What is Tramadol?
Tramadol is a potent painkiller used to treat moderate to severe pain, such as post-surgery or serious injuries. It is also effective for chronic pain when weaker painkillers are no longer effective. Tramadol is available only with a prescription and can be taken in the form of tablets, capsules, liquid drops, or injections administered in a hospital setting. The most common side effects of tramadol include nausea and dizziness. While there is a potential for dependence, your doctor will provide guidance on how to minimize the risk. If you need to take tramadol for more than a few weeks, your treatment plan may include instructions on how and when to stop taking the medication. It is advisable to avoid consuming alcohol while taking tramadol as it may increase drowsiness.
Who can and can’t take tramadol?
Tramadol is suitable for adults and children aged 12 and over, but there are certain individuals who should not take it. Prior to starting the medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have had an allergic reaction to tramadol or any other medications in the past, have a condition that causes seizures, have experienced a head injury, have a dependency on alcohol, strong painkillers, or recreational drugs, have breathing difficulties, or have kidney or liver problems. Additionally, if you have had a reaction to other strong painkillers before, it is important to disclose this information.
How and when to take it?
Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to use tramadol as it can be habit-forming. The dosage may vary, but you should not exceed 400mg per day. Tramadol drops, injections, and some tablets and capsules are fast-acting and used for short-term pain relief. You may be instructed to take fast-acting tramadol only when needed for pain or on a regular basis. Always adhere to the instructions provided by your doctor. Some tramadol tablets and capsules are slow-release, meaning the medication is gradually released into your body over 12 or 24 hours. This type of tramadol is used for long-term pain. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage based on your pain sensitivity and severity. It may be necessary to adjust your dosage multiple times to find the most effective relief, but typically the lowest dose that alleviates your pain will be prescribed.
What if I take an extra dose?
It is important not to exceed your prescribed dose, even if you feel that it is not adequately relieving your pain. Consult your doctor before considering a different dosage. Taking too much tramadol can be dangerous. If you accidentally take an overdose, you may experience extreme fatigue, nausea, dizziness, difficulty breathing, or even loss of consciousness. In serious cases, emergency treatment in a hospital may be required. If you have unintentionally taken an extra dose, refer to the information provided with the medication packaging or seek advice from your pharmacist or doctor. In most cases, you are unlikely to experience any symptoms and can continue with your next scheduled dose as usual.
