Addiction To Tramadol

Those who misuse or abuse Tramadol are at risk for developing an addiction. In some cases, even people who follow their doctor’s directions can become addicted.

After frequent, prolonged Tramadol use, many people develop a tolerance to the drug. This means they have to take larger doses to feel the drug’s effects. Along with tolerance, Tramadol users may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the drug. Tramadol withdrawal can cause irritability, depression, and flu-like symptoms.

Tolerance to and withdrawal from Tramadol are common signs that someone has a Tramadol dependence. They may also show signs of a Tramadol addiction, a chronic, neurobiological disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors, all of which influence how it develops. Other signs of an addiction include frequent cravings, relationship problems caused by drug use, and uncontrollable use of Tramadol

I remember waking up in the mornings with anxiety or heartache that I couldn’t live without my drugs. On days when I didn’t have them, I was almost relieved. I felt like, ‘Okay, I don’t have any. I’ll start today.’ That lasted as long as it took to find more.

- Cathy C., in recovery from Painkiller addiction

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Understanding Tramadol

Tramadol is a prescription Opioid Painkiller for moderate pain. It’s often used for pain after surgery or for chronic pain from conditions like fibromyalgia.

Tramadol most often comes in 50mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg, and 300mg tablets and is taken orally. Tramadol should never be taken in combination with other Opioids. Brand names of Tramadol include:

  • Ultram
  • Ultram ER
  • ConZip
  • Ryzolt

Common street names for Tramadol include Trammies, Chill Pills, and Ultras.

As a Narcotic Painkiller, Tramadol has a potential for abuse and can be dangerous in large doses.

Tramadol works by binding to Opioid receptors in the brain, which relieves pain. Although it is effective at treating mild to moderate acute or chronic pain, Tramadol is one of the least potent Painkillers available. However, Tramadol can still be addictive, especially when taken for a long period of time or when taken in larger doses than prescribed.

Tramadol Effects And Abuse

Tramadol is often prescribed because it has less addictive potential than other Opioid Painkillers. While most Painkillers are Schedule II substances under the Controlled Substances Act, Tramadol is a Schedule IV substance.

Tramadol is abused for its calming and euphoric effects. People who abuse Tramadol usually feel relaxed and happy. People with severe pain may also take higher doses of the drug, which puts them at higher risks of serious side effects, including seizures and respiratory depression.

Frequent Tramadol users may become addicted and graduate to harder Painkillers or illicit drugs to satisfy their cravings.

As a Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressant, Tramadol slows down lung and heart function. Those who take very large doses of Tramadol (much higher than what would be prescribed) can stop breathing altogether and may experience a fatal overdose. Symptoms of Tramadol overdose can include:

  • Sleepiness
  • Unconsciousness
  • Coma
  • Seizures
  • Respiratory depression
  • Abnormally low blood pressure
  • Slow heart rate
  • Sweaty or clammy skin
  • Weak muscles
  • Pinpoint pupils

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Common Tramadol Drug Combinations

Tramadol is sometimes abused alongside other drugs, which is called polydrug use. Typically, users combine Tramadol with other substances to increase their high or self-medicate. Tramadol addiction and abuse often co-occurs with use of the following drugs:

The risk of developing an addiction to Tramadol is higher when the drug is taken with other substances. As a CNS Depressant, it can be very dangerous to mix Tramadol with other CNS Depressants, like alcohol, Opioids, and Sedative Hypnotics. Mixing these substances can lead to respiratory depression. It also increases the risk of seizure or overdose.

Tramadol Addiction And Abuse Statistics

84

percent

A study from 2005 found that 84% of patients who abused Tramadol in very high doses had seizures within 24 hours.

1.5

million

In 2013, 1.5 million people abused Painkillers such as Tramadol for the first time.

60

percent

From 2012-2013, over 60 percent of people who used Painkillers like Tramadol got the drug from a friend or relative.

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Getting Help Safely

Withdrawal symptoms associated with Tramadol addiction can be intense and even dangerous in some cases. Medically assisted detox and treatment is a safe way to overcome a Tramadol addiction. For help finding a treatment program, contact a treatment provider today.

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Published:

Author

Jeffrey Juergens

Photo of Jeffrey Juergens
  • Jeffrey Juergens earned his Bachelor’s and Juris Doctor from the University of Florida. Jeffrey’s desire to help others led him to focus on economic and social development and policy making. After graduation, he decided to pursue his passion of writing and editing. Jeffrey’s mission is to educate and inform the public on addiction issues and help those in need of treatment find the best option for them.

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Reviewed by Certified Addiction Professional:

Theresa Parisi

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  • Theresa Parisi is a Certified Addiction Professional (CAP), Certified Behavioral Health Case Manager (CBHCM), and International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICADC) with over 12 years of experience in the addiction treatment field.

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