So many people in the U.S. suffer from pain and, if not treated, it can affect their lives included being able to work. Medical doctors remedy this by prescribing painkillers but the abuse and overdoses have been a continuing growing problem for years. Many alternative painkillers are thought not to be dangerous and addictive but there are always going to be complications and risks if you take too much of anything.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Since the 1990s, when the number of opioids prescribed to patients began to grow, the number of overdoses and deaths from prescription opioids has also increased. Even as the amount of opioids prescribed and sold for pain has increased, the amount of pain that Americans report has not similarly changed. From 1999 to 2017, almost 218,000 people died in the United States from overdoses related to prescription opioids. Overdose deaths involving prescription opioids were five times higher in 2017 than in 1999.
TL;DR: Tramadol is primarily prescribed for pain relief, but some people may experience sedative effects; however, it is not specifically approved or recommended for sleep or anxiety.
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What Is Tramadol Used For?
The ongoing opioid crisis has led to the use of newer synthetic opioid painkillers, sometimes perceived as milder and therefore less addictive than traditional options like oxycodone, morphine, or fentanyl. Tramadol, sold under numerous brand names, including Ultram®, Ultram ER®, ConZip®, Ryzolt®, and Qdolo®, is one such analgesic. While it may be considered weaker than some other opioids, it is still a synthetic opioid and carries the potential for abuse and dependence, similar to fentanyl. Many patients prescribed tramadol, and even some healthcare providers, mistakenly believe it to be a safe, milder alternative to other pain medications. This misconception can be dangerous. Despite this “safe” view, tramadol is a potent medication that poses risks, especially if taken in higher doses or not used as directed for pain management, particularly chronic pain or severe pain. It’s important to understand that even though it might not be as strong as some other opioids, tramadol still acts on the central nervous system (CNS) and carries the risks associated with opioid use.
Side Effects of Tramadol
Tramadol, while effective for pain management, can cause a range of side effects. It’s important to be aware of both the most common and the more serious side effects associated with this medication. If you experience any concerning symptoms while taking tramadol, it’s crucial to contact your healthcare provider promptly.
Most common side effects:
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Lightheadedness
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Increased blood pressure
- Seizures (serious side effect)
- Serotonin syndrome (serious side effect)
- Respiratory depression, caused by sleep apnea (serious side effect)
Does Tramadol Help People with Insomnia?
There’s a misconception that tramadol can help with insomnia because of its pain-relieving properties. However, this drug can actually contribute to sleep disturbances and should never be used as a sleep aid. While tramadol may initially cause drowsiness, it does not promote sustained sleep throughout the night and can disrupt normal sleep patterns, potentially impacting REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Unfortunately, issues with pain, sleep, and mood often co-occur, which sometimes leads doctors to prescribe tramadol alongside other medications like sleeping pills or antidepressants. This combination, however, can be extremely dangerous and potentially deadly. For any sleep concerns or before making any changes to your medication regimen, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance. They can assess your specific situation and recommend appropriate, short-term or long-term, strategies for managing pain and sleep.
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Tramadol is an Addictive Drug
Tramadol is very easy to obtain and less expensive than other opiates therefore easy to misuse. Taken as prescribed, tramadol is usually a time-release capsule. It is designed to block pain over an extended period. However, tramadol abusers bypass the time-release and ingest all the medication at once. The resulting euphoric effect is similar to the instant highs obtained from heroin and just as addictive.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations (SAMHSA), tramadol prescriptions increased 88 percent from 23.3 million in 2008 to 43.8 million in 2013. The estimated number of tramadol-related ED visits involving misuse or abuse increased about 250 percent from 6,255 visits in 2005 to 21,649 in 2011. And this statistic has surlily increased considering the opiate crisis we are in these days.
Get the Help You Need for Tramadol Dependence
If you or a loved one may be dependent or addicted to Tramadol, we At Allure Detox can help get you back on track. When it comes to Tramadol, Allure Detox’s detox program creates a safe environment for managing uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Our detox program is supervised to prevent potential complications. During the pain pill detox program in West Palm Beach, Florida, patients can lose a considerable amount of bodily fluids. This is why the individual needs to be supervised during withdrawal. Get your life back today with Allure Detox.
FAQ
What is Tramadol?
Published on: 2020-11-06
Updated on: 2025-02-19
