Sign up for our newsletter

Tramadol is a medication that is used to treat pain. It is typically used/indicated for moderate to severe pain. This medication is also known as Ultram.

Tramadol is classified as a narcotic-like pain reliever – Opiates. It was first launched in 1977 in Germany. It can be used to treat acute and chronic pain.

Tramadol is a synthetic pain medication that largely acts like morphine when inside the body and its affects on the brain.

It is not intended to be used in efforts to wean addicted patients from opiate drugs and it is not to be used to manage long-term opiate addiction. It is not typically approved for use under the age of 12.

Uses:

–  Pain
–  Rheumatoid arthritis pain
–  Restless leg syndrome
–  Motor Neuron Disease
–  Fibromyalgia

Method of Action

–  Tramadol is similar to Levotphanol (Opioid medication) and Effexor.
–  Affects the Central Nervous System
–  Can be used in conjunction with Acetaminophen
–  Affects the M-opioid receptors (MOR)
–  Causes serotonin release
–  Prevents reuptake of Norephinephrine
–  Metabolized to O-Desmethyltramadol (O-DT) in the liver after consumed.

Side Effects

–  Nausea
–  Sweating
–  Constipation
–  Sweating
–  Seizures

Withdrawal Symptoms

–  Restless legs
–  Tremor
–  Thrashing in bed
–  Anxiety
–  Racing heart
–  Difficulty sleeping
–  Others

Psychological Dependence

–  Controversy is starting on the potential abuse of Tramadol.
–  Currently it is a Schedule 4 medication in Australia
–  Currently it is a Schedule 5 in states such as:  Arkansas, Tennessee, Illinois, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Wyoming, Mississippi, North Dakota, Oklahoma and the U.S. military, with other states considering similar actions.
–  Prescribing information states that “psychological and physical dependence” can be seen.

Recreational Use

1.)  This type of use is seen in several instances.

2.)  In certain settings can be highly abused.

Veterinary Medicine

1.)  This medication can be used after injury or surgery for animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits and other small mammals.

2.)  It is one of the most useful medications to help treat animals in pain.