Tramadol: Why you should be wary of this powerful painkiller
Your doctor has prescribed tramadol for you: what is tramadol and what are the risks of this medicine? First thing to know: tramadol is a synthetic molecule that belongs to the family of weak opiates. It may be combined with other painkillers, such as acetaminophen.
What pains does the drug tramadol cure?
This opioid analgesic is particularly useful for relieving moderate to severe pain, whether chronic or acute. This is the case, for example, with low back pain or osteoarthritis.
What is the dosage of tramadol?
The capsules should be swallowed with a glass of water with or without food. For acute pain, 2 capsules are recommended for the first dose and 1 or 2 for subsequent doses, repeated every 4 to 6 hours. For chronic pain, 1 or 2 capsules every 4 to 6 hours are sufficient. Do not exceed 8 tablets per day.
Is tramadol stronger than paracetamol (Doliprane)?
Although not a derivative of morphine, this drug acts on morphine-sensitive brain receptors as well as receptors for other chemical messages. It therefore affects the perception of pain by the brain and can be prescribed when Doliprane or other painkillers are no longer sufficient. ‘This opioid analgesic is intended for use as a second line when aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol are insufficiently effective,’ reads the package leaflet.
Contraindications to tramadol: when should it not be taken?
Tramadol is available only by prescription and has several contraindications. It must not be used in children under 15 years of age, people with severe respiratory failure, epileptics whose seizures are not well controlled by treatment, people who are allergic to opioid medicines or dependent on other painkillers and usually not pregnant women.
What are the side effects of tramadol?
These may include dizziness, headache, drowsiness, tremors, speech disturbances, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, allergic reactions, hallucinations, confusion, sleep disturbances, delusions, anxiety, nightmares, blurred vision, palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, fatigue, muscle weakness…
Drinking alcohol and taking tramadol: the dangerous cocktail
During treatment, no alcoholic beverages should be consumed because the alcohol enhances the central nervous system effect of tramadol and thus the potential for side effects. These effects are numerous and can sometimes be serious.
Dependence and signs of withdrawal
Since April 2020, the maximum prescription time for tramadol has been three months to limit misuse and the risks of addiction. For good reason: this medicine is addictive, even when taken at recommended doses and for a short period of time. Dependent patients then take it continuously, even when there is no pain. To avoid withdrawal syndrome, the dose should be decreased gradually before stopping treatment.
Tramadol: A risk of unintended overdose
But even more worrisome are unintentional overdoses. Tramadol is in fact the analgesic drug most involved in these overdoses and, along with morphine, it is the opioid most involved in fatal overdoses.
Overdose with tramadol is characterized by vomiting, convulsions, pupil narrowing, impaired consciousness which may lead to coma and difficulty breathing which may lead to respiratory arrest. The most severe cases of overdose can lead to death.
