Tramadol first appeared on the market nearly 13 years ago as a pain treatment medication.  Since then, millions of individuals have experienced pain relief after taking this analgesic.  However, when Tramadol was first introduced to the general public, no one discussed the possibility of dependence or addiction.  It wasn’t until many years later that the true addictive properties of Tramadol were discovered and the medication was considered potentially addictive.

Nowadays, Tramadol (also known as Ultram) has been revealed to cause addiction or dependence both mentally and physically.  Therefore, patients should obtain a prescription for Tramadol so they can understand the potentially dangerous effects of the medication.  Doctors also need to analyze the medical history of every patient, especially if they have ever experienced any problems with substance abuse.  They should not prescribe Tramadol to help such individuals manage their pain.  The risk factor of addiction is much greater for patients who have a history of chemical dependence or addiction.

Scientists worldwide have spent many years analyzing Tramadol’s analgesic effect.  They all seem to agree that although this pain medication has great potential, further improvement is still required.   Some of the initial research relates to Tramadol’s opiate agonist activity as well as the medication’s effect on two of the body’s crucial neurotransmitters called serotonin and norepinephrine.  The combination of these two mechanisms is considered to contribute to the analgesic properties of Tramadol in patients who have sought pain relief.

Although Tramadol is an effective analgesic, it can cause undesirable side effects.  For example, some patients have reported feeling constipated, sleepy, nauseous or dizzy while taking the medication.  Such side effects are more common in patients who take Tramadol for an extended period or who take a higher dose of the medication. 
If you take a high dose, especially if you are undergoing another treatment with serotonin-selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or MAO inhibitors at the same time, you may suffer a life-threatening condition.  This serious medical condition is called serotonin syndrome, and it normally causes symptoms such as a high fever, extreme pain, muscle spasms or convulsions.

If you suddenly stop taking Tramadol, you may also experience serious symptoms. You need to monitor your daily intake of the medication or you may experience symptoms of withdrawal.  Such symptoms may appear to be caused by a cold, and they can include sweating, a runny nose or a fever.  However, specific symptoms such as an increased need to take the medication or continuous agitation may be associated with withdrawal.  This type of withdrawal symptom closely resembles that of withdrawal from other types of opioid drugs.

Less common withdrawal symptoms include a continuous state of anxiety, psychosis, hallucinations, mental confusion, tingling in the hands or feet or sudden panic attacks.  Tramadol is a powerful medication that should not be prescribed for minor pain.  Because the drug is often abused, patients should discuss the potential risks and side effects with their doctor.  Tramadol is only for serious pain management and should never be taken for recreational purposes.