Thursday, December 30, 2010

What You Need to Know About Pain Medication By Joan One

Tramadol is a generic version of Ultram which is a synthetic analgesic medication. Although the exact process by which tramadol works is not known, it is believed to function just as morphine does. This involves binding the opioid receptors in the brain. These receptors are responsible for the transmission of pain sensations throughout the body.

Tramadol is prescribed by doctors for purposes of treating moderate to moderately severe pain. It belongs to a class of drugs called opiate agonists and works by altering how the body senses pain. When taken for up to three months, this medication has been found to help to reduce pain and stiffness, while improving function and overall well being of patients suffering from osteoarthritis. Although commonly mistaken for an NSAID or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, tramadol is not any of the above.

Tramadol may be prescribed in a 50mg dose as an immediate release tablet, or in a 100, 200 or 300 mg dose in an extended release table. The latter is normally prescribed to patients suffering from chronic pain who are in need of continuous treatment in the long term. Tramadol should be taken properly while following the prescription instructions so as to avoid serious side effects or even death. For instance, the extended release tablets should be taken whole, and not chewed, split or crushed.

Avoid taking tramadol when pregnant as the safe use of this medication by expectant or breastfeeding mothers has not yet been established. Avoid taking more tramadol than your prescription provides as this could lead to dependency. You should also not stop taking tramadol without prior consultation with your doctor as this could lead to withdrawal symptoms. Most doctors recommend gradually decreasing your dosage over time.

If you are already taking other medications, be sure to inform your doctor before he starts you on tramadol. This is because drug interactions are possible with tramadol including reduced effects by Carbamazepine, increased concentration of 50-60% by Quinidine, and seizures or other serious side effects due to MAO or SSRI inhibitors. Your central nervous system and respiratory depression may be increased when tramadol is combined with certain substances such as narcotic drugs, alcohol, sedatives, anesthetics and tranquilizers.

Although tramadol is normally well tolerated, it does result in certain temporary side effects such as constipation, nausea, headaches, dizziness, vomiting and drowsiness. Other less common side effects include sweating, itching, dry mouth, rash, diarrhea and vertigo as well as rare cases of seizures. Symptoms of an overdose of tramadol include difficulty in breathing or remaining awake, decreased pupil size, seizure, coma, heart attack or loss of consciousness.
Joan One is a freelance journalist and creative writer who immensely enjoys writing and researching into any topic under the Sun. She specializes in writing "green" eco-friendly topics aimed at enabling environmentally conscious readers to find simple ways to reduce their carbon footprint and help save our planet.

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