Is Tramadol Addictive? Risks and Dangers of Tramadol Addiction

Is Tramadol Addictive?

Tramadol, often perceived as one of the less potent opioids, fosters a misconception about its addictive potential. This mistaken belief can inadvertently pave the way for addiction to develop without individuals recognizing the risk.

Abusing Tramadol encompasses using it without a prescription, consuming it in higher doses, more frequent intervals, or for durations exceeding the prescribed guidelines. Additionally, combining Tramadol with other substances to amplify its effects is also considered a form of abuse.

The Signs of Tramadol Addiction

While initially designed as a safer option among prescription analgesics, tramadol abuse and addiction persist as significant concerns. The effects of this medication have the potential to trigger similar substance-seeking behaviors observed with other opioid drugs.

As an individual’s tolerance to tramadol escalates, there is a corresponding need to elevate the dosage. This response stems from brain adaptations, necessitating a higher tramadol quantity to achieve previous effects. Tramadol addiction can manifest through four key signs:

1. Loss of Control Over Usage: Efforts to reduce or stop tramadol use prove ineffective.
2. Intense Cravings: Overpowering urges drive repeated actions to obtain the substance, perpetuating addiction.
3. Doctor Shopping: Seeking additional prescriptions from different physicians when refills are denied.
4. Withdrawal Symptoms: On cessation of tramadol, the individual experiences withdrawal symptoms.

Individuals managing chronic pain conditions might develop a dependence on tramadol through prolonged use. However, alternative pain management approaches exist, offering relief without exposure to opioids like tramadol.

What Should You Expect During Tramadol Withdrawal?

Withdrawal symptoms associated with Tramadol may differ for each person. Gradually tapering off the drug can help minimize these adverse effects.

The common symptoms of Tramadol withdrawal include:

As tramadol impacts brain areas shared with opioids and antidepressants, individuals undergoing withdrawal management may encounter symptoms associated with both medication types.

Moreover, secondary withdrawal symptoms specific to tramadol may arise, potentially persisting for months. These secondary effects might encompass restlessness, sleep disturbances, or dysphoria. Dysphoria manifests as a pervasive sense of unease or discontent, often accompanied by symptoms like anxiety, depression, or agitation.

Dangers Associated With Tramadol Addiction

Even when used appropriately under medical supervision, Tramadol can elicit adverse reactions like nausea and dizziness in users. However, abusing Tramadol significantly heightens its dangers, increasing the risk of severe side effects and potential overdose.

Combining Tramadol with other substances in polydrug use further amplifies the likelihood of severe and sometimes fatal side effects.

Common side effects of Tramadol abuse include:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Constipation.
• Fever.
• Dizziness.
• Loss of appetite.
• Muscle aches.
• Depression.
• Excessive sweating.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), emergency department visits linked to Tramadol abuse or misuse surged by around 250 percent between 2005 and 2011.

Severe symptoms of Tramadol abuse usually manifest with higher doses or in combination with other substances. They may include seizures and central nervous system (CNS) depression. CNS depression occurs when the central nervous system slows down, potentially resulting in decreased heart rate and breathing, leading to unconsciousness, coma, and possibly death.

Another dangerous side effect of Tramadol abuse is serotonin syndrome, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. This syndrome arises due to excessive production or accumulation of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain. Serotonin syndrome frequently occurs in individuals combining Tramadol with antidepressants, displaying symptoms such as:

• Confusion.
• Agitation.
• Muscle jerking or rigidity.
• Tremors.
• Lack of coordination.
• Seizures.
• Coma.

Learn More:

• Tramadol Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, & Detox Treatment
• Tramadol vs Hydrocodone: Are They Similar? Which one is Better For Pain?
• Tramadol vs Oxycodone: Which is Better? Side Effect Comparison
• Is Tramadol A Narcotic?
• Tramadol in Pregnancy
• Tramadol Serotonin Syndrome
• Vicodin vs Norco, What’s The Difference & How Do They Compare?
• How Long Does Hydrocodone Stay in Urine?
• What is Norco? Norco Drug For Severe Pain Information
• The Dangers of Hydrocodone Addiction, Symptoms & Treatment
• Hydrocodone Side Effects, Uses, Addiction and More
• Opiate Withdrawal
• Opioid Withdrawal Timeline
• Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

How Addictive is Tramadol Compared to Other Opioids?

Tramadol’s addictive potential compared to other opioids is a subject of debate within the medical community. Tramadol is considered an opioid, but its pharmacological action differs from other traditional opioids like morphine or oxycodone.

Tramadol acts on the mu-opioid receptors, similar to other opioids, but it also affects serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This dual mechanism of action makes its addiction potential somewhat different from that of other opioids.

While tramadol was initially marketed as having a lower risk of addiction and dependence compared to more potent opioids, studies and clinical observations, have shown that it still carries a risk of abuse, dependence, and addiction, mainly when misused or for extended periods.

Some individuals may perceive tramadol as less potent or less addictive, potentially leading to misuse or abuse. However, its unique pharmacological profile doesn’t necessarily equate to a lower risk of addiction compared to other opioids.

How Is Tramadol Withdrawal Different From Other Opioids?

Tramadol withdrawal stands apart from other opioids due to its unique pain-relieving method. Unlike many opioids that work solely by activating brain opioid receptors, tramadol also impacts serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. Hence, its withdrawal can result in two types of symptoms: typical opioid withdrawal and atypical opioid withdrawal syndrome, which is distinctive to tramadol. This means individuals might face a mix of symptoms.

Typical opioid withdrawal symptoms involve

• Nausea.
• Abdominal pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting.
• Muscle aches.
• General discomfort.

On the other hand, atypical opioid withdrawal symptoms consist of:

• Hallucinations.
• Severe anxiety.
• Paranoia.
• Confusion.
• Depersonalization.
• Unusual sensory experiences.

While atypical symptoms are typically non-life-threatening, they can prompt risky behavior. For safe and supervised detox, seeking help from an inpatient facility is strongly advised.

Tramadol Addiction – Related Statistics

Despite declining prescription rates, opioid overdose deaths remain a significant public health concern. Many opioid-related deaths are attributed to the misuse of prescription opioids or illicit opioids, such as heroin and fentanyl. Unfortunately, Norco hydrocodone is included in the problem.

There is a need for increased access to evidence-based treatments for opioid use disorder, such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and behavioral therapies, to address the addiction crisis effectively.

Bioavailability

Bioavailability refers to the extent and rate at which a drug or substance is absorbed into the bloodstream or becomes available at the site of action after administration. It measures the amount of the administered dose that enters the systemic circulation and can produce an effect.

Regarding bioavailability, tramadol hydrochloride tablets boast a 75% bioavailability, whereas extended-release tramadol hydrochloride tablets range between 85% to 90%.

• Antibiotics.
• Antidepressants.
• Anti-anxiety medications.
• Antipsychotics.
• Allergy medications (antihistamines).
• Benzodiazepines.
• Cold and cough medicines.
• Fungal infection medications.
• Heart rhythm medications.
• HIV medications.
• Irritable bowel medications.

• Laxatives
• Muscle relaxants.
• Nausea medications.
• Parkinson’s disease medications.
• Prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Sedatives or tranquilizers.
• Seizure medications.
• Sleeping pills.
• St. John’s Wort.
• Tryptophan.
• Ulcer medications.
• Urinary problem medications.