Any degree of pain can prove debilitating. Therefore, numerous medications have been developed to offer afflicted individuals some relief from such discomfort. One such preparation is known as Tramadol.
Tramadol Overview
Tramadol, which is also known by brand names, such as Ultram and Con Zip come in regular and extended-release form. Pharmaceutical professionals place the drug under the opioid classification. When ingested, Tramadol exercises a major influence over how the brain perceives and senses pain. The drug shares a similar chemical makeup with substances called endorphins. As a result, Tramadol accumulates on the brain receptors endorphins typically attract to. These specific receptors lessen the severity of the pain messages bodily cells and tissues submit to the brain. Therefore, continual ingestion eases physical discomfort users may feel stemming from a variety of physical and mental causes.
Clinical Applications
Tramadol’s prototypical form is commonly prescribed to treat wide array of pain. The drug also comes in an extended-release presentation designed to treat said discomfort on a continual, carefully monitored basis.
Side Effects
When used in accordance with strict and supervised medical guidelines, Tramadol is usually safe and effective. However, like any other medication, the substance does carry the risk for side effects. Rare but serious and potentially life-threatening side effects impacting the skin and respiratory systems have been reported. Other significant impacts necessitating immediate medical attention include:
- Weakness
- Faintness
- Seizures
- Interrupted menstrual cycles
- Diminished libido
- Sexual performance issues
- Digestive problems
- A slow, weak heart rate
Chronic or heavy usage might also precipitate a dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome, which includes physical manifestations, like perspiration, agitation, hallucinations, elevated body temperature, loss of muscular coordination, balance problems, and digestive issues, such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. That said, the most common but relatively untoward side effects, include transient dizziness, minor stomach disturbances, headaches, and mild to moderate bodily itching.
Contraindications
Healthcare providers and pharmacological industry professionals caution pregnant women not to use Tramadol. There have been numerous documented incidents of infants born with serious physical addictions to said substance. Furthermore, those prescribed the drug are firmly urged to disclose usage of other medications to their physicians. Certain drugs possess the capacity to produce effectiveness-inhibiting or reaction-producing problems, such as over-the-counter cold and flu remedies, other narcotic substances, sedatives, serotonin-boosting products, diuretics, and medications for miscellaneous maladies, including irritable bowel syndrome, an overactive bladder, and motion sickness.
Addiction Potential
When used effectively and in accordance with strict guidelines and medical supervision, Tramadol often proves safe and effective. That said, users must remember that the product is a narcotic substance and possesses the risk of physical and mental dependency. As previously stated, prescription pain-alleviating drugs like Tramadol impact brain chemistry. This often precipitates dependency and ultimate addiction because the user must ingest greater quantities of the substance over shorter periods to produce the pleasing impacts both brain and body have grow accustomed to. Prolonged and prodigious use of Tramadol can elicit numerous potentially serious and even life-limiting mental and physical effects on the body, including permanent damage to the digestive, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Moreover, the drug can produce a host of significant mental concerns, like cognitive disturbances, anxiety disorders, and depression.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Like most narcotic substances, Tramadol produces numerous, possibly harsh withdrawal manifestations. Said occurrences include:
- Sleeplessness
- Nervousness
- Anger
- Flu-like symptoms
- Body tingling and numbness
- Hallucinations
- Shaking
- Shivering
Additionally, those experiencing withdrawal might become increasingly aggressive. This could result in risk-taking or criminal behavior.
Potential Treatment Options
The specific form of treatment best suited for a Tramadol addict will hinge on several critical issues, such as the dependent’s age, weight, overall health, how much of the drug they currently ingest, their addiction’s duration, and if they are hooked on any other substances. Treatment for moderate to significant opioid addictions is often most appropriately addressed inside reputable, licensed, and established treatment centers staffed with experienced addition professionals. Furthermore, therapy is often administered in multiple steps. Typically, the first phase is detox. During this process, Tramadol is gradually tapered out of the dependent’s system. In many instances, such undertakings are classified as a special type of procedure known as medically supervised detox.
Healthcare providers well-versed in addiction treatment and recovery administer small doses of less powerful narcotic-like substances to prevent the onset of serious withdrawal manifestations and deliberately wean the user off the drug. This process could take anywhere from several days to weeks depending on countless underlying factors. Once detox is completed, the healing soul will undergo counseling and participate in various programs geared towards helping them identify the reasons they became dependents, address underlying mental or emotional problems, and prepare for a return to civilian life as a sober individual.
Reaching Out To Us
Those struggling with a Tramadol addition or know of someone who is are firmly encouraged to contact us. Our southern Florida facility has helped numerous former addicts kick this habit and recapture their once happy and productive lives. Call 844-903-2111 today
