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Tramadol - Uses - Dosages - Side Effects - Precautions

Tramadol: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is tramadol?

Tramadol is an analgesic used to alleviate moderate to severe pain. It is an opioid analgesic. It works by binding to opioid receptors and inhibiting the transmission of pain signals to brain cells. This blocks the perception of pain and provides relief.

It helps treat post-operative pain, pain from fractures, burn injuries, and other similar trauma. It is available only with a doctor’s prescription. It is only given after other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have failed to treat pain.

Prolonged use of tramadol may cause drug dependence. However, addiction is less likely to occur when the recommended dosage is taken. Therefore, tramadol should be taken only under a doctor’s supervision. It is available in various forms, like capsules, tablets, injections, etc.

What are the uses of tramadol?

Tramadol is a pain relieving medicine used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is preferred only when other non-opioid or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers are ineffective or not tolerated. Tramadol is highly recommended for the treatment of pain associated with injuries, fractures, dental extractions, and osteoarthritis, among other conditions.

Tramadol is also effective in treating post-surgery pain, mainly abdominal and orthopaedic distress. It also provides relief from pain due to burn injuries.

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What are the side effects of tramadol?

Common side effects may include vomiting, fatigue, sweating, drowsiness, constipation, and headaches. Dryness in the mouth, diarrhoea, bloating, skin rash, and itching are also noticed. 

Tramadol may cause rare side effects such as high blood pressure, changes in appetite, shortness of breath, sleep disturbances, anxiety, nightmares, mood swings, muscle weakness, blurred vision, etc.

The intensity and nature of these side effects may vary from person to person. The incidence and frequency of these side effects are usually determined by a number of factors, including dosage, overall health, drug sensitivity, and so on.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Tramadol

1. Is tramadol a good painkiller?

Yes, tramadol is an effective painkiller. It is used to treat moderate-to-severe pain. However, it is advised only when other non-opioid painkillers prove ineffective in relieving your pain. It acts directly on the brain cells to change your body's perception of the pain.

2. What kind of pain does tramadol treat?

Tramadol is used to treat moderate-to-severe pain. It has extended-release variants that provide effective pain relief throughout the day. It is the drug of choice to relieve severe pain associated with bone disorders such as osteoarthritis. It is also used to treat post-surgical pain.

3. Is tramadol a narcotic?

Yes, tramadol is an approved narcotic medicine. It belongs to the opioid analgesics class of drugs. However, it is not made from opium. Nonetheless, it binds to opioid receptors in the brain cells and helps change the perception of pain. Thus, it provides effective relief from moderate to intense pain in adults.

4. Does tramadol make one sleepy?

Tramadol may cause drowsiness (sleepiness), dizziness, and blurred vision. These side effects may affect your mental awareness. If you experience such symptoms after taking this medication, you should avoid driving or operating machinery.

5. What should not be taken with tramadol?

Some medicines may interact with or prevent the action of tramadol or may cause adverse effects. Therefore, inform your doctor about your current medications. The medicines that are contraindicated with tramadol include amitriptyline, clonazepam, diazepam, escitalopram, gabapentin, hydroxychloroquine, levofloxacin, ondansetron, vortioxetine, zolpidem, etc.

Alcohol may enhance the effects of tramadol-related side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty in concentration, etc. It may also result in impairment in thinking and judgement. Hence, it is recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with tramadol.

6. Can I take tramadol if I have COVID?

Clinical studies have shown promising results with Tramadol for pain management in COVID treatment. It is an opioid analgesic and acts as an effective painkiller. It helps treat headaches, body aches, muscle pain, and weakness, the prominent symptoms of COVID. However, for the best course of treatment, you should always visit your doctor.

7. Is tramadol anti-inflammatory?

Tramadol is a painkiller medicine and does not have any anti-inflammatory properties. It does not prevent or reduce inflammation (swelling). However, it effectively reduces the pain associated with inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis. Tramadol can be given in combination with anti-inflammatory medicines to help reduce inflammation.

8. Does tramadol weaken the immune system?

Yes, the chronic use of tramadol may weaken your immune system. Prolonged use of tramadol decreases the optimal functioning of macrophages and lymphocytes. These are the cells associated with your body's defence mechanism. However, you can check with your doctor to take precautions. It includes an immune-boosting diet, supplements, and other similar coping measures.

9. What is the maximum amount of tramadol you can take in a single day?

Tramadol is a strong painkiller given to adults. Your doctor prescribes it, taking into consideration your age, body weight, clinical condition, severity of symptoms, and other factors. The maximum recommended dose of tramadol is 400 mg per day.

10. Can tramadol stop you from ejaculating?

Clinical studies have shown tramadol to be effective in the treatment of premature ejaculation. However, it does not stop you from ejaculating. It may cause a significant delay in ejaculation as one of the side effects of long-term use of tramadol. These side effects are reversible and do not last on discontinuation of this medicine.

Tramadol is not an over-the-counter (OTC) drug. You need a doctor’s prescription. Make sure you take this medicine only after consultation with your doctor. This helps to prevent adverse effects and complications.

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Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.