Tramadol is a drug that belongs to the group of opioid analgesics, and it is often prescribed to relieve moderate to severe pain. It acts on certain receptors in the brain, reducing the sensation of pain and providing relief.

Tramadol Uses and Forms

Tramadol is available in different forms, such as tablets, capsules, and injection solutions. Depending on the prescription and individual needs, the doctor may recommend a particular form of the drug. The doctor's recommendations should be strictly followed, and the prescribed dosage should not be exceeded.

The drug belongs to the group of opioid analgesics. Their mechanism of action is associated with the effect on the central nervous system and the inhibition of pain impulses. This effect is realized by influencing the internal opioid system and specific receptors (mu-opioid receptors).

The whole group of opioid analgesics is considered a narcotic substance. The only exception is Tramadol. It is not considered a narcotic due to a lack of addiction and dependence. At the same time, its analgesic potential is the lowest among all opioid analgesics. An important advantage of Tramadol is also the rarer frequency of side effects. This is especially true of the effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Tramadol Side effects and contraindications

Possible side effects include dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, and constipation. In some cases, the drug may cause allergic reactions, which requires stopping use immediately and seeing a doctor. It is also worth considering that Tramadol may interact with other medications. So, you should inform your doctor about all medications used, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and dietary supplements, before starting treatment.

In standard therapeutic doses, the drug rarely causes side effects. Unwanted reactions may be represented by central nervous system disorders, gastrointestinal tract, heart, and blood vessels. Allergic reactions and withdrawal syndrome associated with abrupt drug discontinuation are singled out separately. In practice, withdrawal syndrome and dependence on the drug develop very rarely. Cases of overdose also develop infrequently. The important condition for this is compliance with the daily dosage and the frequency of intake.

Monitor the progress of treatment

When using Tramadol, monitoring your condition regularly and informing your doctor of any changes is important. If you notice that the medication is no longer coping with pain or new symptoms arise, contact your doctor to review treatment and adjust the dosage.

Which Tramadol to choose?

Although the active ingredient is one, it is a racemate of (+) and (-) isomers differently involved in the analgesic effects. The (+) isomer is a pure opioid receptor agonist; the (-) isomer inhibits neuronal capture of noradrenaline and activates the central descending noradrenergic system, which disrupts pain impulse transmission and spinal cord gelatinous substance. Both isomers act synergistically. So the proportion of these isomers and the degree of purification of the substance are important.

Conclusion

Tramadol can be an effective pain reliever, but its use requires strict adherence to your doctor's recommendations and health monitoring. The drug should not be used longer than is therapeutically justified. For patients with moderate impairment of liver/kidney function, as well as the elderly, the dose is adjusted individually.