General Info About Tramadol
Tramadol belongs to the class of prescription drugs. Normally, it’s available in the convenient form of tablets. The doctor can prescribe immediate-release or extended-release tablets, depending on the condition and medical history of the patient. The main difference is that it takes more time for the XR tablets to start working.
One more budget-friendly option is buying a generic version of Tramadol. Search it in the pharmacies and shops under the brand name Ultram. Generic drugs are the preferable choice for many patients since they are cheaper. However, they aren’t available in every strength or form.
When taking Tramadol, a doctor’s supervision is necessary. The medicine belongs to the class of controlled drugs.
When Tramadol is used?
The main purpose of Tramadol is to reduce the strong pain.
The drug can be taken independently or in combination with other medicines. Ask your doctor about the correct course of treatment.
Tramadol and its effects
Tramadol is an opioid pain medication. It works the same way as other drugs from this group of medicines. Similar conditions can be treated by opioid drugs.
Tramadol makes your brain change the level of pain perception. It acts very much like endorphins – the body’s natural painkillers. Receptors that send the pain messages to the brain lessen, and your brain gets tricked. It thinks that there’s less pain in your body.
Negative effects of the treatment
Treatment with Tramadol may make you dizzy or sleepy. If you experience something like this, be sure to delay the following activities: driving, using tools and machines, or any dangerous activity. You can come back to your habitual routine when you’re feeling better.
Be sure to get acquainted with the list of Tramadol’s side effects. For your convenience, we publish them in the next part of the article.
What are the most common side effects?
The list of side effects contains several unpleasant conditions:
- vertigo
- migraine
- sleepiness
- sickness and vomiting
- constipation
- lack of energy
- sweating
- dry mouth
- itching
Although these conditions are unpleasant, there’s no need to worry. Mild symptoms and side effects will go away quickly (in a few days). However, if they are severe, call your doctor or pharmacist.
Taking Tramadol with other meds
Patients are free to take Tramadol pills with other medicines or vitamins. However, any interaction with another medication will change the way your drugs work. In some cases, it may lead to harmful effects or prevent pills from being effective at all.
To prevent any interruptions in the way your drug works, be sure to discuss the course of treatment with your doctor. He should know about all other medications, vitamins, and supplements you are currently taking.
Tramadol doesn’t work well with certain drugs. Below, there’s a list of such meds.
What medicines you should be cautious about
Taking some drugs with Tramadol may cause side effects. If you want your treatment to be helpful and effective, let your doctor define the dosage. Moreover, in some cases, the doctor may need closely monitor your condition and check how you react to the first dosage.
Here are the examples of drugs to be taken cautiously:
- All kinds of antibiotics
- All kinds of antidepressants
- Antifungal drugs
- Heart rhythm drugs
- Protease inhibitors
Dosage of Tramadol for each group of patients
Just like any other drug, Tramadol should be taken in moderation. Dosage is defined by your doctor and depends on multiple factors. This is what influences a doctor’s decision when making a prescription:
- age of the patient
- the condition of the patient
- the condition scale
- medical history of the patient
- the reaction of the body to the initial dose
Adult patients (ages 18–64 years) can take pills in both immediate-release formation and extended-release formation. The daily dosage depends on the health and type of tablet: 200 mg is the maximum dosage for immediate-release tablets and 100 mg – for XR tablets.
Children (ages 0–17 years) can be treated only with immediate-release tablets. The daily dosage should not increase 200 mg (50 mg 4 times a day). The XR tablets are not suitable for patients under 18.
Senior patients (ages 65 years and older) should be treated with utmost care. The thing is: their vital organs like the liver and kidneys don’t work the same way anymore. So it may take more time for the medicine to begin working. Also, elder patients have more chances to experience side effects.