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Tramadol is a narcotic pain medication that is usually used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain, including post-surgical or cancer pain. It’s also currently being used off-label with good success as a treatment for premature ejaculation that doesn’t respond to other treatments.
Tramadol was originally considered a safe alternative to the widely used and highly addictive Schedule II opioids that were frequently prescribed to manage pain. As these pain medications were replaced with tramadol and tramadol became more commonly used, concerns about misuse increased.
Studies were completed that showed that there is a risk of addiction and misuse of tramadol, though it has a lower abuse potential than other narcotics. Because of these findings, tramadol was reclassified as a Schedule IV drug in 2014.
The misuse of tramadol can be attributed to its typical psychogenic effects. In addition to pain relief, individuals may experience feelings of euphoria, enhanced sexual experience, and a decrease in anxiety and depressed mood.
Because of these effects, tramadol misuse and addiction are dangerously on the rise. This may also be related to the common myth that tramadol is safe and non-addictive.
How Does Tramadol Work?
Tramadol is a central nervous system depressant. It binds to opioid receptors but also works to increase serotonin in the brain. While these mechanisms produce the beneficial effects associated with tramadol, from pain relief to a reduction in depression and anxiety, they’re also linked to tramadol’s significant risks, including addiction and overdose.
The Importance of Understanding the Side Effects of Tramadol
Tramadol’s potential side effects range in severity from mild and temporary impacts to significant adverse events, including death. Though the potential for serious adverse effects is low when you’re taking the medication precisely as directed by your healthcare provider, the risks still exist
This is why it’s critical to understand all potential side effects and to recognize their symptoms before you begin taking tramadol. Early detection may prevent severe, long-term illness or worse.
Tramadol has the potential for severe interactions with other medications, such as sedatives, MAOIs, SSRIs, naltrexone, diuretics, and some anticoagulants. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. In addition to medication interactions, tramadol may also interact with herbal supplements and substances such as alcohol.
Tramadol can also worsen current health problems such as certain cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions. For instance, tramadol is increasingly associated with an elevated risk of heart attack. Do not use tramadol if your healthcare provider has not prescribed it for you.
Ensure that you take the medication as prescribed and that you speak with your physician promptly should you experience new symptoms or side effects. Always consult with your doctor before taking any other medications, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or supplements.
Common Side Effects of Tramadol
Tramadol has several common side effects that may be resolved with certain changes in lifestyle. Exercise and diet may help you manage these common side effects while you’re on the medication. These include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Excessive drowsiness and sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
Less Common Side Effects of Tramadol
Every individual is different and may react differently to tramadol. If you experience any significant physical or mental changes or symptoms after starting tramadol, contact your healthcare provider immediately,
It’s also important to note that side effects may not appear immediately but may develop over time. It’s a good idea to keep a journal or diary of how you feel before and after taking tramadol and talk with your doctor about any changes.
Some less common but potentially significant side effects include
- Severe headache
- Pruritus (itchy skin)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Photophobia or an increased sensitivity to light
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
Rare Side Effects of Tramadol
Tramadol may cause rare but potentially deadly side effects. If you believe that you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
- Allergic reaction:Â Symptoms may include itching, hives, narrowing of the airways, swelling of the face
- Serotonin syndrome:Â Symptoms may include diarrhea, nausea, fever, nervousness, dilated pupils, tremors, agitation, muscle twitching, muscle spasms, and muscle rigidity, sweating, shivering, abnormal eye movements, confusion, disorientation, delirium, high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat, seizures, and fainting.
- Respiratory Depression; Symptoms include slowed, shallow, or stopped breathing that may cause headache, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate, dizziness, confusion, and bluish skin, lips, or nails.
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: Symptoms include skin pain and peeling, red rash, blisters and sores on the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, throat, genitals, and anus, eye swelling and blisters that seal the eyes shut, painful urination and fever. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome may cause multi-organ failure and death.
Tramadol may cause or worsen cardiac conditions and may increase the risk of potentially fatal heart attacks. Tramadol may also increase the risk of seizures, coma, and death.
Important Considerations When Taking Tramadol
Tramadol, like other opioids, can be extremely habit-forming. Tramadol, especially in high doses, can make you feel euphoric, high, or buzzed. Take tramadol only when and how it was prescribed.
If tramadol is prescribed for long term pain management and you begin to crave the medication or to exceed your prescribed dosage, notify your healthcare provider. You may have developed a tolerance for the drug that could evolve into an addiction.
As previously noted, tramadol has the potential to interact with a variety of medications because of the method of action or how the medication works in your body. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all medications that you are using including prescribed medications, over the counter medications, herbs and supplements, alcohol or other substances that you may be using.
Tramadol is particularly dangerous when mixed with anti-anxiety medications including benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Ativan, Valium, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Combining tramadol with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Zoloft, Paxil, and Celexacan cause a serious life-threatening reaction called serotonin syndrome.
Tramadol should not be used if you have trouble breathing, lung problems, asthma, a bowel blockage or narrowing of your stomach or intestines, or an allergy to tramadol. Tramadol should not be used while breastfeeding or during a pregnancy.
Children under the age of 12 should not use tramadol because life-threatening breathing problems could occur. Those 18 years or under should not take tramadol if they have sleep apnea, are overweight, have lung or breathing problems or if the child has undergone a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy.
Do not drive or operate machinery while taking tramadol because you may fall to sleep or become dizzy and serious injury or death could occur.
Seeking Help
If you or someone you love has developed an addiction to tramadol, help is available. It is possible to safely detox from tramadol with medical supervision and support. Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs provide evidence-based support that aligns with your evolving treatment needs.
Contact your healthcare provider or connect to treatment. Directories such as Rehab.com can also help you to identify credible treatment centers and find the recovery program that’s right for you.
