Tramadol addiction treatment that actually works

Tramadol is a prescription opioid pain medication typically used to treat moderate to severe pain, and it may be found in formulations by itself or with other pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Tramadol is a synthetic analogue of the natural opioid compound codeine. These kinds of compounds bring relief by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, which changes the user’s perception of pain and triggers a release of dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter that produces euphoria.

Unlike most opioids, tramadol also raises levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain similar to antidepressant drugs such as venlafaxine and duloxetine (Effexor and Cymbalta). This can lead to feelings of euphoria and well-being and reinforce Tramadol addiction.

Even when taken correctly, opioids like Tramadol can lead to a number of side effects, including:

• Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Skin rash
• Itching
• Sweating
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Headache

It’s critical to understand that these side effects, as listed, don’t necessarily reflect the reality of addiction. Tramadol tolerance can lead to users taking such high amounts of these drugs that the side effects become extreme.

For example, nausea is a common side effect of many medications, but those addicted to Tramadol may take so much that they vomit but continue taking the drug.

Tramadol abuse and addiction (referred to clinically as opioid use disorder) starts when someone starts taking the medication for the high rather than to relieve pain, and as users consume more of the drug over time, the body will become physically dependent on the drug.

As physical dependence sets in, users require more of the drug to get the desired effects, and when it’s not present in their system, they will start to experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. In addition, opioids like Tramadol can also produce a psychological addiction, leading to things like anxiety and cravings for the drug because of the way they affect the brain’s reward system.

Common behaviors associated with hydrocodone addiction include:

• Taking more than the prescribed dosage
• “Doctor shopping” for multiple prescriptions
• Tampering with pills before taking them
• Taking pills in any way other than orally

When someone is addicted to Tramadol but unable to access the drug, they may look for ways to buy it illegally. Even worse, cravings for hydrocodone may even lead the user to cheaper, easier-to-find alternatives like heroin.

Even if it’s taken as directed by a physician, patients can develop a physical dependence on Tramadol, and long-time users will experience opioid withdrawal symptoms if they simply stop taking it.

The symptoms of opioid withdrawal are highly unpleasant and are one of the main reasons people continue using even though they know they are harmful – one of the major indicators of addiction.

Opioid withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Restlessness
• Yawning
• Sweating
• Tearing eyes
• Runny nose
• Chills
• Muscle and back aches
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Irritability, anxiety
• Dilated pupils
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased heartbeat or breathing

Because Tramadol can also act as a mood stabilizer, discontinuing it after prolonged use can also lead to additional withdrawal symptoms referred to as atypical opioid withdrawal symptoms.

These can include:

• Hallucinations
• Intense paranoia
• High anxiety and onset of panic disorder
• Confusion and disorientation
• Depersonalization (feelings of being detached or outside of one’s body)
• Unusual sensory experiences, such as numbness and tingling in the extremities

Detoxing off Tramadol (a process also called withdrawal stabilization) involves using longer-acting opioids such as Suboxone as a substitute for the shorter-acting drugs of abuse. This stabilizes the patient and reduces their withdrawal symptoms as they slowly taper off the substitute.

Patients usually experience the most discomfort during the first one to three days of the opioid withdrawal phase. During this period, additional medications may include a combination of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen, as well as a mild sedative.

Suboxone (buprenorphine with naloxone) is a medication used to treat opioid addiction, and it works by activating the same opioid receptors in the brain as hydrocodone, but without producing the same euphoric high. This makes it safer and means it doesn’t contribute to addiction like other short-acting opioids do.

As a result, patients report that these kinds of mediations help by reducing cravings and easing many of the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms so they can actively participate in their treatment program while they taper off the Suboxone.

Usually, by the end of day three on Suboxone, a patient’s withdrawal symptoms and opioid cravings have almost completely subsided, and they are ready to proceed fully in their treatment program.

Overdose is a real possibility with any opioid drug, including Tramadol. Prescriptions are written for specific people in specific doses, and the effects can have adverse reactions in others. Taking too much Tramadol can result in a life-threatening overdose.

What are the symptoms of a Tramadol overdose?

• Trouble breathing
• Cold and clammy skin
• Fast heartbeat or chest pain
• Extreme drowsiness leading to coma
• Circulatory collapse
• Heart attack

The most common way that people abuse Tramadol involves tampering with the pills so that the medication absorbs into the body faster, which produces a more intense and immediate high. Methods include crushing, chewing, and snorting pills.

Yes. Tramadol is labeled by the DEA as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its addictive properties, so possessing and taking the medication without a prescription is a crime, as is sharing, giving away or selling it.

Besides the risk of overdose, using Tramadol is ways it’s not designed can also have negative effects. Injecting Tramadol is particularly harmful and can lead to infections and cardiovascular disease.

Tramadol formulations may also contain acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, and taking high doses of acetaminophen can cause serious problems including permanent liver damage.

The problem is that as patients develop a tolerance to Tramadol, they need to take more and more to get the safe high. This leads to them ingesting much more acetaminophen than their bodies can process, leading to overdose.

Signs of acetaminophen overdose include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Excessive sweating