Tramadol is a psychoactive narcotic that is used mainly to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. It acts by blocking the pain receptors in the brains. It is famously sold under the brand name Ultram which is a strictly as prescribed only drug.
The side effects of Tramadol may differ from person to person. This is why Tramadol may only be taken if the doctor has made sure that it will not adversely affect a person’s health or well-being. The severity of those side effects also depends on the amount at which a person consumes the drug.
This article will discuss the most common side effects experienced by patients when taking in Tramadol. It will also elaborate how this side effect may prohibit a certain type of person from taking the drug.
Common Side Effects of Tramadol (1)
- The depressant properties of Tramadol can often result in headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, or fatigue.
- It is common for people to experience constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain when taking the drug on an empty stomach.
- Anxiety often occurs to people that decide to stop taking the drug after long-term exposure to Tramadol.
- Users often report sweating, itching, and flushing- the reddening of the skin- in various parts of the body.
Severe Side Effects of Tramadol
- Allergic Reactions: people allergic to Tramadol can experience difficulty in breathing, hives, swelling of various parts of the body such as the face, tongue, lips or throat. Before taking the drug, a doctor must first determine whether a person is allergic to the drug.
- Seizures: some patients have reported experiencing seizures after taking in Tramadol, this symptom is also very common among people to abuse the drug and take it nasally.
- Addiction: Like most psychoactive drugs, prolonged use and abuse of Tramadol can result to addiction. Some patients report that the euphoric high gets them hooked on the drug, and then physical dependence takes over thus making it hard to get over the addiction.
- Kidney Failure: Taking an excessive amount of Tramadol can put a strain on a person kidney which could eventually result in kidney failure.
- Death: Drug overdose is a very serious danger posed by abusing Tramadol. Being a prescription drug, many people downplay the dangers of using Tramadol. (2)
People Who May Be Disallowed to Take Tramadol
- People with severe asthma, or other breathing problems.
- Those with blockages in their intestines or stomachs.
- People that recently drank alcohol, or taken in other sedatives, narcotics, or sedatives.
- Children aged 12 and below
- Patients afflicted with seizure disorders as they can be triggered by Tramadol
- Breastfeeding women
- People that plan to have a long drive after taking the drug (1)(3)
For some people, Tramadol may be their last hope to get relief from the pain that they suffer. However, extra precautions must be made to avoid the various side effects that can happen to a Tramadol user. Remember to always consult your doctor before taking the drug Tramadol yourself.
