Tramadol – Frequently asked questions

What is tramadol?

Tramadol is a painkiller that belongs to the group of drugs known as opiate agonists. This drug is not a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug but a strong painkiller that comes in both slow release and instant release formulas in order to meet different needs and requirements

What is it prescribed for?

Tramadol is a painkiller that is prescribed for the treatment of chronic pain that is either moderate or severe. It is considered effective for those that need to have continuous pain relief, as it offers a gradual release formula

Is it addictive?

Tramadol can be habit forming, as those taking the medication can become reliant on it. This means that adverse withdrawal symptoms can occur of you try to come off the drug suddenly. Anyone planning to come off these painkillers should speak to their doctor first so that they can be taken off it gradually in a way that minimizes on the risk of withdrawal symptoms

Are there any side effects?

In general, tramadol is tolerated relatively well by patients. However, there can be some common side effects associated with the drug, such as headaches, constipation, vomiting, nausea, dizzy spells and drowsiness. There are also some rare side effects linked to the drug, which includes rash, sweating, itching, dry mouth, diarrhoea, and possible seizures.

Can I take tramadol if I am pregnant?

According to reports more work is needed to determine the safety of this medication for women that are pregnant or breastfeeding. With this in mind, the drug should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women in case any harm comes to the unborn child/baby.

Are there any drug interactions?

Tramadol can interact with certain other medications and substances, which is why your doctor needs to be fully aware of your current medications and general health before you take these painkillers. They can react with drugs and substances such as alcohol, tranquilizers and sedatives. They should also be avoided by those that are prone to addiction.