Tramadol – Euphoric or Dysphoric?

Tramadol is a FDA approved drug, listed under the category of analgesics or opioid agonists. The drug acts on the nervous central system, being 100% synthetic and it does not have the slightest structural similarity with opiates. It has been linked with opioids given the fact that it produces vertigo, somnolence, nausea and excessive sweating, just like narcotics. The actions of Tramadol are considered to be reduced compared to opioids, including when it comes to allergic and other adverse reactions.

Administered orally, Tramadol is absorbed in a very short period of time and it has a maximum concentration peak at almost two hours after administration. The drug is excreted through urine, this being one of the main reasons why kidney disease may lead to accumulation of the drug in the body and unwanted consequences. Being metabolized at hepatic level, Tramadol is also forbidden in the case of liver disease for similar reasons. When it comes to dosage and administration, Tramadol must not be given to children and usually to those that are under 18 plus the dosage must be carefully given to elderly patients.

Tramadol is today recommended for low back pain, cancer-caused chronic intense pain, pain of neuropathic causes and that related to orthopedic afflictions. It is part of various pain management treatment plans and it is usually administered for longer periods. The side-effects that could cause the gradual decrease of the dosage are represented by mood swings, nervousness, sleepiness and dizziness. Patients who complain of weakness, headaches and feel agitated are under suspicion as well, not to mention those who experience nausea, vomiting, chills or dry mouth. Tramadol is a drug that must be administered under the careful supervision of a doctor and any of these side-effects represent a very good reason for the ending of the treatment, if necessary.

More serious effects impose a careful analysis of Tramadol and the dosage taken by the patient. Thus, when one mentions to have had seizures, skin rashes, difficult breathing, swelling or hallucinations, the treatment plan must be revised and if possible Tramadol slowly eliminated. There is also the case when patients are admitted into the hospital with overdose symptoms, commonly described by loss of consciousness (sometimes going as far as coma), mycosis with lack of the eye reflex, shallow breathing and weak pulse. Acting on the central nervous system, an overdose of Tramadol can be fatal, affecting both the respiratory and the cardiac vital centers. Often times, quick acting has proved out to be essential to saving the patient’s life and the recovery after such an experience is not picnic.

Controlled studies have tested all the possible effects Tramadol could have and the symptoms discovered were more diverse than anyone could imagine. They included of course the ones that were presented above but also vasodilatation, confusion with loss of coordination and elation. Rarely, scientists have mentioned that an exaggerated dose of Tramadol could lead to change of the mental status, with constant seizures and cognitive dysfunction. The doctors are also increasingly concerned about the possible ischemia caused by a large intake of Tramadol and the risk of pulmonary edema present in overdosed patients. These findings only go to prove that we should never take Tramadol just like that and we ought to pay more attention to the recommendations of the doctors.

As for the risk of dependence, that subject is still under debate and there are many controversies around it. Studies have shown that Tramadol can indeed induce dependence, both mental and physical, particularly when taken in high doses or for prolonged periods of time. Even though the withdrawal syndrome is not quite severe as in certain narcotics, the symptoms are grave and they might even cause death. It seems that women are more likely to develop an addiction to Tramadol, experiencing tonic-clonic seizures, intense nausea and other severe symptoms when being under the influence of high doses. Another interesting study has demonstrated that Tramadol could be introduced instead of other narcotic medication, easing the transition. As it was already said, opinions are still divided when it comes to the addiction potential this drug presents.

Tramadol is only a tenth stronger as opposed to morphine, being a controlled substance in many countries. It must not be confused with narcotic drugs and used only as given. The Internet represents a great source of information when it comes to such subjects but it must not be considered the only one. It is the medical advice and careful guidance that is essential, particularly for those looking for long-term treatment and are considering Tramadol to be among their options!