Tramadol Overview

What is Tramadol?

Tramadol is an opiate painkiller and is often prescribed to treat pain on an as-needed basis as well as continuously in its extended-release form. This drug may become habit forming, especially after long-term use. You should speak to your doctor before you stop using Tramadol or change your dose in any way. Studies have shown that Tramadol can harm an unborn fetus; therefore, you should not take this drug if you are pregnant. This drug is not approved for use by those under the age of 18.

How is Tramadol Administered?

Patients can become tolerant to this drug. If this happens to you, discuss it with your doctor, especially if your pain is unrelieved by your current dose. Tramadol is administered in oral tablets that should be swallowed whole and taken exactly as prescribed. If you abuse the drug by altering its ingestion form, you are likely to use too much of the medication and experience a Tramadol overdose. Your dose should not exceed a maximum of 300 milligrams in a 24-hour time frame.

What Drug Interactions Should I Avoid When Taking Tramadol?

Your doctor or pharmacist should approve every medication you take with your Tramadol prescription, including non-prescription drugs, vitamins and home remedies. Negative drug interactions most commonly occur when Tramadol is taken along with narcotic painkillers, Carbamazepine, antidepressants, sleep aides, anti-anxiety drugs, MAO inhibitors and Sibutramine. If you need to start a new prescription drug while taking Tramadol or if you undergo emergency medical treatment for an unrelated reason, make sure that the paramedics know about all your prescriptions including Tramadol.

What are the Side Effects of Tramadol?

Common side effects experienced while taking Tramadol include upset stomach, headache, persistent sweating, drowsiness, dry mouth, anxiety, irritability and constipation. Generally, these symptoms are not serious and will disappear in time. In the event that they linger or become unbearable, your physician should be told. Immediately inform your doctor if you develop a rapid heart rate, breathing problems, tingling in the hands or feet, chest pain, mental confusion, skin rash or disorientation as this may be a sign of a chronic medical condition.

What Else Should I Know When Taking Tramadol?

You may be more susceptible to seizures if you have recently had a brain injury, metabolic disorder, a history of seizures, or are taking certain medications to relieve nausea, vomiting, antidepressants or muscle relaxers. Taking too much Tramadol or mixing it with alcohol, benzodiazepines or other opiates may result in a Tramadol overdose and, possibly, coma or death. If you suspect you have taken too much, contact 911 as soon as possible. Signs of a Tramadol overdose include but are not limited to low body temperature, cold and clammy skin, slow breathing or heartbeat, dizziness or a loss of consciousness.

How Does Meditox Treat Tramadol Addiction?

The Meditox Method is a unique approach to treating addiction to opiate painkillers like Tramadol. Each of our patients receive an individualized treatment plan designed to provide the best possible outcome according to their specific circumstance. As an outpatient, you will be afforded one-on-one support from your personal detox coach, 24-hour telephone support and local referrals. Meditox provides you with all the tools you need for an efficient and comfortable detox and the foundation for a drug-free life. If you have questions about Tramadol addiction or would like to know more about the Meditox Method, contact us today and together we can wipe addiction out of your life.

If you feel that Meditox might be the right solution for you or your loved one, please call us for a toll-free and private consultation:

Additional Resources

Wikipedia: Tramadol Information
Drugs.com: Tramadol Information

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