Tramadol

History of Tramadol

Tramadol is a relatively new drug when compared to other treatments and medications. In 1962, a German pharmaceutical company specializing in pain treatment developed the medication. The medicine was studied for 15 years in Germany before it could be approved and released in the international market in 1977 under the brand name Tramal. The drug was a major achievement for the manufacturer.

Tramadol is commonly given for pain management all over the world. However, the medication was not available in the United States until 1995. The drug is now prevalent in the United States.

Warnings

Some patients taking Tramadol have reported experiencing seizures, especially an increased risk of episodes if the patient is taking doses higher than recommended. Moreover, people are more at risk of suffering from episodes of seizures if they have a medically diagnosed seizure disorder, are taking certain antidepressants or other opioid medications, among others such as:

• A head injury, epilepsy, or any other seizure disorder;
• Drug or alcohol addiction; or
• A metabolic disorder.

Combining this drug with alcohol or other medications that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing can lead to fatal consequences. Keep Tramadol out of reach of others.

Tramadol vs Hydrocodone

Tramadol and hydrocodone alter how the brain reacts to pain. As a result, they relieve pain and may help people feel better emotionally, as with other opioids. According to doctors, Tramadol is considered lighter than hydrocodone; therefore, it may be prescribed for less intense pain.

If tramadol or other milder opioids are not promoting healing, a doctor might recommend hydrocodone. An adult might need hydrocodone to relieve a severe cough since it reduces the neural activity that promotes coughing. Tramadol is not frequently prescribed by doctors for this purpose.

Tramadol vs Oxycodone

Doctors advise the use of Tramadol to treat severe ongoing pain, while Oxycodone treats moderate to severe pain. Tramadol is an opioid analgesic and attaches itself to the receptors in the brain to alter how an individual's body responds to and feels the pain. Oxycodone alters the body's response to pain as well; however, it is a combination of an opioid and a non-opioid pain reliever. Oxycodone can also reduce fever

Common side effects

Constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, dizziness, drowsiness, weariness; headache; or itching are all common tramadol side effects.

Some of these effects should go away after some duration of using this drug. However, inform your doctor or pharmacist at once if you observe any of these side effects continue or worsen.

Consume plenty of dietary fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise to avoid constipation. You may also require a laxative. Consult your physician to determine which sort of laxative is best for you.

Stand up slowly while rising from a sitting or lying position to minimize the risk of dizzy spells and lightheadedness.

It is important to understand that your doctor prescribed this medication, believing it will serve more good than harm.

Adverse side effects

Though rare, some people can, unfortunately, experience adverse effects. Tramadol breaks down and converts into a potent opioid drug in our bodies. Some people might experience a rapid completion of this process, resulting in an increased risk of these serious side effects. So if you have symptoms of an allergic reaction to Tramadol (hives, difficulty breathing, swollen face or throat) or a serious skin reaction, seek immediate medical attention (fever, sore throat, red or purple skin, a rash that spreads, and causes blistering and peeling, burning in your eyes, skin pain).

Disturbed breathing

Tramadol might cause your breathing to slow or stop, resulting in death. If you have slow breathing with extended delays, bluish lips, or are difficult to wake up, someone caring for you should provide naloxone and/or seek immediate medical attention.

If you have:
• Noisy or shallow breathing, or breathing that stops during sleep (sleep apnea);
• A slow heart rate or weak pulse;
• A light-headed feeling, as though you'd pass out;
• Seizure (convulsions);
• Low cortisol levels or signs of your adrenal glands not working (dizziness, nausea, decreased appetite, drowsiness, worsening tiredness or weakness);
• Changes in mental/emotional state (such as anxiety and hallucinations);
• Severe stomach/abdominal pain, difficulties urinating,
contact your doctor right away.

Serotonin syndrome

You should also not hesitate to reach out to your doctor if you experience symptoms of serotonin syndrome, which include: restlessness, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivers, rapid heartbeat, muscular rigidity, twitching, poor coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. The risk of the onset of this condition increases if an individual is taking other drugs in combination with Tramadol as well. Thus, let your doctor or pharmacist know if you think your other prescriptions might interfere with this one.

This is not a complete list of possible adverse effects; more may appear. For a medical opinion on side effects, contact your doctor. Negatively affects pregnancy and nursing

Usage of this drug during pregnancy can result in life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the newborn child, which may require medical treatment for several weeks. Furthermore, nursing mothers should consult their doctors before using Tramadol and immediately let their doctors know if they observe the nursing baby is experiencing drowsiness and/or shallow breathing.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Considering Tramadol is used to treat pain, you are unlikely to skip a dose. However, skip the delayed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Never take two doses of Tramadol at the same time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical treatment; an overdose can be deadly, particularly in a child or someone who is not using the medication as prescribed. Overdoes can cause extreme drowsiness, constricted pupils, slow breathing, or no breathing at all.

Your doctor may advise you to take naloxone (a medication used to treat an opioid overdose) and carry it on hand at all times. If you lose consciousness or do not wake up, someone attending you can administer naloxone. Your caretaker must still seek emergency medical assistance and may need to conduct CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on you while awaiting medical assistance.

Naloxone can be purchased from a pharmacy or the local health department by anyone. Make sure anyone who is looking after you knows where you keep your naloxone and how to use it.

What should I avoid while taking Tramadol?

Do not consume any alcoholic beverages. Dangerous harmful reactions or death may occur.

Avoid driving or engaging in risky activities until you fully understand how Tramadol may affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can lead to falls, accidents, or serious injury.

What other drugs will affect Tramadol?

If you start or stop using certain other medications, you may experience respiratory issues or withdrawal symptoms. Inform your doctor if you are also getting an antibiotic, antifungal treatment, heart or blood pressure medication, seizure treatment, or HIV or hepatitis C medication.

When combined with Tramadol, many other medicines can be harmful. Speak to your doctor if you also use: allergy, asthma, motion sickness, irritable bowel, or overactive bladder medication; other opioid medications; sleep medicine, muscle relaxers, or other drugs that make you drowsy; or substances that affect serotonin, such as antidepressants, stimulants, or migraine or Parkinson's disease medication.

This is not an exhaustive list. Tramadol may interact with other medications, including prescribed and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. This list does not include all conceivable interactions. Maintain a list of all the medicines you use (including all prescription and nonprescription medicines, as well as herbal supplements) and consult with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or modify the dosage of any medications without first consulting your doctor.

Can Tramadol affect anything else?

This medicine may interact with some laboratory tests (such as amylase/lipase levels), potentially resulting in incorrect test findings. Therefore, make sure that laboratory personnel and all of your doctors are aware that you are taking this medication. Is Tramadol dangerous?

Tramadol can also be dangerous if you have:
• Severe breathing issues such as asthma (since it can slow or stop your breathing),
• A bowel or stomach obstruction,
• Recently taken alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, narcotic medication,
• Or an MAO inhibitor at least in the past 14 days (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others).

Tramadol should not be administered to children under the age of 12 or to anyone under the age of 18 who has recently had surgical removal of the tonsils or adenoids.