Tramadol: Choosing the Right Prescription

Jeffery Wilders - June 14th, 2008

Having discovered the concept of pain management, doctors have improved the treatment for chronic pain and implemented diverse drugs acting on the central nervous system. Tramadol is a synthetic opioid, suitable for parenteral (intravenous or intramuscular) and oral administration, treating moderate-severe pain.

Detailed complex studies have demonstrated that when it comes to efficiency, Tramadol can be compared with a similar drug, known as pethidine but scientists still believe that morphine is the most recommended for the treatment of chronic, severe pain of various causes. Tramadol is a preferred treatment for moderate pain, given the fact that it presents a decreased risk for respiratory depression and a lower incidence for other adverse reactions common in opioid medication.

Even though there have been reported cases when patients have developed addiction to Tramadol, it is a known fact that this drug does not usually produce dependence. The same reports have shown that when addiction developed, the symptoms were less severe and the withdrawal syndrome much easier to bear than in those who underwent treatment with other opioid drugs.

Clinical trials have been performed to discover the adverse reactions of Tramadol, particularly when the dosage is increased or administered more frequently. It was found that Tramadol can often cause nausea, vertigo, sleepiness and general weakness. The patients complained of temporary loss of strength, energy associated with distressing symptoms such as excessive sweating, abnormal dryness of the mouth and occasional vomiting. Also, it is not uncommon for Tramadol to cause postural hypotension, so patients are advised to be extremely careful when they get up from the bed/chair.

Studying drug interactions for Tramadol, scientists have revealed that anti-seizure medication is powerfully influenced by this medication. For all patients taking Carbamazepine and also for those who have a medical history of epilepsy, Tramadol presents an increased risk of producing seizures. These can be of various intensities, causing a potential loss of consciousness and are sometimes associated with convulsions. Having such an influence, Tramadol is usually not indicated for such patients at it increase the occurrence of seizures and their severity.

Other medication that has been proved to interact with Tramadol is represented by MAO inhibitors and SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which in fact antidepressant medication). If in the first case, the contraindication is given just as a mere precaution, when it comes to antidepressants, Tramadol is one of the drugs that can lead to what is known as serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal.

In order to understand why Tramadol causes this syndrome, you must know how SSRI actual acts. The medication actually blocks the re-use of serotonin, making this substance widely available (and in higher concentration) for the receptors in the brain. Serotonin influences depressive moods, being a neurotransmitter powerfully connected with depression. The interaction between such drugs and Tramadol leads to the serotonin syndrome, being specifically caused by an excess of serotonin in the central nervous system.

The reason you have to know about such medical interactions is obvious. You might be prescribed Tramadol and you have to know all the facts before you actually take the medication. Serotonin syndrome presents a lethal potential, with symptoms that appear fast and produce consequences even faster. It might be represented by symptoms like tachycardia (abnormal rapid heartbeat), trembling or sweating, mydriasis (the dilatation of pupils, usual symptom of shock) and abnormal reflexes.

If you have taken both these drugs and you experience any of the above symptoms, plus more severe ones, you will need to request medical assistance immediately as this is a serious situation. More severe symptoms include hypertension, fever, extreme alertness with agitation and seizures. They might be accompanied by confusion, hallucinations and powerful headaches.

The one thing you should remember is that Tramadol can have negative effects and that is especially valid when it comes to the potential risks presented by the serotonin syndrome. Respect the doctor’s orders precisely and be sure to mention if you are taking other medication at the current moment. Any medication can have adverse reactions and this is why we resort to medical specialists, being confident that they have all the knowledge and experience to suggest the right treatment plan. If you do decide to take Tramadol, make sure that you take it as prescribed!

 

 

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