opioid analgesics, which act as CNS (central nervous system) pain reliever. From the long-time use of this medicine, you may become habit-forming, which causes mental dependence. SO in this particular on What Are The Side Effects Of Tramadol, we will see a full overview of Tramadol.

Common Brand: Ultram,

Generic Name: Tramadol,

Drug range: 50 mg, 100 mg,

Risk: Addiction, Death,

What Is Tramadol Drug?

Tramadol oral medicine is a prescription drug that is coming for you as an extended-release and an immediate-release medicine. Tramadol is also available as an extended-release oral capsule. However, immediate-release medications are released into your body at that time. But extended-release tablets are released in your body slowly over time.

Although both oral tramadol medicines have also come as generic drugs. The immediate-release medicine also comes with the brand-name drug Ultram. However, generic drugs normally cost less than the branded drug. Although in a few cases, these can not be available in all power or types as the branded drug. 

Tramadol is a controlled substance. That means this drug may only be used with the close supervision of a doctor. Because Tramadol drug is a narcotic-like pain killer. Hence Tramadol is utilized to handle medium to severe pain in adults. 

However, the extended-release type of tramadol drug is for the immediate treatment of your pain. The extended-release kinds of tramadol are not for the treatment of your immediate body pain.

What Is Tramadol Used For?

Tramadol is taken to manage moderate to severe body pain. Tramadol can be utilized as a part of combination therapy. That means you may require to use this drug with other medications. Although Tramadol is a controlled substance. This means that it can only use under the close supervision of a doctor. This medication is used for severe pain, you can compare Tramadol similar to opioid (narcotic) analgesics.

It works on the brain to change, your reaction & feeling during pain. Before starting the Tramadol, use the medication guide provided by your pharmacist and every time you get a refill. 

Accept this medicine by mouth as coordinated by your specialist, generally every 4 to 6 hours as required for help with discomfort. One can consume this medication with or even without nourishment. On the off chance that you have queasiness, it might take this medication with sustenance. 

The dose depends on your illness and reaction to treatment To reduce the risk of reactions, your specialist/Doctor can guide you to start this medication on a lower dose and increase your drug dose slowly. Carefully follow the instructions of your specialist, to avoid health issues like headaches, body pain.

If you are suffering from constant lower back pain, (for example, due to joint swelling), your specialist can guide you to take opioid medicines. Considering all things, this drug can be used for sudden (achievement) pain relief. Other painkillers, (for example, acetaminophen, ibuprofen) can also help you to feel painless. A sudden stop of this prescript medicine can cause harm to you, especially in case you used it for a long time or in higher doses. To stop evacuation, your doctor can advise reducing medicine slowly.

How Tramadol Works?

Dication relates to a family of drugs named opioid agonists. However, a class or family of drugs is known as a group of medications, which can work in a similar drug are usually used to manage similar conditions. Although Tramadol drug is work on adjusting how your brain senses the pain.

Tramadol is alike to substances of your brain named endorphins. Endorphins bind to receptors or the parts of such cells which receive a specific substance. Then the receptors of the brain reduce the pain messages which your body transmits to your brain. Tramadol also works in an alike way to lower the volume of pain that your brain assumes.

Some Important Facts about Tramadol

Although seizures have been reported in those patients who are taking tramadol. Therefore the risk of seizures is very high if you are using big doses of tramadol drug over what is suggested. The risk of seizure is also higher in those who have a seizure disorder or in such persons who are using some opioid medications or antidepressants.

Tramadol must not be used if you are prone to addiction or have suicidal thoughts. Also, you must not use tramadol drug if you have a blockage in the stomach or intestines, severe breathing difficulties, or if you have recently used sedatives, alcohol, narcotic medication, tranquilizers, or an MAO inhibitor (such as linezolid, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, methylene blue injection, selegiline, rasagiline, tranylcypromine, and others).

Because Tramadol drugs may slow or stop breathing ability, and maybe an addiction to it. Although if you misuse it then it becomes a habit, overdose, or even death mainly in a child or other person taking the medicine without a prescription. Tramadol must not be given to a child aged 12 or less.

Ultram ER must not be given to anyone less than 18 years old. Taking tramadol in pregnancy can cause life-threatening symptoms of withdrawal in the baby. The worst side effects may occur when you use this drug with other drugs or with alcohol because it causes drowsiness or slows your breathing.

Caution Before Using Tramadol Drug

Well, if you are allergic to this drug then you must not consume Tramadol further. There can be some other problems too while consuming this medicine. So below we are sharing some points if you feel any of these situations, then it is suggested not the consume the medicine anymore. 

