Tramadol
Highlights:
- Tramadol is an oral medicine that comes both as a generic and brand name product. Its most popular brand names include Ultram and Ultram ER.
- Tramadol pills are available in immediate-release and extended-release formulations and also in the form of extended-release oral capsules.
- The medication is useful in the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain conditions.
- It contains FDA boxed-warnings for addiction and misuse, respiratory depression, drug interactions, and accidental overdose.
Description:
Tramadol is an oral prescription medication available as immediate-release and extended-release tablets and capsules. Immediate-release tablets release tramadol instantly into the body to produce fast effects. Extended-release tablets or capsules slowly release tramadol over time, thus providing results for longer durations.
The medication is a controlled substance, and you can only take it by a doctor’s prescription and under the careful supervision of your healthcare physician.
Uses:
Tramadol is useful in the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain conditions. It can be helpful as a single medication, or a doctor can prescribe it as a combination therapy with other medicines or pain-relieving measures.
Mechanism of action:
The medication belongs to the group of opiates. Tramadol works similarly to other opioid agonists and often used in similar conditions like other opioid medications.
Side effects:
Tramadol immediate-release tablets may cause drowsiness. Do not drive a car or ride motor vehicle, use heavy machinery, or perform risk activities until you know how Tramadol affects you. It may cause other unwanted side effects, such as:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Lack of energy
- Nausea or vomiting
If you have mild side effects of tramadol like the ones mentioned above, you will most probably get rid of these effects within a week or two. However, if the adverse reactions do not go away with time or if they get severe, it is advisable to consult your doctor.
