Many people who are suffering from pain take the analgesic called Tramadol.  Ultram is the generic version of the drug which belongs to a class of drugs known as opiate agonists.  They act much like narcotics.  Doctors often prescribe Tramadol so patients can manage chronic pain that is moderate or severe.  However, the drug is designed as a short-term measure only and should not be taken for an extended period of time.

Benefits Of Tramadol

• Works fast in as little as 30 minutes
• Treats chronic pain such as pain from cancer or joint pain
• Reduces moderate to severe pain
• Is also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• May reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms

How It Works

Depending on your particular case, you may be prescribed Tramadol that is extended release or immediate release. The most common is a 50 mg dose of the immediate release version of the drug.  You can obtain 100, 200 or even 300 mg doses of time release tablets, which may be suitable if you need long-term pain management.

Taking Tramadol

Always take Tramadol according to your doctor’s instructions.  Don’t crush, chew, inject or split Tramadol as the results can be fatal.   Take the tablets according to your pain level, normally every 4-6 hours.  It doesn’t matter whether you take Tramadol with or without food.  Patients often have to begin with a lose dose of the drug which is then gradually increased.

Possible Side Effects

There are minor side effects possible when you take Tramadol.  For example, you may experience flushing, constipation, drowsiness, a loss of appetite, weakness, nausea, blurred vision or insomnia.  In most cases, these will stop when you stop taking Tramadol.  If you experience shallow breathing, convulsions, blistering skin or a weak pulse, make sure to seek help right away.  There is also the possibility of becoming addicted to Tramadol so never take a higher dose than prescribed.

It is very difficult to determine the severity of a person’s pain.  That is why many doctors ask their patients to determine the level of pain they are experiencing on a 1 to 10 scale.  There are various degrees of pain, and it can also cause many different sensations.  For example, one individual may experience nothing more than a minor ache, whereas another person may end up suffering stabbing pain.  Tramadol is used to treat pain that is throbbing, continuous and severe.

In order to receive the proper treatment, it is important that you are able to accurately describe the type of pain you are suffering.  You may end up being referred to a specialist or to numerous doctors.  Therefore, the better you can describe your pain, the better chance you will receive an effective treatment or management option to relieve it. 

Arthritis is a complex disease that incorporates many different factors.  That’s why there is not one specific treatment plan that is effective for all types of arthritis. You need to consider the following factors when you are suffering from arthritis:

1. Diet – If you lose weight, you may experience some relief from symptoms caused by arthritis.  Weight loss alleviates some of the pressure on your joints.  Although it is important to lose some pounds if you are overweight, it is just as important to eat the right kind of food.  Choosing a diet filled with marine oils from coldwater fish such as tuna, mackerel and salmon can reduce joint inflammation.
2. Exercise – Exercise is another way to treat arthritis.  Any diseases of the joint can often be helped if you remain flexible, active and mobile.  This is quite different from suffering an actual joint injury where you may need to remain immobile. If you suffer from arthritis, you should incorporate a regular exercise regimen that includes swimming, stretching and walking.  A physical therapist may also show you various range-of-motion exercises that prevents your joints from freezing up and keeps them mobile.
3. Pain Management – Another important factor is to control the pain caused by arthritis. Not only can reduced joint mobility be extremely frustrating, it can also be very painful.  An anti-inflammatory may help if you suffer very minor arthritis, but for more severe cases, you will require more powerful pain control.  Many doctors prescribe Tramadol to help patients manage severe pain caused by arthritis.

Although no arthritis cure currently exists, combining the above factors can allow you to live a higher quality of life.  Make sure to eat the right diet, lose any extra weight, get plenty of exercise and seek treatment such as Tramadol to alleviate your pain.

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.