What is Tramadol? 

Tramadol is a prescription medication which sold under the brand name Ultram among others. It is an opioid pain medication, also known as narcotics. Tramadol is also available by injection. Tramadol may sell in combination with paracetamol as longer-acting formulation. It was patented in 1963 and launched under the name Tramal by the west German pharmaceutical company in 1977. 

U.S. FDA approved it in mid of 1990. In the year 2016, it was the 39th most prescribed drug in the united states, with greater than 19 million prescriptions.

What is Tramadol used to treat? 

This drug is used primarily to treat mild to moderate to severe pain. It handles both Chronic and Acute pain. The extended-release tablet of Tramadol used for around the clock treatment of Chronic pain.

It provides relaxation from acute and chronic pain by changing in your brain. There are some endogenous opioids in the human body, which can bind to specialized receptors (opioid receptors) to activate some effects in the body.

Tramadol activates same receptors which work the same as endogenous receptors and manipulate the natural process inside the body. By the help of this entire process, Tramadol treats pain.

You are advised to take Tramadol as prescribed by your doctor to ensure the maximum benefit of the medication.

Tramadol addiction 

Over and more frequent dosage of opioid medication may be habit-forming, and it may convert into the drug addiction. Habit-forming is even possible in the persons who follow their doctor's direction.

Symptoms of physical dependence 

You will notice these below-given symptoms when you stop using Tramadol,

  • Sweating
  • Nervousness
  • Panic
  • Vomiting and Nausea
  • Uncontrollable tremor
  • Muscle spasm
  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Cough, cold chills and diarrhea
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Hallucination and pain, etc.

Some other symptoms may also possible in case of addiction.

Some of the leading causes of this addiction,

  • Taking the drug to get high 
  • Choosing a higher dosage
  • Taking the medication other than prescribed 
  • Using medicine without a prescription, etc. 

Tramadol addiction may cause some other adverse effects like,

  • Headache
  • Heartburn
  • Fever
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Sleep problems
  • Mood swings and depression
  • Loss of appetite
  • Constipation, etc.

You are advised to take immediate medical help if you feel any of these symptoms. And always try to make the drug as prescribed by your doctor to avoid the risk of drug addiction.

Is Tramadol a risky pain medication? 

Although this medication is useful and very beneficial, sometimes this drug may cause some adverse and unwanted effects which are not suitable for our body. Misusing Tramadol may cause many side effects, allergic effects, and drug addiction (described above).

Side effects of Tramadol 

Less common side effects

  • Abnormal or decreased touch sensation
  • Bloating
  • Blisters under the skin
  • Increased blood pressure 
  • Blurred vision
  • Blood in the urine 
  • Change in the walking and balance
  • Chest pain or discomfort 
  • Chills 
  • Difficult urination and dark urine 
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness when changing the sitting position 
  • Fainting 
  • Fast heartbeat 
  • Indigestion 
  • Irregular heartbeat 
  • Loss of memory 
  • Numbness and tingling of the face, toes, and fingers 
  • Pain in the legs, arms and lower back 
  • Pain the stomach 
  • Stomach fullness 
  • Swelling of the hands, ankles, feet and lower legs
  • Trembling and shaking of the hands or feet
  • Absent pulses in the legs 

Some unknown incidence 

  • Confusion and agitation 
  • Darkening of the skin 
  • Cough 
  • Diarrhea and fever
  • Difficulty swallowing 
  • Dizziness 
  • Hives, itching and skin rash
  • Irregular heartbeat 
  • Mental depression, etc. 

It is not a full list of side effects; some others may also be possible. Some of these effects don't need any extra care as they disappear slowly during the treatment, but some rare effects may be harmful. Take immediate medical help if you are facing any physical or mental change during the procedure.

Apart from this, this medicine may also cause some allergic reaction, for which you should consult a good doctor as soon as possible for its treatment.