Tramadol

Tramadol, a derivative from an uncommon opioid, is a drug that belongs to the classification of analgesic, and used chiefly for the treatment of pain. Though dosages tend to vary, Tramadol can be approximately 10% as effective as morphine. Tramadol dependence does occur, despite the claims made by the main manufacturer Grünenthal that as opioid, it has the lowest risk of dependence.

General Information

Pharmaceutics laboratory Grünenthal GmbH developed and owns the patent for Tramadol and marketed the drug under the brand name Tramal. Grünenthal GmbH has also cross-licensed Tramadol to other pharmaceutical companies who in turn marketed the drug under various brand names. In the United States, Tramadol has many market names, including Ultram and Ultracert or Tramacet, the brand name of a combination pill having 325 mg of paracetamol and 37.5 mg of Tramadol.

Though the modes of behavior of analgesics are well defined today; with Tramadol, the drug is yet to be understood fully. It is generally explained that Tramadol binds to the nerves µ-opioid receptor, which is a common mechanism for narcotic substances, such as morphine. Tramadol also restrains the nerves from absorbing the serotonin and norepinephrine. This inhibition was explained to result the reduction of the pain signals that travels the spinal cord to the brain. In simple terms, what Tramadol would do is interfere with the signals sent to the brain by interacting with the neurotransmitter chemicals.

Theoretically to heighten the drug’s effect, Tramadol is often paired with paracetamol or (in the case of Ultracet) acetaminophen to relieve more intense pain, such as in surgical or dental procedures. Both substances function to achieve the same goal: to relieve pain, but each work individually. Tramadol interferes with the neurotransmitters while acetaminophen numbs the pain receptor so in effect also increases the pain threshold.

Prescription

Tramadol is used to relive moderate to acute pain. Oral dosage of Tramadol is more common, taken with or without food. Dosages would vary from the degree of pain; with doses ranging from 50 to 100 mg being the most common prescription. 400 mg in one day is the maximum recommended dosage for Tramadol. The effect of the drug usually takes place within an hour. On severe cases, the IV path is given with the maximum recommended dosage of 600 mg.

Adverse Effects And Drug Interactions

Tramadol users commonly reported sweating, nausea, and vomiting. Considering it is an opioid, drowsiness are normal effects. Respiratory depression is a regular side effect or Tramadol.

When used in junction with antidepressant drugs, Tramadol was found to impair health functions. In people with seizures, the drug reportedly reduces the seizure threshold, so utmost care should be considered while administering Tramadol dosages. Anti-coagulated patients should also take care when using Tramadol. To avoid bleeding complications, it’s best to refer the drug intake to a qualified health professional.

Controversy

As a derivative from an opioid, Tramadol is chemically related to the class of narcotic drugs such as Percocet (hydrocodone), and the more similar morphine. Hence, repeated usage may cause physiological and psychological dependence.

The German supplier Grünenthal had aggressively supported that Tramadol has the lowest risk of dependence compared to other opioids, for the obvious profitability reasons. Grünenthal theory states the primary reason, the delayed agonist activity, reduces dependence. Furthermore, the noradrenaline reuptake hinders the possibility of dependence.

But despite all those claims, dependence to Tramadol is not only possible, it is also apparent. Since the same μ-opioid receptor mediates analgesic and the dependency, there’s really no way of prohibiting of dependency from taking place. The only thing is that, it has lower risk of dependence than other stronger narcotics.

Anyone can buy Tramadol without prescription –surprisingly as it isn’t a controlled substance, such that recreational usage of Tramadol, while not yet as rampant, is more or less apparent. Like for instance in the light of death by overdose of the rapper Russell Jones from a combination of Tramadol and cocaine.