Tramadol is primarily utilized to provide short-term relief from moderate to severe pain. Its usage is typically considered when alternative non-opioid pain management methods have proven ineffective or are not well-tolerated. However, it is generally not recommended for treating chronic or long-term pain conditions.
Why Is This Medication Prescribed?
Tramadol is prescribed to alleviate pain of moderate to moderately severe intensity in adults and children aged 12 years or older. Tramadol extended-release tablets and capsules are specifically intended for individuals who require continuous pain relief throughout the day. Tramadol belongs to a class of medications known as opiate (narcotic) analgesics. Its mechanism of action involves altering the brain and nervous system’s response to pain stimuli.
Ideal Dosage Information
- Usual Adult Dose for Pain: For adults (17 years or older), the usual dose of tramadol for pain relief is 50 to 100 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed. However, for patients who do not require rapid onset of pain relief, the initial dose is 25 mg orally once a day. This dose can be increased by 25 mg increments every 3 days until a dose of 25 mg is taken four times a day. Afterwards, the dose can be increased by 50 mg every 3 days as tolerated. The maximum recommended dose is 400 mg per day.
- Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Pain: In the case of chronic pain, extended-release tramadol formulations are used. For individuals aged 18 years or older who are new to tramadol treatment, the starting dose is typically 100 mg orally once a day. The dose can be adjusted individually by increasing it in 100 mg increments every 5 days until an effective dose that minimizes adverse reactions is achieved. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 300 mg.
Please note that dosages may vary depending on individual factors and should be determined by a healthcare professional.
Few Tips To Use This Medicine Aptly
Tramadol is available in different forms: tablets, solution (liquid), extended-release tablets, and extended-release capsules.
- The regular tablet and solution can be taken with or without food, usually every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain relief.
- The extended-release tablet and extended-release capsule should be taken once a day. It is important to take them at the same time every day. If you are prescribed the extended-release tablet or capsule, take it consistently with or without food, as directed by your doctor.
- Follow the instructions provided by your doctor and take tramadol exactly as directed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or take more doses than prescribed.
- Do not stop taking tramadol suddenly without consulting your doctor. Your doctor will likely decrease your dose gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
- Abruptly stopping tramadol can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as nervousness, panic, sweating, difficulty sleeping, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, pain, piloerection (hair standing on end), chills, nausea, uncontrollable shaking of a body part, diarrhea, or rarely, hallucinations.
Remember to always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or need assistance with measuring the medication accurately.
What Side Effects Can This Medication Cause?
Tramadol, like any other medication, may cause side effects. It is important to inform your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they are severe or persist:
- Sleepiness: Tramadol can make you feel drowsy or excessively tired.
- Headache: Some individuals may experience headaches while taking tramadol.
- Nervousness: You may feel anxious, restless, or nervous as a side effect of this medication.
- Uncontrollable shaking: In some cases, tramadol may cause trembling or shaking of a specific body part.
- Mood changes: You might notice changes in your mood, such as feeling more irritable or experiencing mood swings.
- Heartburn or indigestion: Tramadol can occasionally cause symptoms like heartburn or indigestion.
- Dry mouth: You may experience a dry sensation in your mouth while taking tramadol.
Remember to promptly report any side effects to your doctor, as they can provide guidance and adjust your treatment if necessary.
