The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that the number of emergency room visits relate to tramadol increase by 250% between 2005 and 2011. Tramadol belongs to the group of opioids use to treat moderate-to-severe pain. Although it is weaker than other opioids prescribe and illicit, it still can lead to dependence.

Continue reading to learn more about tramadol abuse, the history of this drug, and how it can affect human health.

Tramadol: A Brief History

Tramadol’s history is relatively new compare to that of other prescription drugs. The drug was create in 1962 by Grunenthal GmbH, specializing in treating pain. Found in 1946, the company has always family own. Tramadol, a pain medication, accounts for 50% of company revenue.

Approval of Distribution

The medication was approve after 15 years of testing. Tramal was introduce to the market abroad in 1977. Tramal was only available in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada from 1995.

From 2008 to 2012, prescriptions increase rapidly. Tramadol prescriptions grew from 23 million in 2008 to 28 million in 2010 and over 37,000,000 in 2012. In 2013, tramadol prescriptions increase by almost 44 million in the US.

Tramadol was the 39th-most prescribe drug in the US, with over 19 million prescriptions. 2

Schedule IV Restrictions

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) restrict tramadol in 2014. On a national level, it was classif as a Schedule IV drug. Schedule IV means the drug has:

Medically necessary purposes

Low Risk of Abuse

Prescriptions and refills are closely monitor and limit. A doctor may only able to prescribe five refills. Patients must show a new script every six months.

Schedule IV means the punishments are more severe for illegal possession, abuse, or sale. A person can charge with a felony or misdemeanor if caught with the substance. Tramadol is punishable by up to five years in some states if it’s not prescribe.

Main Usage

Tramadol, like other opioids, is prescribe to treat chronic pain. Doctors prescribe it to patients suffering from moderately serious pain, such as pain after surgery or chronic conditions like arthritis. Ultram is one of the brand names that patients can use to find this drug.

Treatment of Chronic Pain

Patients with chronic pain are sometimes prescribe an extend-release version. Tramadol extend-release allows patients to experience more pain relief with less medication.

Tramadol blocks pain signals by binding to receptors. It is prescribe because it has a lower addiction rate than other painkillers. Patients may become addict to this drug due to its calming, euphoric effect. It is especially true if it is taken long-term or in higher doses.

Doctors recommend daily dosages between 100 and 400 mg. The maximum dose per day should at most 400 mg.

Substance Abuse in the Past

People who abuse this drug usually have a history of substance abuse. People with a history of addiction are more likely to develop an addiction.

Side Effects

Tramadol reduces pain by binding with opioid receptors in the spinal cord and brain. A higher dose can produce euphoria, which is what many drug abusers are looking for.

Tramadol is convert into another substance when taken orally. O-dimethyl tramadol is the compound responsible for activating opioid receptors more effectively. Tramadol can make a person high, even when it’s not their intention.

Tramadol also acts as an antidepressant by raising the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. It is believe that this mechanism may partly responsible for tramadol’s ability to reduce depression and other symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder. This mechanism could also contribute to the development of tramadol addiction.

Side effects of fluoxetine

Tramadol can cause several side effects.

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Concentration problems
• Fever
• Muscle pain
• Sweating

 

Overdose Side Effects

Tramadol depresses the central nervous system. It can also slow the heart and lungs down. People who take more than the prescribe dose can overdose and stop breathing. Tramadol overdose is characterize by the following:

• Unconsciousness
• Sleepiness
• Seizures
• Coma
• Respiratory distress
• Low blood pressure
• Slow heart rate
• Sweating
• Muscle stiffness and pain
• Changes in pupillary size
• Weakening of the body
• Purple lips and nails

Most seizures occur when someone takes a high dose. A large dose is more than 400mg taken daily over a long period.

Serotonin Syndrome

Serotonin Syndrome is another side effect that can life-threatening from tramadol abuse. Serotonin Syndrome occurs when there is too much serotonin in the brain. Tramadol and antidepressants are often taken together. Serotonin Syndrome symptoms include:

• Agitation
• Rigid muscles
• Lack of coordination
• Coma
• Confusión
• Tremor
• Seizures

When taken with other drugs

Tramadol can be taken with other substances. Polydrug abuse is what this is call. Tramadol is often mix with other drugs to get a higher high. Tramadol can be mix with:

• Alcohol
• Sedatives
• Other painkillers
• Cold Medicine

Tramadol can cause serious health problems when combine with other drugs. The combination of these drugs may cause respiratory depression. It can increase the risk of seizures or overdose.

Long-Term Effects

Tramadol can cause long-term effects if taken in high doses. The most common are:

• Tolerance to drugs

Tramadol alters the brain’s chemical composition, so tolerance is possible. As the body becomes accustom to the drug, users must take larger doses to get the same high.

• Physical dependence

Tramadol can also cause physical dependence. Tramadol is require to keep the body functioning properly. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if you stop taking the drug.

• Cognitive decline

Tramadol abuse can lead to cognitive impairment, including slow reaction time. It may more difficult for them to carry out complex daily tasks.

