Tramadol is a federally controlled substance that is classified under the Schedule IV category. Drugs belonging to this Schedule cannot be bought from a pharmacy without a valid prescription from a licensed doctor. “Is Tramadol A Controlled Substance” Though this drug was considered a safe medication compared to other opioid analgesics, the medication has been restricted in its usage during recent times due to its high potential for abuse as a recreational drug? That is why health professionals prescribe this medication only for high levels of pain and not for everyday aches.
Since its approval in the year 2014 by the Drug Enforcement Administration, It has been abused greatly with one in every 100 people buying this medication for treating pain. Added to this, there had been a high number of people visiting the hospital to get treated for withdrawal symptoms, and almost 40% suffered from severe adverse effects due to discontinuation of the medication.
Due to this wide uncontrolled usage of this medication, the United Kingdom has imposed strict laws regarding the usage of this medication. Its nationwide circulation has been restricted and laws were implemented to decrease the exposure of Tramadol throughout the country. There were strict security measures in place and protocols for compliance.
The composition of the drug consists of the active ingredient Tramadol Hydrochloride. A hard capsule contains 50mg tramadol hydrochloride, cellulose, microcrystalline, silica colloidal anhydrous, magnesium stearate, and sodium starch, the shell of the capsule contains gelatin, sodium lauryl sulfate, indigo carmine, iron oxide, yellow, and titanium dioxide.
Tramadol Withdrawal Symptoms:
Though a pain reliever, the components of this medication can cause a feeling of euphoria when taken in high amounts. It works by activating the opioid receptors in the brain and blocking the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine into the system.
It is a rapid-acting medication that has a relatively short half-life period. Due to this, the components of the medication are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream with its peak effect reaching within an hour and the drug stays in the body for about 4-6hrs.
Prolonged usage can cause dependency and to get the person who is used to the effectiveness of the medication to stop its usage is a tedious task. Tramadol withdrawal symptoms are characterized by severe confusion, anxiety, panic attacks, hallucinations, extreme paranoia, and tingling or numbness in various parts of the body.
Mild and common adverse effects:
First-time users who are not used to the components of the mediation may experience mild side effects that are quite common. The common side effect of Tramadol is drowsiness, that is why people using this medication are not recommended to perform heavy tasks such as driving or operating machinery. Other side effects of Tramadol are dizziness, headache, feeling drowsy throughout the day, constipation, profuse sweating, lack of energy, and itching. Consult your doctor when the symptoms start to show that the effect of the adverse effects is minimal.
Serious Side effects:
Serotonin symptoms such as increased heart rate, high blood pressure, increased reflexes, diarrhea, agitation, hallucinations, and if timely help is not administered or if left untreated can lead to coma. Pulmonary issues such as slowed and shallow breathing, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Those who are addicted to the drug experience physical dependence in the absence of not popping a pill as per their convenience. It is characterized by feeling irritable, not being able to fall asleep, increased heart rate and breathing rate, dilated pupils, stomach cramps, sweating, muscle aches, teary eyes, and aches in the back and in the joints. Severe cases of addiction can also lead to seizures.
The effects of the medication on each person vary depending on their physical condition and their medical history. The doses are individualized for such purposes as there can be no conclusive results on how the medication works for everyone. Take Tramadol only for the prescribed period and if experiencing any adverse effects talk to your doctor immediately.