Tramadol as an Option for Pain

It is unbelievable how many medications are produced to manage pain. Managing pain is one of the most profitable areas for pharmaceutical companies. We are now going to discuss another pain managing drug available by prescription known as Tramadol (Tramal).

Tramadol is a synthetic opioid analgesic (painkiller). From previous posts, we have established that it is derived from the most studied plant on the planet, the opium plant. It is one of the older developed drugs from the 1970s. Tramadol is used to treat most pain including Rheumatoid arthritis, restless leg syndrome and fibromyaglia (muscle and connective tissue pain). Tramadol works by releasing serotonin and inhibiting the absorption of norepinephrine. The closest drug that resembles it chemically is considered codeine.

What Are the Side Effects of Tramadol?

As with any prescription drug, side effects occur when using Tramadol. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, sweating, itching, headaches and constipation. There have been reports of drowsiness when using Tramadol but it depends on the individual. The worst side effect is the addictive properties of the Tramadol. I think that is where they coined the term hooked on drugs.

When using any opioid such as Tramadol for extended periods of time, you will not be able to stop taking the drug cold turkey. The doctor has to slowly reduce the dosage for fear of suffering from withdrawal symptoms like a drug addict. A person when stopping Tramadol use can suffer from depression, anxiety, severe mood swings, sweating and in severe cases, seizures. These are some of the typical withdrawal side effects from recreational drug use.

Veterinary Drug Use

You probably didn’t know this but Tramadol is used to treat pets in pain. And you thought that only humans received special treatment. Tramadol is used to treat post operative, injury related and chronic pain mainly in dogs and cats. Tramadol is considered one of the most reliable medicines for pet pain. There is no need to worry about your loving pet suffering.

Unfortunately your pets also feel the side effects. There is no immunity from that. The most common side effects in cats and dogs are upset stomach, constipation and decreased heart rate. Tramadol has an ill taste for your pets but most owners hide the drug in food.

The question I have is, do you think cats and dogs get hooked on it?