Is Tramadol the Right Drug for You?

Now that the concept of pain management is firmly in place, doctors have a good arsenal of drugs to call upon in the treatment of chronic pain. The methods and variety of drugs used for the treatment of the central nervous system has greatly increased. When treating moderate to severe pain, Tramadol may be appropriately administered intravenously, intramuscularly, or in oral dosage. It is a synthetic opioid that has been found effective when used in these manners.

Doctors still hail morphine as the drug of choice in treatment of severe chronic pain from a variety of causes. Running close second are Tramadol, and pethidine, a similar opioid drug. Both have demonstrated efficiency in the management of chronic pain. Because Tramadol is less likely to cause respiratory depression and other adverse reactions that frequently occur with other opioid medications, it is a preferred treatment for moderate pain.

Surely there have been some instances of addiction to Tramadol, but generally speaking, this drug does not usually tend toward dependence. As compared with other opioid drugs, recovering from addiction to Tramadol is easier. Studies show that withdrawal symptoms are milder and withdrawal syndrome easier to endure than that experienced during withdrawal from other similar drugs.

Of particular concern is the instance of negative side effects when the Tramadol dosage is administered with greater frequency or otherwise increased. For this reason, a number of clinical trials have been conducted The finding was that Tramadol may often cause general weakness, nausea, sleepiness, and vertigo. Distressing, negative side effects the patients experienced included unusually dry mouth, temporary loss of strength and energy, and excessive sweating. In addition, patients should be very careful when rising from their bed or chair because Tramadol sometimes causes postural hypotension.

Another fact that has been found in studies of Tramadol’s interaction with other drugs is that Tramadol may severely inhibit the efficacy of seizure medications. If you have a history of epilepsy and seizures and/or are taking Carbamazepine, you will want to know that the use of Tramadol may cause an increase in your symptoms. You may experience seizures of a variety of intensity levels. They may cause convulsions and loss of consciousness. So naturally, Tramadol is not usually indicated for use with patients who have a history of seizure disorder.

It has been demonstrated that other drugs, such as MAO inhibitors and SSRI’s (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor–actually, this is an anti-depressant) interact with Tramadol. When used in conjunction with antidepressants, Tramadol may have a strong tendency to cause such negative interactions as serotonin syndrome. This is why use of Tramadol with antidepressants is strongly discouraged.

If you understand what SSRI does, you will be able to understand why Tramadol has this effect. SSRIs function by blocking serotonin re-uptake. Because of this, serotonin remains available to the receptors of the brain both widely and in tremendous concentration. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is very deeply entwined with depression. It has a strong influence on depressive moods. When this sort of drug interacts with Tramadol, it causes a condition known as the serotonin syndrome. In this instance, an excess of serotonin becomes available to the central nervous system.

So, of course, you will want to be well versed regarding the dangerous consequences that could result from these drug interactions. If you receive a prescription for Tramadol, be sure to do your homework and know all that there is to know before you ever take your first dose. The symptoms of serotonin syndrome come upon you quickly and produce deadly consequences with startling rapidity. The usual symptoms of shock might be present when this syndrome is experienced. These might include abnormal reflexes, tachycardia, mydriasis, sweating, and trembling.

Needless to say, if you have consumed both of these drugs and you find yourself experiencing these symptoms, you will be well-advised to visit your local emergency room as quickly as possible. Your situation is quite serious. Hyper alertness, seizures, fever, agitation, and hypertension were among some of the more severe side effects. Confusion, hallucinations and strong headaches may occur, as well.

Of course Tramadol may have negative side effects. Of particular interest is the risk of serotonin syndrome. Disclose any other medications you may be taking when you visit your doctor. Be sure to follow his or her instructions to the letter. Of course you may experience negative side effects using any drugs. Fortunately, we have specialists to turn to who can help with knowledge and experience that will lead to the correct plan of treatment. Should you decide to take Tramadol, be sure you follow the dispensing directions exactly!