Unexpected Tramadol Side Effects

Tramadol is a synthetic opioid narcotic analgesic medication. It’s similar to opioids like Percocet and works to relieve moderate to severe pain. In 2014, the U.S. Drug Enforcement classified tramadol as a Schedule IV controlled substance. Since it is a narcotic pain reliever, it has the same risk of addiction as other prescription drugs in their class. There are both short-term and long-term tramadol side effects.

Patients taking tramadol may experience severe withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop taking it. While patients often develop a tolerance to their medication, they can still develop an addiction or dependency when using it. Consequently, the FDA warns that patients who take this drug for more than two weeks should only do so under the supervision of their doctor and warns against increased dosages.

Patients should not take tramadol if they have a history of opioid abuse or addiction, as it can lead to those behaviors re-emerging. Due to the addictive nature of tramadol, many people seek treatment at an opiate addiction rehab center for help.

How Is Tramadol Used?

Doctors prescribe tramadol for people who are experiencing acute pain from surgery or sudden injury or for people suffering from chronic pain. When it’s used for acute, short-term pain issues, the doctor prescribes immediate-release tablets.

If a patient is suffering from long-term, chronic pain, then the physician prescribes the extended-release tablets. Patients take the extended-release tablet only once a day, whereas the immediate release tablet can be taken every four to six hours. The medication acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to diminish pain, but it also affects other body systems. For example, it can raise your heart rate and blood pressure.

Tramadol affects the neurotransmitters in the brain and, therefore, affects how you feel happy or sad. Doctors are reluctant to prescribe tramadol because it can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or seizures. When patients take tramadol for extended periods of time, they often develop physical dependence on the drug.

Unfortunately, Tramadol addiction is common. In fact, roughly 20% of people who use the drug for more than three months will eventually abuse it.

Tramadol Side Effects

As with any prescription drug, tramadol comes with a list of potential side effects. Some of these side effects may go away after you get used to the medication. However, other side effects may persist or have long-lasting consequences. Here are some of the short-term side effects:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Sleepiness
• Stomach upset and vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Rash or itching
• Moodiness

Unexpected Side Effects of Tramadol

Tramadol side effects don’t always follow the norm, as is common with any drug. In short, you won’t know how your body will interact with the medication until you take it. Some people have an allergic reaction to tramadol, which can be serious or even life-threatening. In fact, you may even experience unusual, unexpected side effects such as:

• Labored breathing
• Extremely low blood pressure
• Fluid swelling under the skin
• Seizures
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Rapid heartbeat
• Serotonin accumulation
• Addiction

Recovery from Tramadol Addiction

If you are addicted to tramadol, there is hope for recovery. Beaches Recovery offers a comprehensive, accredited treatment center for people who are struggling with the challenges of drug addiction. Moreover, our premier location provides a holistic approach to healing and incorporates evidence-based modalities. We believe in treating the entire person — body, mind, and spirit. As a result, our treatment options target all three areas of a person’s life. Some of these therapy modalities include:

• Opiate addiction therapy
• Opioid addiction therapy
• Hiking therapy
• 12-step program
• Non-12 step program

If tramadol side effects are hindering your life, take charge by seeking help. Don’t let addiction control your life. Instead, you can overcome your addiction by enrolling in a quality drug rehab program. Contact Beaches Recovery at 866.605.0532 and start the journey to healing.