• Blockage in your stomach or intestines.
• If you used sedatives, alcohol, narcotic medications, or tranquilizers.
• Severe asthma or some breathing problems.
• Tramadol must not be given to a baby smaller than 12 years old.
• Ultram ER should not be given to anyone less than 18 years old.
• If you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. Such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.
• Do not give this medicine to anyone smaller than 18 years old.
• Those who just lately had surgery to remove the adenoids or tonsils.

You should avoid giving this drug to kids between 12 to 18 years of age, who have conditions that can cause breathing difficulties. In some people, seizures have occurred while taking tramadol. Talk to your doctor regarding your seizure risk, which could be higher if:

• You have epilepsy, head injury, or other seizure dysfunction
• If you also take certain muscle relaxants, antidepressants, opioids, or other medications.

When you take tramadol during your pregnancy, then your baby could become dependent on this drug. This may produce symptoms of life-threatening withdrawal in your baby after they are born. Babies who are born dependent on this habit-forming drug may require medical treatment for several weeks.

What Are The Side Effects Of Tramadol

Like any other medication, this particular medication also has some side effects. Below are some of the common side effects of Tramadol.  

• Nausea,
• Vomiting,
• Constipation,
• Lightheartedness,
• Dizziness,
• Drowsiness,
• Headache.

Sometimes, the effects of this medicine decrease, if you are taking this medication for a long time(1-2 months). But, it feels like such conditions which are mentioned above, consult with your doctor.

Prevent constipation which is caused by medicine can be reduced by eating dietary fiber, drink enough water, and yoga. To reduce the dizziness effect, get up slowly from sitting or lying position. Remember this medicine is provided by your doctor after knowing the medical condition.

We can’t avoid the side effects of Tramadol

• Allergic reaction
• Rash
• Itching/swelling
• Severe dizziness
• Trouble breathing

common side effects of tramadol: It happens 1 in 10 user

• Dizziness
• Feeling sick
• Awaiting
• Tiredness
• Sleepiness
• Headache

Uncommon side effect: It happens 1 in 100 user

• Itching
• Fast heartbeat
• Rash

Rare side effect: It happens 1 in 1,000 user

• Dysphoria
• Hallucinations
• Change in ability to think/emotional nature

Very rare side effect: It happens 1 in 10,000 user

• Flushing

Some Complications With Tramadol

As you know that Tramadol drug is utilized to handle medium to severe pain. The brand name of this drug is Ultram. Tramadol is used as oral tablets, which come in extended-release and immediate-release forms.

This medication is also available as an oral capsule. However, Tramadol oral tablet or capsule also comes in both brand-name and generic drugs. Besides that, some complications arise and some predefined warnings, that are as follows:

Accidental ingestion

When any child or other small age kids or persons takes a dose of this medicine by accident either only one time, then also it may cause death. Therefore this medication must be stored out of the reach of children.

Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome

Although when you take this drug for a long period especially when you are pregnant. Therefore it may cause withdrawal in your baby. However, Withdrawal in any of the newborns or babies can lead to death.

Because the symptoms of withdrawal may involve hyperactivity, irritability, a high-pitched cry, and unusual sleep patterns. Besides that, it can also incorporate vomiting, tremor, failure to gain weight, and diarrhea.

Slowed or stopped breathing

However, this medication may slow down or even stop your intake of oxygen, or breathing. Although when this is not treated quickly, then it can cause you death. Besides, the risk is very high within three days when you starting the medication or increasing your drug dosage.

Using with benzodiazepines

Well, if you are using tramadol with benzodiazepines or other types of similar medicines, then it can cause you some very serious effects. Although these side effects may involve severe fatigue, coma, slowed breathing, and death also.

Life-threatening impacts on children

In such cases, when a kid’s body may process this medication very fast. Therefore this problem may lead the child to slow breathing problems and even death. Thus this medication should not be taken by younger children less than 12 years of age.

Besides, this medicine must not be taken by children more junior than 18 years of age, or those who have specific risk factors, or even for those who have just undergone a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy.

Misuse and Addiction

However, this is one more concern complication of this drug. That can lead you to misuse and addiction to this drug. Also, this can result in an overdose of the drug and even death. Therefore if you want to help yourself to avoid such problems.

Then you must take this medication the same dose as prescribed by your doctor. Besides that, if you facing any concerns about this warning, then you must talk with your health specialist.

Interactions with certain drugs

Well, if you are taking tramadol medicine with some other drugs. Then it can cause different and even some serious side effects on your health. However, these effects may involve enhanced levels of tramadol, which possibly leading you to seizures and serotonin syndrome.

Also, these effects can introduce the decreased effectiveness of tramadol drug and even opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, the drugs which may cause such effects to you incorporate quinidine, amiodarone, ketoconazole, erythromycin, ritonavir, and other similar medications.

