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Tramadol Addiction - Treatment, Symptoms and Causes

Last Updated: Nov 25, 2024

What is Tramadol Addiction?

Tramadol is a Schedule IV drug under the Controlled Substances Act and is measured as a medication with a low level of dependence. The addictive latent of tramadol is considered to be low, except in cases of misuse or abuse for drives other than the ones prescribed.

What Medicines Contain Tramadol? To begin, it helps to know what you’re looking at in the medicine cabinet. There are many brand names which contain tramadol hydrochloride as their main active element, and are either a blend of this painkiller with other elements, or brand names for the same drug. Tramadol is sold under the following brand names: Conzip, Mabron, Marol, Tradorec, Tramquel, Tramulief, Ultram, Zamadol, Zeridame etc.

Causes of Tramadol Addiction.

How does Tramadol work? There is still a lack of info about tramadol’s mode of action. But, it is known that likened to other similar opioid drugs tramadol directly changes the way our brain perceives pain.

Pain is a physical manifestation of discomfort which comes as a result of communication between the brain and the body. There are two types of hormones: serotonin and epinephrine which naturally help the body to feel pleasure and relief. Usually, most painkillers are designed to increase the levels of these hormones in the brain in order to help individuals reach feelings of relaxation and overcome the discomfort of pain.

Physicians and doctors warn that users should be cautious with tramadol, just as with any other opioid medications. Repeated use leads to physical dependence and an increase in tolerance. Once you develop tolerance to Tramadol, you need higher doses to get the same pain relief as you used to get with lower doses in the beginning.

Any individual who has become dependent on tramadol to relieve pain or to simply cope with life, may start obtaining tramadol from illicit sources, just to be able to function. This is the road that leads many people to addiction. Once addiction kicks in, it is common for people to start seeing multiple doctors, committing prescription fraud, and stealing tramadol pills from friends and relatives, and even pharmacies.

What is the symptoms of Tramadol Addiction?

Tramadol addiction is recognized by the following physical signs:

  • bloodshot eyes
  • disinterest in physical appearance
  • changes in appetite or sleep patterns
  • impaired or unstable coordination
  • incoherent or slurred speech
  • lack of personal hygiene or grooming
  • seizures without a history of epilepsy
  • sudden weight loss or weight gain
  • unexplained injuries or accidents

Despite these physical signs, tramadol addictive behaviour is also recognized by changes in the person’s behaviour such as:

  • becoming introverted
  • mood swings
  • social withdrawal
  • sudden decrease in motivation
  • unexplained change in personality or attitude

Treatment of Tramadol Addiction.

Tramadol is not painstaking regular painkiller. Before starting to use it, you should get information from your doctor or a pharmacist about: dosage, duration of treatment, possible side effects, imaginable food interactions, and appropriate storage conditions.

Effective treatment for drug addiction includes withdrawal treatment along with long term recapture maintenance. In general, imminent addiction holistically is key. The integration of behavioural and pharmacological therapies has been looked upon as being the most effective ways to help treat addiction. The two strategies described below address both the physical and psychological components of tramadol dependence.

    1.
  1. Medications for tramadol addiction conduct
    Medicines such as clonidine or benzodiazepines might be used during severe withdrawal from tramadol. Over-the-counter medications such as NSAIDs can help with severe withdrawal symptoms. Altered mood states are one of the biggest gears to be cautious of in recovery. Talk to a psychiatrist to aid with any medications you may need.
  2. 2.
  3. Behavioural treatments for hydrocodone obsession

    Behavioural therapies treat the emotional and psychological foundations of addiction. The main principle of psychological treatment for opiate addictions like tramadol is to recognize, monitor, and govern the force to use tramadol. Behavioural treatments for addiction also help you understand and categorize triggers which induce tramadol use. This can include one-on-one and group therapy, intellectual behavioural therapy, contingency management, motivational enhancement therapy, and 12 step facilitation therapy.

    In case you will need to take tramadol medically, for a longer period of time and chronically, it can be safely administered under the supervision of medical professionals. This way, doctors lower the chances of you getting high or emerging an unhealthy need for the medication. Be sure that you report any feelings of euphoria, cravings, or loss of control over use. This way you and your doctor can monitor, prevent, or proximately identify addiction.

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Prevention to avoid Tramadol Addiction.

Tramadol is not a painstaking regular painkiller. Before starting to use it, you should get information from your doctor or a pharmacist about: dosage, duration of treatment, possible side effects, imaginable food interactions, and appropriate storage conditions.

Tramadol is a prescription pain reliever used to treat mild to severe chronic pain. The abuse of the drug can lead to an overdose which can be prevented.

  • Don’t take tramadol if you have a history of addiction or psychological problems.
  • It is necessary to confirm the dosage amount and strictly limit it to that amount. Normally, 300 mg per day is the max limit of the dose.
  • The body builds up the tolerance against the drug and hence the usual amount of drug stops working and the individual increases the dose. This is highly unrecommended. Altering your dosage without a doctor’s permission is not advisable.
  • Don’t take tramadol with alcohol or other drugs.
  • Tell your doctor all about the medications and supplements you are using.
  • >

Withdrawal symptoms of Tramadol Addiction.

Even a few weeks of using tramadol as prescribed can lead to dependence and withdrawal. Some of the noticeable withdrawal symptoms are as follows.

Agitation, Depression, Cravings, Nausea and vomiting, Headaches, Loss of appetite, Muscle pain, Blurred vision, Diarrhea, Abdominal cramps, Tremors.

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Written ByMs. Shilpa Venkatesh MA Psychology & Traning Counselling,Certificate in Hypnotherapy (CH)Psychology
Reviewed By
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Reviewed ByMS Anjali KanojiaMA Applied PsychologyPsychology
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