This write up was prompted as a result of a video of guy seen to have said to have overdosed on “TRAMADOL”.
Let’s get straight into it what is TRAMADOL?
Tramadol (brand name: Ultram) is an opioid analgesic (painkiller). It is prescribed to treat moderate to moderately severe pain and is considered a safer alternative to other narcotic analgesics like hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab) and methadone.
OFTEN TIMES DRUG/SUBSTANCE ABUSE LEADS TO ADDICTION/DRUG DEPENDENCE,ALSO THEY STAND A RISK OF HAVING CONVULSIONS /SEIZURES.
Drug dependence of which can be;PHYSICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL.
Additionally, abusing tramadol can lead to tolerance and dependence.
Psychological Dependence
Individuals who abuse tramadol for an extended period of time and develop psychological dependence may begin to experience compulsive cravings to take the drug and to feel that they need it to cope with everyday problems. People who are psychologically addicted to tramadol can feel anxiety if they do not have access to the drug and will engage in behaviors such as doctor shopping or prescription forgery in order to maintain their supply.
When prescribed by a doctor, the desired effect of taking tramadol is consistent pain relief. However, like most medicines, Ultram can have undesired side effects. These are similar to other opioid drugs and include:
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Constipation.
Lightheadedness or dizziness.
Drowsiness.
Headache.
Loss of appetite.
Dry mouth.
In individuals who use tramadol for non-medical purposes, these side effects can be a warning sign of abuse. In addition to opioid receptor activity, tramadol exerts some of its effects via its actions on serotonergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission. For this reason, there is also a known risk of seizures and convulsions in some patients taking tramadol, with this risk being even more elevated in abusers seeking the euphoric effects, or “high,” produced by taking large doses of the drug.
Effects of Tramadol Abuse
As mentioned, in addition to its opioid-like effects, tramadol also increases brain levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, similar to the changes induced by antidepressant drugs including venlafaxine (Effexor).
Users have reported that such mood-elevating properties caused them to take higher doses of the drug – or take it more often – than had been prescribed.
In addition to the euphoric and mood-enhancing effects sought by tramadol abusers, taking this drug for nonmedical purposes, or taking it in a manner different from that prescribed by a doctor, can have negative and sometimes dangerous results. These include disturbed sleep patterns resulting in insomnia, and the aforementioned increased risk of convulsions or seizures.
VIDEO👇🏾
Physical Dependence
DEPENDENCE AND OVERDOSE RISK
Habitual users who become tolerant to tramadol need to increase the amount or frequency of the doses they take in order to achieve the desired effects. This puts them at risk of accidental overdose, symptoms of which include:
Decreased size of the pupils of the eyes (miosis),Slow breathing or difficulty breathing.
Extreme drowsiness,Cold,clammy skin,Slow or irregular heartbeat,Seizure,Loss of consciousness,Coma,Abusers who continue to take tramadol long enough and at high enough doses will eventually develop a physical dependence on the drug and experience unpleasant, or even dangerous, symptoms of withdrawal if they stop taking the medication.
The withdrawal symptoms caused by tramadol overlap with both opiate and anti-depressant withdrawal syndromes and include:
Gastrointestinal pain.
Depression,Diarrhea,Agitation,Numbness in the extremities,Ringing in the ears,Hallucinations,Paranoia,Agitation and Confusion.
TREATMENTS FOR. TRAMADOL ABUSE.
Of course realization is the first step and learning to stay away from drugs is another.
-checking yourself into a rehabilitation centre or seeing a psychologist
-Check oneself into an inpatient centre where care is given.
Furthermore, the availability of tramadol and other drugs from sources like Internet websites or friends with legitimate prescriptions mean parents should make sure their children are informed about the dangers of abusing any drug not prescribed to them specifically.
STAY SAFE PEOPLE AND DON’T DO DRUGS.
Reference:Wikipedia,
Www.healthline.com
Www.who.com
Www.mentalhelp.com
POST CREDIT : Sophie