Tramadol Addiction And Abuse

Addiction To Tramadol

Those who misuse or abuse tramadol are at risk for developing an addiction. In some cases, even people who follow their doctor’s directions can become addicted.

After frequent, prolonged tramadol use, many people develop a tolerance to the drug. This means they have to take larger doses to feel the drug’s effects. Along with tolerance, tramadol users may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the drug. Tramadol withdrawal can cause irritability, depression, and flu-like symptoms.

Tolerance to and withdrawal from tramadol are common signs that someone has a tramadol dependence. They may also show signs of a tramadol addiction, a chronic, neurobiological disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors, all of which influence how it develops. Other signs of an addiction include frequent cravings, relationship problems caused by drug use, and uncontrollable use of tramadol.

I remember waking up in the mornings with anxiety or heartache that I couldn’t live without my drugs. On days when I didn’t have them, I was almost relieved. I felt like, ‘Okay, I don’t have any. I’ll start today.’ That lasted as long as it took to find more.

Understanding Tramadol

Tramadol is a prescription opioid painkiller for moderate pain. It’s often used for pain after surgery or for chronic pain from conditions like fibromyalgia.

Tramadol most often comes in 50mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg, and 300mg tablets and is taken orally. Tramadol should never be taken in combination with other opioids. Brand names of tramadol include:

• Ultram
• Ultram ER
• ConZip
• Ryzolt

Common street names for tramadol include trammies, chill pills, and ultras.

Tramadol works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, which relieves pain. Although it is effective at treating mild to moderate acute or chronic pain, tramadol is one of the least potent painkillers available. However, tramadol can still be addictive, especially when taken for a long period of time or when taken in larger doses than prescribed.

Featured Centers Offering Treatment for Tramadol Addiction

Tramadol Effects And Abuse

Tramadol is often prescribed because it has less addictive potential than other opioid painkillers. While most painkillers are Schedule II substances under the Controlled Substances Act, tramadol is a Schedule IV substance.

Tramadol is abused for its calming and euphoric effects. People who abuse tramadol usually feel relaxed and happy. People with severe pain may also take higher doses of the drug, which puts them at higher risks of serious side effects, including seizures and respiratory depression.

As a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, tramadol slows down lung and heart function. Those who take very large doses of tramadol (much higher than what would be prescribed) can stop breathing altogether and may experience a fatal overdose. Symptoms of tramadol overdose can include:

Common Tramadol Drug Combinations

Tramadol is sometimes abused alongside other drugs, which is called polydrug use. Typically, users combine tramadol with other substances to increase their high or self-medicate. Tramadol addiction and abuse often co-occurs with use of the following drugs:

• Alcohol
• Other painkillers
• Sedatives, like benzodiazepines and sleeping pills
• Cold medicine

The risk of developing an addiction to tramadol is higher when the drug is taken with other substances. As a CNS depressant, it can be very dangerous to mix tramadol with other CNS depressants, like alcohol, opioids, and sedative hypnotics. Mixing these substances can lead to respiratory depression. It also increases the risk of seizure or overdose.

Tramadol Addiction And Abuse Statistics

Getting Help Safely

Withdrawal symptoms associated with tramadol addiction can be intense and even dangerous in some cases. Medically assisted detox and treatment is a safe way to overcome a tramadol addiction. For help finding a treatment program, contact a treatment provider today.