Sometimes the pain we experience becomes so severe that it cannot be controlled with ordinary painkillers. Especially living with chronic pain is very difficult. In such cases, when other painkillers do not work, a special medicine that doctors recommend is Tramadol. But since this is a very strong medicine, we need to be very careful while using it. So, let's talk about this in detail today.
What exactly is Tramadol?
Simply put, tramadol is a powerful painkiller. It belongs to a class of drugs called opioids . This drug works by blocking the transmission of pain signals to our brain.
The most important thing is that it is used to control long-term, severe pain . These are usually extended-release tablets or capsules. Therefore, it is not suitable for sudden pain. For example, it is not used for the pain that comes on suddenly after a head injury. However, your doctor may prescribe it for a condition such as long-term joint pain.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting tramadol, your doctor should have a complete picture of your health. This is because using this medication with certain medical conditions can be dangerous. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor about them.
| Your health condition | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| Addiction to alcohol or other drugs | Tramadol may increase the risk of addiction and side effects. |
| Head injury, brain tumor, or seizures | Increases the risk of seizures. |
| Kidney or liver disease | Side effects may increase as the drug takes longer to leave the body. |
| Lung disease, asthma, or other breathing problems | Because tramadol can weaken breathing, these conditions can be severe. |
| Suicidal thoughts or depression | There is little or no room for these kinds of thoughts to escalate. |
| Taking MAOI medications (e.g. Marplan, Nardil) within the past 14 days | Very severe, life-threatening reactions may occur. |
| Are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | This medicine may affect the unborn baby and the nursing baby. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This is a powerful medicine, so it is very important to use it properly.
- Swallow whole: Swallow the tablet or capsule whole with a glass of water. Never break, crush, or chew the tablet. Doing so could cause the entire dose of medicine to be absorbed into the body at once, which could cause serious side effects.
- Take it at the right time: Get into the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If you feel upset, take it with food.
- Take the correct dosage: Take only the dosage prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed frequency. Do not take more than you think is necessary to relieve the pain.
- Do not stop suddenly: Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause withdrawal symptoms. If you do stop, your doctor will gradually reduce the dose.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
What if I take too much medicine (overdose)?
This is an emergency. If you think you have taken too much medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Otherwise, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) without delay.
Other things that may interact with tramadol
Tramadol is a drug that can react severely with other medications and alcohol.
Taking tramadol with alcohol is very dangerous. It can cause excessive drowsiness, respiratory arrest, and even death. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication.
In addition, you should also tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, such as:
- MAOI type medications (these should never be taken together)
- Other medications for depression or anxiety (e.g., fluoxetine, amitriptyline)
- Allergy medications (antihistamines) that cause drowsiness
- Sleeping pills
- Anticonvulsant medications (eg, carbamazepine)
- Antifungals (eg, ketoconazole)
- Other strong painkillers
- Blood thinners (eg, Warfarin)
This is not a complete list, so it is important for your own safety to tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including vitamins, herbal products, and traditional medicines .
Be careful about these things when taking medication.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may make you feel very sleepy and dizzy. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery , until you know exactly how the medication affects you.
- Addiction and dependence: When you take this pain medication for a long time, your body becomes dependent on it. That's why you shouldn't stop suddenly. This is not an addiction. Addiction is when you take the medication incorrectly without a medical reason. You have a medical reason to take the medication because you have pain. If you have any questions about this, talk to your doctor.
- Constipation: This is a common problem for many people taking tramadol. Drinking plenty of water and eating fiber-rich foods (fruits, vegetables) can help. If you haven't gone to the bathroom for 3 days, tell your doctor.
- Overdose treatment: Overdosing on opioids can be life-threatening. Naloxone is a life-saving drug used in such emergencies. Talk to your doctor about how to get it, how to use it, and what the symptoms of an overdose are.
What are the possible side effects?
Like all medications, tramadol can have side effects. Some are dangerous, some are common.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | Common, but persistent disorders that should be reported to the doctor |
|---|---|
| Severe allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue) | Constipation |
| Breathing is very slow, shallow, and labored. | Dizziness |
| Excessive sleepiness, confusion, inability to wake up | Drowsiness |
| Low blood pressure (dizziness, blurred vision) | Dry mouth |
| Seizures | Headache |
| Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth) | Nausea and vomiting (Nausea, Vomiting) |
Take-Home Message
- Tramadol is a powerful medication that is only used for long-term, severe pain. It is not suitable for sudden pain.
- Never break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow it whole.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medicine. It is very dangerous.
- If you feel drowsy after taking the medicine, avoid driving and doing tasks that require attention.
- Avoid stopping the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- This is a very strong medicine, so keep it in a safe place that can be locked away, out of the reach of children and pets . Do not share with anyone.
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