Tramadol is an opioid drug that binds to pain receptors and stops pain signals. It’s used to treat moderate to severe pain.

It’s rare for people to develop addiction to tramadol, but it can happen if a person takes too much or uses it long-term. This can cause severe withdrawal symptoms and can lead to death.

What is Tramadol?

Tramadol is a pain reliever used for moderate to severe pain (eg, after surgery or serious injury). This drug belongs to a group of medicines called opiates or narcotics.

It works by blocking chemicals in the brain that cause pain. It's usually prescribed if other less strong painkillers don't work well enough or if you're having long term pain.

The doctor will also consider this medication if you have a low tolerance to other opiate drugs or if you're at risk of misuse or addiction. It can also be used to help treat some nerve conditions, such as diabetic neuropathy.

You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. This is because it can increase your risk of certain side effects, such as slowed breathing or decreased heart rate.

It's important to take tramadol exactly as your doctor has instructed you. It is also important to keep track of all the medications you take, including herbs and supplements, non-prescription drugs, or over-the-counter medications.

Dosage

Tramadol is a strong painkiller (analgesic) that binds to opioid receptors. These are found throughout the body and transmit pain signals to the brain.

Doctors use tramadol to treat moderate to severe pain, including chronic pain. It is usually used in combination with other drugs.

Your doctor will prescribe a dose that is right for you. This will depend on your age, how bad your pain is and how you respond to other pain medicines.

The dosage for children is also different - it may be lower than for adults and can be taken for a longer time. It is also not recommended for pregnant women and nursing mothers because it can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in babies.

If you're taking tramadol, your doctor will give you instructions about how much to take and when. It is very important to follow these instructions. This will help you get the most relief from your treatment and reduce the risk of side effects.

Side Effects

Tramadol is a strong pain reliever that works by attaching to mu-opioid receptors in your brain. This causes changes in how you perceive and recognize pain.

The medicine can also help with pain by raising the levels of chemicals in your brain called serotonin and norepinephrine. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about the side effects of tramadol.

Long-term use of this medication can cause mental or physical dependence. This can happen if you take too much or if you stop taking it suddenly. The withdrawal symptoms can be severe, but they usually improve if you gradually lower your dose or stop treatment altogether.

Before using tramadol, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other opioid pain medications. You should also tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This drug passes into breast milk and can cause serious problems in a baby who is being breastfed.

Overdose

Tramadol is an opioid painkiller and carries the same risks as other prescription painkillers. It can cause serious, potentially life-threatening side effects if taken in large amounts or at the wrong time.

Overdose can result in breathing problems, low heart rate, seizures or death. It is especially dangerous when combined with other drugs or alcohol.

In the right doses, tramadol is safe to take for short-term use. However, it is not recommended for long-term treatment because it can lead to addiction and severe withdrawal symptoms.

If you overdose on tramadol, call 911 immediately. While you are waiting for help, administer naloxone (Narcan or Zimhi), an opioid antagonist that reverses the effects of an opioid drug overdose.