What you need to know about Tramadol
Tramadol is a tablet that is available by prescription only. It is sold in numerous forms and strengths. Patients and doctors can choose between immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR) tablets. They have the same effect on the human body but it takes more time for the XR pills to start working.
Patients can also order a generic version of Tramadol. For example, the popular immediate-release tablets are available on the market under the brand name Ultram. Generic drugs are not as expensive as the brand-name medicine but produce the same effect. The only downside: they may be present in all forms and strengths.
Regardless of the chosen medicine, you should remember that Tramadol belongs to the class of controlled drugs. It means that a doctor’s supervision is necessary during the entire course of treatment.
When Tramadol is used
Tramadol is mainly used to reduce the level of pain in a patient’s body.
It can be prescribed independently or in combination with other drugs. In both cases, the doctor makes a decision.
How Tramadol stops the pain
Tramadol is a medicine from the synthetic opioid group. It has the same characteristics are all other drugs and medications. They can be used for treating similar conditions.
When you take Tramadol, it changes the way your brain senses the pain. The active ingredients bind the receptors that transfer pain signals to the nervous system. As a result, a patient thinks he’s in less pain. Tramadol’s work can be compared to the work of endorphins – the natural painkillers.
Are there any negative effects?
Apart from positive effects, Tramadol can be the reason for some unpleasant states. One of them is sleepiness. If you are drowsy after taking Tramadol, make sure not to drive, using heavy machinery or dangerous tools until you feel better.
The list of most common side effects
Here’s the full list of side effects caused by Tramadol:
- vertigo
- migraine
- feeling sleepy
- sickness or vomiting
- constipation
- absence of energy
- perspiration
- dry mouth
- itching
There’s nothing to worry about if these effects are mild. They will go away within several days or weeks. However, if their intensity bothers you, give your doctor a call.
Interaction with other drugs
Tramadol can be used with other supplements and medicines – vitamins, herbs, and even drugs. These combinations may lead to side effects or prevent the painkilling pill from working. Make sure to discuss the treatment with your doctor.
If you want to get the best result from your therapy, tell your doctor everything about the drugs you’re currently taking. He will be able to adjust the treatment, depending on your condition and medical history.
Below, we provide a list of medications that cause the most intense side effects when taken with Tramadol.
Tramadol and its interactions
Why some medications can lead to more side effects? The reason behind it is the increased amount of the drug in your body. Be sure to consult your doctor before the start of your therapy. This is necessary for defining the right dosage.
A few examples of the medicines your doctor should know about:
- Antibacterial drugs
- Depression medications
- Antimycotic medications
- Medications that control heart rhythm
- Antoproteases
Tramadol dosages for different categories of patients
Every patient can be prescribed an individual dosage of Tramadol. The number of tablets and their strength depends on multiple factors: age, condition and intensity, medical history, reaction to the first dosage, and other drugs a patient is currently taking.
Normally, try to stick to the following recommendations:
Adults (ages 18–64 years): no more than 200 mg per day in case of IR tablets or 100 mg per day if taking XR tablets. Immediate-release tablets can be taken up to 4 times a day depending on the reaction.
Children (ages 0–17 years): can only take IR tablets. The typical daily dosage shouldn’t be more than 200 mg. Treating children with XR tablets is not recommended.
Seniors (65+ years): can take up to 300 mg of Tramadol per day. The doctor’s supervision is necessary because of the high chance of side effects.