Withdrawal symptoms

If you are physically dependent on tramadol, you will experience withdrawal symptoms when you reduce your dose too rapidly or stop taking it altogether.

Tramadol withdrawal symptoms include:

• Sweating
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• The following are some of the ways to reduce your risk:
• Restlessness
• Hyperactivity
• Gastrointestinal pain
• Diarrhoea
• Hallucinations
• Confusión

Withdrawal symptoms can last from five to seven days. People who abuse the drug over a long period or have taken high doses are more likely to experience severe withdrawal symptoms. Medically-supervise withdrawal is a recommend way to reduce symptoms.

Tramadol: Misconceptions

Myth # 1:Tramadol Is The Least Potent Opioid and Cannot Lead to Addiction.

Tramadol is one of the lowest potent opioid painkillers. The belief that it does not cause physical dependence is incorrect. A person’s body becomes accustom to the substance when they take it in high doses for a prolong period. It will eventually have difficulty functioning without the substance.

Myth #2: Tramadol Use Doesn’t Have Any Life-Threatening Side Effects

Tramadol can a central nervous system depressant, which slows down the heart and lungs. If you take more than the prescribe dose, it can cause breathing problems and an overdose.

Myth # 3: Tramadol can obtain only by prescription, which makes it “safe.”

Your doctor may prescribe tramadol, but it can have dangerous side effects if you do not follow the instructions. The drug can cause tolerance and dependency. Doctors prescribe the drug for a short time in small doses, not exceeding 400 mg per week.

Tramadol Addiction Treatment

Translation

Tramadol addicts may not aware of their problem or even deny it. It is suggest that an intervention conduct to help the individual see and accept their addiction.

A well-plan and execute intervention is essential. Family and friends can perform an intervention in consultation with a professional or doctor. It would best if you had an interventionist on your site. An interventionist can:

• The intervention team should guide through the entire intervention process
• Educate people about the dangers of addiction
• Plan your treatment with our help

The timing and location of an intervention are important. The addict must feel safe and secure. The intervention team must provide specific examples of destructive behaviours and offer a treatment plan with clear guidelines.

Detoxification under medical supervision

The first step of a tramadol program is detoxification. The safest method to rid the body of toxins is medically assist detox. The detox is perform in a high-quality, professional care center under the supervision of a doctor.

Tramadol withdrawal can mild, medium, or severe, depending on how much tramadol was use. Patients who cannot tolerate withdrawal symptoms may prescribe or given over-the-counter medications. The most common are:

• Metoclopramide
• Loperamide
• Ibuprofen
• Clonidine
• Valium
• Buprenorphine
• Suboxone

Inpatient Care

Inpatient rehab can a good option for patients with severe addictions and mental disorders. This type of rehabilitation involves intensive care and supervision. Patients are house on-site and have a structure schedule. It is also a good option for those not living in a supportive environment. Inpatient care usually lasts between 28 and 90 days. The rehab center may extend the program if a patient stays longer. In many Residential centres, Patients can choose from a range of treatments, including

Cognitive-behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Group Therapy
• Motivational enhancement therapy
• Holistic therapy
• Yoga Therapy

Twelve-step programs

• Biofeedback therapy
• One-on-one counselling
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Art therapy
• Horse and pet therapy
• Support groups

Outpatient Rehab

People with mild addictions are recommend to undergo outpatient treatment. People in outpatient rehab continue to work or attend school while living at home. Each week, they attend individual and group therapy sessions. Also, they meet with a psychiatrist regularly. This treatment is similar to an inpatient program. It’s cheaper and less intensive.

The outpatient programs differ from centre to centre. They usually include the following:

• Medication management
• Treatment for co-occurring disorders
• Individual Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Relapse prevention

Aftercare

Recovery is not limit to inpatient or outpatient treatment. Life after rehab can more difficult for many people. The return of external influences accompanies the loss of routine.

Many rehab centres have their aftercare program, a type of continue treatment aim at improving coping skills and preventing further drug abuse.

• Aftercare services can include:
• Sober living arrangements
• Follow-up therapy
• Medical Evaluations
• Alumni Support Groups

The Key Takeaways

Tramadol dependence can difficult to overcome, yet recovery is possible. Patients can recover long-term by choosing the right treatment and having a supportive atmosphere.

To conclude, here are some key points to remember:

• Tramadol can addictive if use for a prolong period.
• Ultram, the least potent opioid painkiller available, can still cause tolerance and physical dependency.
• Tramadol depresses the central nervous system. It can also slow the heart and lungs down. Some people can overdose if they take more than the prescribe dose.
• Tramadol withdrawal symptoms are experience by people who have become physically dependent on the drug. The withdrawal symptoms may mild, medium, or severe, depending on the level of addiction.
• The first step of a treatment program for tramadol is detoxification. Inpatient or outpatient treatment is the second step.
• Aftercare programs aim to enhance coping skills and reduce drug abuse.