Let's learn more about Tramadol, which is used for severe pain.

Has your doctor prescribed Tramadol for you or someone in your family because of unbearable pain? Doctors usually prescribe this medication when other painkillers have failed to control the pain. Since it is a strong painkiller, you may have some questions and even some concerns about it. That is normal. So today, let's talk about this medication clearly, simply, as if you were talking to a friend.

What exactly is Tramadol?

Simply put, Tramadol is a medication that is used to treat severe pain . It belongs to a group of painkillers called opioids. It works by blocking the transmission of pain signals to our brain. It comes in both pill and solution form. We are talking about the liquid form today.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine

Okay, this is the most important part. Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he needs to know the full details of your health condition. Talk to your doctor about these things very honestly, without hiding anything . Because it is very important for your safety.

• If you have a brain tumor.
• If you have or have had a history of addiction to drugs or alcohol.
• If there is a head injury.
• If you are a regular drinker.
• If you have kidney disease or liver disease.
• If you have breathing difficulties or lung diseases such as asthma.
• If you have a seizure disorder.
• If you have stomach or intestinal problems.
• If you have a history of suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts (yours or someone in your family).
• If you have taken an MAOI medication such as Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate within the past 14 days.
• If you have an allergic reaction to tramadol or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

It is very important to know exactly how to use this medicine.

• This is a liquid medicine to take by mouth. Take the dose prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed time.
• Measure the dose: Use only the oral syringe, spoon, or dropper that comes with the medicine. Do not use household teaspoons or tablespoons. They are not accurate, so the dose may vary.
• You can take it before or after meals, but if you experience stomach upset, it's best to take it with food.
• Never take more than the amount prescribed by your doctor.
• Also, do not stop taking the medication suddenly without consulting your doctor. Doing so may cause discomfort to your body.

What if there is an emergency?

If you have any suspicion that you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not delay.

Other medications that may interact with Tramadol

This is a very important point to be careful about. Tramadol is a drug that has a high potential for interaction with other medications. You should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).

*This list is not complete. Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.*

Special points to be aware of when taking the medicine

Tolerance and Addiction

When you take medication for a while, the dose you were previously taking may no longer be enough to control your pain. This is called tolerance. This is normal, not addiction. Addiction is when you use medication for pleasure without a medical reason. You have a medical reason for taking the medication because you are in pain. If the pain is not decreasing, talk to your doctor. He or she will adjust the dose if necessary.

Be aware of Naloxone

Talk to your doctor about naloxone. This is a life-saving emergency medicine given in the event of an opioid overdose. Be aware of the symptoms of an overdose (abnormally slow breathing, sleepiness that cannot be awakened).

Drowsiness and dizziness

This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy . So , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are elderly, do not get up suddenly from a sitting position. Drinking alcohol can make this condition worse, so stop drinking alcohol completely.

Constipation

A common side effect of this medication is constipation. Drink plenty of water and eat foods high in fiber (fruits, vegetables). If you have difficulty passing stools for more than 3 days, talk to your doctor.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medication, tramadol can have side effects.