In 1962, the German pharmaceutical company Grünenthal GmbH specialized in painkillers and focused on the treatment of pain with the tramadol preparation. It is very indicated for moderate to severe pain.
Since July 2014, the US FDA has classified tramadol as a Class IV controlled substance on account of the potential for misuse and addiction. Because it’s an opioid, the side effects of tramadol painkillers will be serious and should only be used as directed.
What is tramadol?
Tramadol has been approved by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 1995 as a painkiller. It belongs to the category of opiate (narcotic) painkillers and works by changing the way in which the brain and nervous system reply to pain.
Tramadol immediate-release tablets and oral solution are used for short-term treatment to alleviate severe pain in adults. It is prescribed for individuals who will need opioid pain medications when the use of other pain medications is unable to alleviate the pain.
It is on the market under the brand names Conzip and Qdolo and as generics. It can be available together with acetaminophen under the brand name Ultracet and as generic medications.
How does Tramadol affect the central nervous system?
Tramadol binds to μ-opioid receptors within the central nervous system, which reduces pain by interfering with nerve signals between the brain and body. It also inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine (brain chemicals), which reinforces the inhibitory effect on pain transmission within the spinal cord.
What is tramadol used for?
Tramadol is usually prescribed for the next conditions:
Tramadol isn’t approved to be used in children. However, it is usually used off-label to treat pain in children. It can be used off-label for premature ejaculation and refractory restless legs syndrome.
Side effects of tramadol painkillers
There are various common and serious side effects of tramadol. However, it also comes with FDA boxed warnings. This implies that using this medicine may cause serious complications and have to be closely monitored.
Boxed tramadol warnings
Tramadol comes with FDA boxed warnings. These are conditions wherein using tramadol could also be life-threatening. You should monitor these situations fastidiously and stop taking the drugs if crucial:
Life-threatening respiratory depression
Tramadol may cause serious or life-threatening respiration problems inside the first 24 to 72 hours of treatment or after the dose is increased. Your doctor will monitor you closely during treatment. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- Slowed respiration
- Asthma
- Lung diseases corresponding to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD (diseases affecting the lungs and airways).
Addiction, abuse and misuse
With long-term use of tramadol, addiction may occur. Take it exactly as directed. Do not take it more often or otherwise than your doctor has told you.
Discuss your pain management goals, length of treatment, and other ways to administer your pain together with your doctor.
Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome
If you use tramadol repeatedly while pregnant, your baby may experience life-threatening withdrawal symptoms after birth. You should contact your child’s doctor immediately in case your child develops any of the next symptoms:
- Abnormal sleep
- Irritability
- Hyperactivity
- High cry
- Uncontrollable shaking of body parts
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- No weight gain
Accidental ingestion
When taking tramadol extended-release tablets or capsules, don’t chew, break, split, crush or dissolve them. Swallow them whole. Ingestion of broken, chewed, crushed, or dissolved extended-release preparations may lead to an excessive amount of tramadol being administered directly, slightly than causing serious problems, including overdose and death.
Interactions with drugs and alcohol
Drinking alcohol, taking prescription or over-the-counter medications (corresponding to CNS depressants, benzodiazepines, etc.) containing alcohol, or taking illegal drugs while being treated with tramadol may increase the chance of great, life-threatening side effects.
People with brain tumors or intracranial pressure
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a head injury, a brain tumor, or every other condition that increases pressure within the brain. It may worsen respiration problems in people.
Common side effects of tramadol:
Tramadol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of the next symptoms are severe or don’t go away:
- Mood changes
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Dry mouth
- Somnolence
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Uncontrollable shaking of body parts
Serious side effects of tramadol
Serious side effects of tramadol requiring medical attention may include:
- Deep sedation
- Respiratory depression, if severe, may cause death
- Adrenal insufficiency (adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones)
- Severe hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Syncope (lack of consciousness on account of a sudden drop in blood flow to the brain)
- Postural hypotension
- Tramadol may reduce respiratory function, resulting in CO2 retention and exacerbation of intracranial pressure. Tramadol should be used with caution in individuals with brain tumors or intracranial pressure.
Word
Tramadol is an efficient pain reliever when used as directed for approved conditions. To obtain maximum therapeutic effects and avoid side effects, all the time use this medication as directed.
