User Reviews for Tramadol systemic | for Back Pain - Backache

Tramadol (Ultram) Pain Reliever for Back Pain

Tramadol is a type of narcotic pain reliever often prescribed for moderate or moderately severe pain in adults. It is a synthetic analog of codeine with less potential for abuse than other opioid agonists, and works in the brain to alter the body’s response to pain.

Tramadol is available as a generic, but is often best known by its brand names, including Ultram, Ultram ER (extended release), ConZip, EnovaRX (tramadol), and Synapryn FusePaq. In addition to pain relief, tramadol can create a feeling of well-being. While it is classified as a narcotic (also called an opioid) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, it is often described as narcotic-like because it is a synthetic drug with a slightly different chemical structure than other narcotics.

Tramadol is generally advised for just one or two weeks’ use, to reduce the risk of dependency. Also, the body develops a tolerance for tramadol quickly, making the dose less effective over time. The doctor may suggest a longer interval between doses for those older than 75.

Like all medications, tramadol has potential risks as well as benefits. This article discusses both the benefits and drawbacks of tramadol.

How Tramadol Is Used

Tramadol is available in a variety of forms and strengths. Examples of tramadol formulations include:

Immediate-release form of tramadol (Ultram). This form of tramadol is available as a tablet and typically is prescribed to be taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. It is used for back pain, sciatica, and for postoperative pain following spine surgery. The immediate-release form works well for people who do not need 24-hour pain relief.

Extended-release tramadol (Ultram ER, ConZip). Extended-release (ER) forms of tramadol are available as tablets and capsules that contain more medication than the regular dose. The medication is formulated to be released in the body gradually over a 24-hour period and should be taken once a day. (ConZip, however, also includes immediate-release medication.) These formulas are designed to help individuals with chronic pain, and can potentially help stay ahead of the pain (before it becomes too intense) and promote sounder sleep. The extended-release medication cannot be split or crushed, as that could cause a dangerously strong amount of medication to be taken all at once. While the maximum dose of the extended-release formulations is 300 mg per day, dosages may need to be decreased for those with renal or hepatic impairment.

Tramadol oral suspension (Synapryn FusePaq). Tramadol is available as an oral suspension, which can be helpful for adults who have difficulty swallowing. The medication is typically given 3 to 4 times a day.

As a general rule, when prescribed for back pain, doctors will typically start with a low dose of tramadol, such 25 mg per day, and may increase the dose slowly and as needed for pain relief. For most adults, the maximum safe dose is 400 mg per day of the immediate-release tablets.

Tramadol: Potential Risks and Complications

Tramadol is commonly prescribed to treat back pain, and it is often considered a potentially safer alternative to other narcotics. However, it is strong medication and must be taken carefully. Interactions with other medications, side effects, and the potential for dependence and withdrawal symptoms are some of the major considerations when taking tramadol.

Some restrictions on life and work may be required due to tramadol’s effect on the body. Driving, operating machinery, and other activities requiring mental and physical coordination may be unsafe.

Potential Interactions and Complications

Keeping the prescriber informed about all other medications and supplements being taken is crucial when taking tramadol. Drug and supplement interactions with tramadol can be life-threatening. Use of the supplement St. John’s wort, for instance, can cause serotonin levels to rise too much (see below). Combining tramadol with alcohol, sedatives, or other narcotic medications also can lead to serious medical complications.

It is important to list any current or past drug/alcohol abuse, depression, head injury, epilepsy, liver or kidney problems, or seizures when providing a medical history to the doctor. These conditions could increase the risks of complications. The doctor should also be informed if the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding. Those who are suicidal or prone to addiction should not take tramadol.

Side Effects Include Seizures

Seizures are among the most serious potential problems associated with tramadol. While a seizure can occur while taking the recommended dose, seizures are more likely in those who have taken high doses of tramadol or combined tramadol with other medications.

Other factors that can increase the risk of seizure include, but are not limited to:

Those who have epilepsy
Patients with a history of seizures
Individuals with a recognized risk for seizure (such as head trauma, metabolic disorders, alcohol and drug withdrawal, and central nervous system infections)
Patients taking selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Those taking antidepressants or anorectics
Patients taking tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and other tricyclic compounds, such as cyclobenzaprine or promethazine
Individuals taking other opioids

In some cases, seizures can occur when tramadol increases the body’s levels of the chemical serotonin, causing a condition called serotonin syndrome. The syndrome can be fatal, but often the symptoms go away when the medication is stopped. Symptoms include shivering, muscle stiffness, confusion, and a high fever. Signs of serotonin syndrome should prompt an immediate call to the doctor or a visit to the emergency room.

Side effects that are typically less serious include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, headache, and constipation.

Potential for Addiction: Tramadol Is a Controlled Substance

Tramadol can have a mood-enhancing effect, leading to an emotional dependence on the medication. In 2014, tramadol was classified for the first time as a controlled substance amid reports of increased abuse. It is a Schedule IV drug, a category that includes Xanax, Valium, and Ambien. It has a low likelihood for abuse relative to drugs in Schedule III, such as anabolic steroids and acetaminophen combined with codeine.

Potential for Addiction: Tramadol Is a Controlled Substance

Dependence can occur even when the medication is taken as directed, but those exceeding the recommended dose and/or timing of doses face an added risk of a more serious dependency. People with previous addiction problems or who are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or clinical depression may also be at increased risk for dependence.

Breathing Problems with Tramadol

Although the risk is less with tramadol than other opiate agonists (e.g., morphine), some people taking tramadol develop a breathing problem called respiratory depression. Individuals with asthma or other lung problems may be advised to avoid tramadol. Dangerous breathing problems are more likely when taking other drugs—legal or illegal—and drinking alcohol while using tramadol. Respiratory depression is more common in older adults and those in poor overall health.

Tramadol Overdoses and Drug Interactions

Taking more medication than prescribed or in combination with alcohol, sedatives, other narcotics (opioids), or antidepressants could result in a dangerous, or even fatal, overdose.

The number of emergency room visits for accidental overdoses of tramadol has grown rapidly in recent years as use has increased. The rise in ER visits has been especially steep in adults age 55 and older. This age group typically has more health conditions and takes more medications than younger people, increasing the risk of overdose or dangerous drug interactions associated with tramadol.

Label instructions for both the dose and the timing of the doses must be followed exactly. If the medication does not seem to work, the doctor should be contacted. The dose should never be increased without a doctor’s approval.

Withdrawal Symptoms

While tramadol must be used carefully, patients should not stop taking it suddenly. Discontinuing use of tramadol needs to be done gradually and under the guidance of a physician.

Stopping the medication all at once may produce unpleasant, and even dangerous, withdrawal symptoms. Nervousness, chills, nausea, and diarrhea are common side effects of withdrawing from tramadol abruptly.

Tramadol is considered to have fewer potential risks and complications compared with other strong pain medications, and it is often prescribed for patients who have adverse reactions to other pain medications.

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An URGENT Message From Philadelphia’s Top Back Pain Expert…

Reviews for Tramadol to treat Back Pain

The following information is NOT intended to endorse drugs or recommend therapy. While these reviews might be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care.

By: drugs.com