Successful Pain Relief Using Tramadol

Bridget Larson - August 14th , 2008

Constant advances in the medical world have given us access to a wide range of medication, suitable for an incredible array of symptoms and associated medical conditions. Given the fact that pain is one of the most common symptoms patients complain of, it's no wonder that there are so many painkillers out there, some of them more potent than others. Tramadol is one particular example of pain-relief medication, being used for treating post-operative pain but also for chronic pain (extended-release tablets).

There are many essential things that patients should know about Tramadol and they should all be informed about the habit-forming potential of this medicine. Tramadol is not currently listed under narcotic drugs but that does not mean that it cannot cause either physical or psychological addiction. Patients need the guidance of a medical professional when it comes to taking such medication; they must weigh carefully the pros and cons of undergoing such a treatment, as it presents certain risks that should be taken into consideration. Make sure that you mention if you had experienced allergic reactions in the past.

Controlled patient studies on age groups have shown that Tramadol has different effects, presenting increased risks for geriatric patients. It seems that by staying longer in the body, the active metabolites produce toxic effects which can lead to severe adverse reactions. Therefore, for those who are over 65 years the dosage of Tramadol should be reduced. Any treatment plan that includes Tramadol should be discussed with your doctor, particular the number of doses that should be taken every day and the period between them.

The preferred administration of Tramadol is orally and the initial recommended dosage is of 50 mg/day, split in tablets that are taken every 4 to 6 hours. Doctors do not advise taking more than 8 tablets of Tramadol a day, as this can lead to unwanted side-effects and even potential overdose symptoms. The dosage is always increased on a gradual basis, allowing the patient to get used to the medication. It is highly important that any treatment with Tramadol should start at a low dose and then slowly rose to higher doses as this is the only way to demonstrate its efficiency.

No medication should be taken with alcohol and that is especially valid for Tramadol; the same precaution goes for other medication that influences the central nervous system. Thus, you have to consider possible drug interactions with medicine to treat allergies, seasonal rhinitis (hay fever) and cold medicine. Sedatives, anti-anxious medication, sleeping medicine and muscle relaxants can also have an influence on the efficacy of Tramadol and vice-versa. Nausea and vomiting are two very common reactions at the start of the treatment with Tramadol, so you do not have to worry too much.

Any medical intervention - surgery or dental work - should be mentioned to your doctor as taking Tramadol with medicine that is used during such operations can lead to severe side-effects. You should always be aware that excessive quantities of Tramadol can produce overdose and that is one situation where emergency medical assistance is required. Two of the most important and relevant overdose symptoms are the appearance of tonic convulsions (seizures) and also lack of the pupillary reflex. Other symptoms include: loss of consciousness (fainting, syncope or even coma in more severe cases), severe chest pains with additional discomfort and difficult breathing, decreased tonus, drowsiness and irregular heartbeats.

Overdosing from Tramadol can be fatal and this is one of the main reasons why doctors are so careful when prescribing such medication. There are many symptoms of overdose that can lead to a mistaken diagnosis and thus, the patient's life is put in danger. For example, if a patient complains of acute abdominal pain, memory loss, numbness or tingling, cold hands or feet, recurrent fever or cramps, he/she might be suffering from Tramadol toxicity and it is very important that the dose is decreased gradually. Even the lab tests can indicate that Tramadol does more harm than good so the patients need to be monitored carefully. Findings like the presence of blood in urine, decreased BP (blood pressure) and a darker coloration of urine are highly suggestive.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or any other symptom that you do not consider as being right, you should contact your doctor immediately. It does not matter if it's something small, like coughing or you're just feeling tired, it might be important and the dosage to be lowered!