What is Tramadol?
Tramadol is an atypical opioid which is a centrally acting analgesic and is primarily used to treat moderate to severe pain; it is also used for post-operative pain relief. It has been in use in Europe since the 1970’s for a range of pain conditions, and in the US since the late 1980’s. It was developed by the German Pharmaceutical company Grunenthal GmbH in the late 1970’s and marketed under the trade name Tramal. Today it is usually marketed as hydrochloride salt (Tramadol hydrochloride) and is available in both oral and intravenous preparations. It is used as a single agent or combined with paracetamol.
Brand Names
Tramadol brand names include some of the following:
- Ultracet
Ultracet is a combination of Tramadol and Acetaminophen and is used to relieve moderate, acute pain. The usual dose of Ultracet is two tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain relief. Patients should take no more than 8 tablets in a 24 hour period. It should only be used on a short-term basis (no more than five days in total). Typical side effects are constipation, tiredness and increased sweating.
- Ultram ER
Ultram ER is a centrally acting analgesic used for the management of moderate to severe pain. It is usually prescribed in a 50mg white tablet with a therapeutic dose range from 100 to 300mg.
- Zydol SR
Zydol tablets are modified release tablets and are designed to release the Tramadol slowly and continuously over a few hours to help provide steady blood levels of the medicine throughout the day. This provides prolonged pain relief and so they only need to be taken twice a day. They should be swallowed whole to avoid damaging the modified release action. They are available in 100, 200 and 300mg form.
- Tramake
Tramake is available in 50mg capsule for and taken orally up to 6 times a day, depending on the severity of pain. It should not be taken more often than every 4 hours due to its strength.
How is Tramadol Used?
Tramadol is produced in capsule and tablet form, suppositories, powders and ampoules. It can be administered either orally, intravenously, rectally, intramuscularly and by sublingual and buccal routes. Doses range from 50 to 400mg daily, with up to 600mg daily when given intravenously.
What are the Side Effects?
Common side effects of Tramadol can include nausea, vomiting, sweating, drowsiness and constipation. Tramadol is also thought to cause provoked seizures in some patients with epilepsy, most of which are reported to be tonic-clonic.
What are the Withdrawal Effects?
Tramadol causes typical opiate withdrawal symptoms as well as atypical symptoms such as seizures. Common withdrawal symptoms may include some or all of the following:
- Palpitations
- Sweating
- Pins and Needles
- Anxiety
- Anguish
Patients should only ever withdraw from Tramadol at a medically recommended rate, as discontinuing the drug abruptly can lead to any or all of the above symptoms. Those who are using a combination of prescription drugs are at a much higher risk of severe withdrawal.
For further information regarding Tramadol addiction, please feel free to contact one of our First4Rehab advisors, either by phone or email. Or if you prefer, drop us a text on the number listed below.
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