tramadol |
tramadol
Tramadol,
marketed under the brand name Ultram, is a centrally-acting synthetic
opioid used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. Tramadol comes
in tablet form and is available by prescription only. While Ultram is
not an opiate, it produces effects similar to other opiates. Although it
is not classified as a controlled substance in most states, it does
have the potential to be abused. Even when used at prescribed dosages, tramadol treatment can be habit-forming if used for a prolonged period of time.
Tramadol Signs and Symptoms
In order to determine if a person displays signs and
symptoms of
tramadol abuse, an understanding of the definition of abuse and
addiction must be present. According to the American Psychiatric
Association’s DSM-IV-TR, symptoms of Ultram abuse include one or more of
the following occurring during a given 12-month period:
Substance use resulting in a recurrent failure to fulfill work, school or home obligations
Substance use in physically hazardous situations such as driving or operating machinery
Substance use resulting in legal problems such as drug-related arrests
Continued use despite negative social or interpersonal consequences caused by Ambien use.
Substance use in physically hazardous situations such as driving or operating machinery
Substance use resulting in legal problems such as drug-related arrests
Continued use despite negative social or interpersonal consequences caused by Ambien use.
Dependence, which is different from abuse, is defined as a
maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant
impairment or distress, manifested by such signs as tolerance,
withdrawal, a persistent desire to use tramadol, unsuccessful efforts to
stop using the drug and large amounts of time spent acquiring the drug.
Effects of Tramadol Abuse
The effects of Tramadol use vary and may not be experienced by all individuals. Side effects include:
Nausea and vomiting
Euphoria
Shallow breathing
Dizziness
Constipation
Drowsiness or sedation
Physical tolerance can occur as the body becomes accustomed to a particular drug; thus, more of the drug is needed to produce the original desired effect. Psychological dependence can occur as people believe that that they cannot function properly without the drug. Individuals with a tolerance to tramadol are at risk of overdose due to the consumption of increased amounts of the drug. People who have been taking tramadol should not stop using the drug immediately, as this can precipitate withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms include the following:
Euphoria
Shallow breathing
Dizziness
Constipation
Drowsiness or sedation
Physical tolerance can occur as the body becomes accustomed to a particular drug; thus, more of the drug is needed to produce the original desired effect. Psychological dependence can occur as people believe that that they cannot function properly without the drug. Individuals with a tolerance to tramadol are at risk of overdose due to the consumption of increased amounts of the drug. People who have been taking tramadol should not stop using the drug immediately, as this can precipitate withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms include the following:
Nausea and vomiting
Upset stomach
Cold sweats
Cravings
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Tremors
Depression
Irritability, agitation or aggressiveness
Muscle and joint pain
Seizures
Restless legs
Effects of Tramadol Abuse
Upset stomach
Cold sweats
Cravings
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Tremors
Depression
Irritability, agitation or aggressiveness
Muscle and joint pain
Seizures
Restless legs
Effects of Tramadol Abuse
The effects of Tramadol use vary and may not be experienced by all individuals. Side effects include
Nausea and vomiting
Euphoria
Shallow breathing
Dizziness
Constipation
Drowsiness or sedation
Physical tolerance can occur as the body becomes accustomed to a particular drug; thus, more of the drug is needed to produce the original desired effect. Psychological dependence can occur as people believe that that they cannot function properly without the drug. Individuals with a tolerance to tramadol are at risk of overdose due to the consumption of increased amounts of the drug. People who have been taking tramadol should not stop using the drug immediately, as this can precipitate withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms include the following:
Euphoria
Shallow breathing
Dizziness
Constipation
Drowsiness or sedation
Physical tolerance can occur as the body becomes accustomed to a particular drug; thus, more of the drug is needed to produce the original desired effect. Psychological dependence can occur as people believe that that they cannot function properly without the drug. Individuals with a tolerance to tramadol are at risk of overdose due to the consumption of increased amounts of the drug. People who have been taking tramadol should not stop using the drug immediately, as this can precipitate withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms include the following:
Nausea and vomiting
Upset stomach
Cold sweats
Cravings
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Tremors
Depression
Irritability, agitation or aggressiveness
Muscle and joint pain
Seizures
Restless legs
Upset stomach
Cold sweats
Cravings
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Tremors
Depression
Irritability, agitation or aggressiveness
Muscle and joint pain
Seizures
Restless legs
Tramadol Treatment
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in
2008, 5.9 percent of admissions to substance abuse treatment programs
were because of opiate addictions (including tramadol).
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, over 13,000
specialized drug treatment facilities across the United States deliver
such services as counseling, behavioral and cognitive therapy and
medication therapy. Ambien addiction treatment may be done in either an
inpatient or outpatient facility. When choosing a treatment center, it
is important to consider such factors as cost, location, amenities and
services offered. Tramadol rehab centers usually deliver care using a
multidisciplinary approach, providing a variety of
tramadol treatment modalities
customized to suit the individual needs of clients.
Services and
amenities provided vary from facility to facility, so care should be
taken when choosing a treatment center.
If you or someone you care about displays symptoms of tramadol abuse,
there is help available. Let us assist you in finding a tramadol rehab
program that best fits your individual needs. Call (800) 943-0566 today
to receive more information on treatment options that are right for you.
Tramadol addiction is a serious condition that requires professional
treatment.
Tramadol Statistics
Facts and statistics about tramadol include:
According to the Food and Drug Administration, from 1995 to 2004,
over 760 cases of tramadol abuse and 480 cases of tramadol withdrawal
were reported.
Studies have shown that tramadol is most likely to be abused by people with chronic pain, narcotic abusers and healthcare professionals.
Studies have shown that tramadol is most likely to be abused by people with chronic pain, narcotic abusers and healthcare professionals.
Initially, tramadol was marketed as a medication with weak narcotic effects and little potential for abuse. As a result, many healthcare providers came to view tramadol as a relatively safe medication for people who were at risk for drug abuse, such as people with previous problems with drug or alcohol abuse.
Tramadol is not considered a narcotic because it is not listed as such in the Controlled Substances Act, even though it is an opioid medication with the potential for abuse.
Tramadol dependence tends to occur most often in individuals who have taken the drug over long periods of time for legitimate medical reasons.
A study by the United States Department of Health and Human Services
shows that approximately 44 percent of the six million new prescription
drug abusers were less than 18 years of age, demonstrating that the drug
problem among adolescents is on the rise.
According to the National
Institute on Drug Abuse, prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
are, after marijuana and alcohol, the most commonly abused substances by
Americans aged 14 and older.
These
tramadol addiction facts demonstrate the need for drug prevention efforts that are targeted at younger generations.