Sometimes the pain we experience in our bodies is so severe that we can't bear it, right? When ordinary painkillers don't help, your doctor may prescribe a stronger painkiller. Tramadol is one such medication, which is used for severe pain. Since this is a medication that should only be taken on the recommendation of a doctor, it is very important to be fully aware of it. So, let's talk about this in more depth today.
What is Tramadol?
Simply put, Tramadol is a painkiller that is used to control severe pain. Your doctor will prescribe this medication if you have not been able to get relief from other types of painkillers, or if they do not suit your body.
This works by stopping the pain signals from traveling to our brain. This medicine belongs to a group called `(Opioids)`. These are quite strong medicines, so you need to be very careful when using them.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start taking Tramadol, it is very important to tell your doctor about your complete health history. You should especially tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Condition or habit | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Conditions such as a head tumor, head injury, or seizures | Tramadol may increase the risk of epilepsy. |
| Drug or alcohol addiction, frequent drinking | This medication may not be suitable for people with a history of addiction, as there is a risk of addiction. |
| Kidney or liver disease | This organ affects the process of removing medication from the body, so the dosage may need to be changed. |
| Asthma, lung disease, or other breathing problems | These conditions can be serious because tramadol can slow breathing. |
| Thoughts of suicide, depression | This medicine can affect some mental conditions. |
| Taking MAOI medications (e.g. Marplan, Nardil) within the past 14 days | Taking these two medications together can cause a very dangerous reaction. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | This medicine may affect the unborn baby and the breastfed baby. |
How should I use the medicine?
When using this medicine, it is very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
- Take the pill with a glass of water .
- You can take this with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with a meal.
- Never take more than your doctor tells you to , and never take your next dose sooner than the scheduled time.
- 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. Never take two doses at the same time.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, that is, an overdose, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This is an emergency, do not delay.
This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else who says they have pain. It is dangerous and against the law.
Things to be aware of and side effects when taking medication
There are some things you should be especially careful about when taking tramadol.
Interactions with other medications
Tramadol can interact with many other medications. You should be careful when taking it with antidepressants, sleeping pills, allergy medications, and other painkillers. It is very dangerous to take this medication with alcohol. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including vitamins and supplements.
Pain, drug habituation, and addiction
- Pain: If your pain does not subside after taking medication, or if it increases, tell your doctor.
- Tolerance: After taking this medicine for a while, you may find that the dose that worked before is no longer enough. This means you need more of the medicine to relieve the pain. We call this ``tolerance''. This is normal and not addictive.
- Dependence: Your body gets used to this medicine. Therefore, do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause withdrawal symptoms. If your doctor wants you to stop taking the medicine, he or she will gradually reduce the dose. This is not an addiction. Addiction is the use of a medicine for other purposes than for a medical reason.
Other important points
- Drowsiness: You may feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore , do not drive or operate machinery while taking this medicine.
- Constipation: This medicine can cause constipation. Drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich foods (fruits and vegetables). If you do not have a bowel movement within 3 days, tell your doctor.
- Naloxone: There is a medicine called `(Naloxone)` that is used in an emergency situation if you take too much of an `(Opioid)` drug. As a person taking this kind of medicine, it is important to be aware of `(Naloxone)`. Talk to your doctor about it.
What are the side effects?
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| |
| 🙂 Side effects that should only be reported if they persist or are bothersome | |
|
How should I store the medicine? How should I dispose of it?
- Storage: Since this is a potent drug, keep it in a safe, locked place out of the reach of children and pets . It is also important to protect it from theft, as there is a risk of misuse.
- Disposal: It is very important to properly dispose of unused and expired medications. These can have dangerous consequences if they fall into the wrong hands.
- Some pharmacies have medication take-back programs. Ask about them.
- If that's not possible, crush the pills, mix them with coffee grounds, used tea leaves, cat litter, etc., put them in a tightly sealed bag, and throw them in the trash. Never flush them down the toilet without consulting your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Tramadol is a powerful painkiller that a doctor prescribes for severe pain.
- Before taking the medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Never take more than the prescribed dose. And do not share this medicine with others.
- Be aware of side effects such as drowsiness and constipation. If you experience any severe side effects, seek medical advice immediately.
- Avoid stopping the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Dispose of unused medicine safely, out of the reach of children and others.
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