Tramadol is a narcotic-like prescription medication used to treat pain. It is sold under the name Ultram and Ultram extended release. It’s used to treat moderate to severe pain and can be taken safely if guidelines on use are followed exactly. Misuse, overuse and abuse can lead to serious issues such as tolerance, addiction, overdose and withdrawal. Those people who have had prior issues with substance abuse should not take Tramadol because they are more susceptible to developing a problem with it. Seizures and convulsions are also an issue for some people who take Tramadol. This is more likely among people who have had a history of seizures, metabolic disorder or head injury. It can also be dangerous to take Tramadol in combination with medications and substances that depress the central nervous system. Tramadol should not be used by people who have recently consumed alcohol or taken narcotic pain relievers, illegal drugs, sedatives, hypnotics, tranquilizers and medicine for depression, mental disorders or anxiety.
Tramadol Can Pose Risks Such as Overdose, Addiction and Withdrawal
It’s so important that patients who take Tramadol do so exactly as prescribed. Taking too much, or taking it more often than recommended can lead to serious issues. Taking a high dose of Tramadol, or combining it with other substances could lead to an opiate overdose. Signs to watch for include labored breathing, slowed heart rate, drowsiness, cold or clammy skin, lightheadedness, serious weakness, fainting or coma. Abusing the pills by altering them in any way can also lead to overdose. This can include crushing, chewing or breaking the pill to inhale or inject the powder. Patients who take Tramadol for an extended time can develop a tolerance where the medication’s effects become diminished. Physical and/or psychological dependence can develop and lead to addiction. A physical addiction to Tramadol is marked by a painful opiate withdrawal syndrome that develops once use is stopped abruptly. Symptoms can be quite challenging and may include drug cravings, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, sweating, diarrhea, tremors, hallucinations and insomnia.
Waismann Method Offers Safe and Effective Opiate Detox
Tramadol addiction is a serious issue that requires help in a professional, medical setting. Waismann Method, located in southern California, has spent more than a decade dedicating enormous resources to the study of opiate addiction treatment. Thousands of people from around the world have safely and successfully detoxed using our medical procedure. This procedure begins in a hospital with intravenous medication, used to cleanse opiates from patients’ receptors. They rest under deep sedation during the procedure and aren’t aware that an accelerated withdrawal played out while they were sedated. The procedure takes less than two hours and we ask that patients stay in the hospital 3 to 6 days. Upon discharge, patients can return home or extend recovery in our Domus Retreat aftercare facility.