Precautions

Before taking Tramadol, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any component like Zinc, iron, magnesium, or any others. These products may contain inactive ingredients, so the probability of allergic reactions or other problems increases more. Before taking medicine to tell your doctor about your medical history:

• Brain Disorder (head injury, tumor, seizures),
• Breathing problems (asthma, sleep apnea, COPD),
• Kidney problem/liver problem,
• Mental disorder(confusion, depression, suicidal thoughts),
• Drugs/alcohol addiction,
• Pancreas related issue,
• Obesity,
• MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) taken by you within the last 2 weeks.,
• Any opioid medicines (strong pain killer) like morphine, pethidine, buprenorphine,
• Medicine which slows your breathing, high blood pressure,
• Sleeping tablets,
• Cimetidine,
• Ketoconazole,
• Ondansetron,
• Wayfaring,
• Any depression treatment,

This medicine makes you sleepy & dizzy, if you drinking alcohol then it may increase the timing of your dizziness or drowsy. So avoid driving a bike, car, or operating a heavy machine for your safety.

Tramadol may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm/beat. The QT prolongation causes serious problems like fast/irregular heartbeat, so, you need medical attention. Low levels of potassium in the blood may also increase the risk of QT.

“Before having surgery tell your doctor or dentist about this medicine components.”

Some children have a very rapid rate f side effects, so don’t continue without, the advice of a doctor. An older person generally faces such type of side effects due to this medicine: confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, slow/shallow breathing.

You can use this medicine during pregnancy on the extreme condition with the advice of a doctor.

Tramadol Overdose

Well, you must use tramadol drugs specifically as prescribed. In addition, follow all regulations on the prescription labels. Tramadol may slow down or stop your breathing. Particularly if you start taking this drug or whenever the dose is increased. Never use this drug in higher amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Notify your doctor if the drug seems to stop working or in relieving the pain.

Tramadol can be a habit-forming drug, even at daily doses.  Also, if someone has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Overdose of this drug may cause death, especially in a baby or other people taking the drug without any prescription. Giving away or Selling this medicine is against the law.

Stop using all other around-the-clock narcotic pain drugs when you start using tramadol. Tramadol can be used with or without food, but take it the same routine every time. Do not break, crush, or open an extended-release capsule or tablet (ConZip, Ultram ER). Swallow it completely to avoid danger to a potentially fatal dose.

Do not discontinue taking this drug suddenly, because you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor first how to quit using this medicine safely. Store this drug at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Also, keep track of your medicine. Tramadol is a drug of abuse therefore you must be aware if anyone is taking your medicine improperly or without a prescription.

You should not keep leftover opioid medication. Because just a dose may cause death in someone who takes this medicine improperly or accidentally. Ask your druggist where to find a drug take-back disposal program. If there is no such program, then mix the leftover drug with cat litter or coffee grounds in a sealed plastic bag and throw it in the trash.

Some FAQ’s About Tramadol

1. What happened when I avoid taking tramadol?

Dangerous side effects or death may occur so do not take alcohol with it. This drug may weaken your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you identify how this drug will affect you. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can produce falls or other accidents.

What happens when I take an overdose?

Get emergency medical attention or immediately call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. The tramadol overdose can be fatal, especially in a child or other human using the drug without a prescription. Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, slow heart rate, very slow breathing, cold and clammy skin, or coma.

2. What happens when I miss a dose?

Since tramadol drug is taken for pain, you are not liable to miss any dose. Skip and missed any dose if it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take more medicine to recover the missed dose.

3. What other drugs will affect tramadol?

You may ought breathing difficulties or symptoms of withdrawal if you stop or start taking some other medicines. Consult with your doctor if you also take antifungal medication, antibiotics, seizure medication, heart or blood pressure medication, or medicine to treat HIV or hepatitis C.

Tramadol medication may combine with many other drugs and create serious side effects or even death. Must be sure to tell your doctor if you also use such medicines:

• Cold or allergy medicines
• Bronchodilator asthma/COPD medication
• Any diuretic called a water pill
• Medicines for motion sickness
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Overactive bladder medicine
• Other narcotic medications such as prescription cough medicine or opioid pain medicine
• Any sedative-like Valiums such as alprazolam, diazepam, Xanax, lorazepam, Versed, Klonopin, and others
• Drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing such as a muscle relaxer, sleeping pill, medicine to treat mood disorders or mental illness
• Drugs that affect serotonin levels in your body such as medicine for depression, stimulants, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, serious infections, or nausea and vomiting.

However, this is not a complete list. Because other drugs can combine with tramadol, including over-the-counter and prescription medicines, herbal products, and vitamins. Although not all possible interactions are inclined in this medication example.