Should I be Worried About Taking Tramadol?

Dustin Fredrick - June 18th, 2007

Studying the effects that certain medication might have on unborn babies, it was found that Tramadol (a synthetic opioid) can actually reduce the weight of baby and cause a wide array of fetal abnormalities. The studies performed on lab rats also demonstrated that the constant use of Tramadol in pregnant women may lead to dependence for both the mother and the baby. They will both face a hard time, with withdrawal symptoms and there is an increased risk of neonatal death (particularly caused by the depressed respiratory syndrome).

All of these findings have made us think whether we should take medicine like Tramadol or not. The truth is that Tramadol is an efficient drug when it comes to relieving pain but it must be taken only at the recommendation of a medical specialist. As we can see, it is not suitable for pregnant women as it can cross the placenta with extreme ease and cause extremely serious consequences. Further studies have shown that the use in children is not recommended as well, the age limit being extended up to 18 years in fact. Tramadol might be perfectly used by adults and there is another precaution in the case of senior patients (that means over 65 years); given the fact that they present a different response to the medication, certain adverse effects are more likely to appear and even be more intense. Here we speak of asthenia, fatigue, indigestion and orthostatic hypotension.

We know about Tramadol that it modulates the pathways of pain and thus relieves us of this upsetting symptom. But how much do we know about the adverse effects this medicine can cause? Should we take just as much Tramadol as we consider fit? The answer is clearly no and the wide array of side effects can clearly demonstrate it. Adverse reactions present a higher incidence rate when the treatment is not followed as prescribed – skipped doses, increased medication or prolonged treatments – these are just few examples. It might start with a blur in your vision, progressing to other systems and parts of the body, causing abdominal pain, indigestion and even pharyngitis.

If you are wondering what the general adverse reactions are, any patient on Tramadol might tell you about asthenia, hot flushes, flu-like symptoms or high fever. The list continues with an increased risk for infection, opioids having a strong influence on the immune system; thus, you can contract a virus or bacteria quite easily, ending up suffering from infections in the nose, urinary tract, etc. The laboratory work will confirm all the side effects of Tramadol, highlighting an increase of various blood factors. You will feel like having no appetite, losing weight and feeling incredibly tired. At some point, you might even feel like the only thing you need is Tramadol and that is the exact moment when you can say you are dependent.

Going from a person needing pain-relieving medication to being addicted to Tramadol is not a hard thing to accomplish. The important thing is to recognize the symptoms and resort to the help of a medical specialist as soon as possible. If you are experiencing various pains in the body, associated with abnormal skin sensations (tingling) and extreme nervousness, then you need to tell all about these symptoms to a specialist. The dosage of Tramadol might need to be reduced and you will have to adjust slowly to the recommended dosage.

The one thing that can help you keep Tramadol under control is being informed. If you need to take it and your doctor has given you a prescription that is fine. But never change the dosage according to your needs or stop taking the medication without consulting anyone. The withdrawal symptoms are impressive and quite painful if the meds are stopped without a previous adjustment period. You will feel even more anxious, having hard time breathing, eating or sleeping. Don’t be scared about the symptoms that will appear as your dose is decreased – palpitations, shivering or sweating, irritability, insomnia – as they all represent a sign that your body fights to heal itself. Take Tramadol with care and don’t let it become more important that it should!