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Tramadol is an opioid medication prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Additionally, doctors may prescribe extended-release capsules or tablets of this medication to help clients manage chronic pain conditions, such as osteoarthritis. Some brand names for tramadol include Conzip, Qdolo, and Ultracet (tramadol and acetaminophen).
Similar to other opioid medications, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, many people abuse tramadol for its euphoric and relaxing effects. This can lead to dangerous side effects, dependence, withdrawal, addiction, and overdose.
Tramadol Side Effects
Even if you take your tramadol as prescribed, you may still experience many common side effects. Abusing tramadol can increase the risk of adverse effects, such as:
- Mood changes
- Muscle tightness
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Nervousness
- Sleepiness
- Sleep disturbances
- Dry mouth
- Indigestion or heartburn
Some tramadol side effects are dangerous and require immediate medical attention. Serious side effects of tramadol use include:
- Blisters
- Rash
- Seizures
- Hives
- Difficult breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, or extremities
- Hallucinations
- Agitation
- Fever and sweating
- Rapid heart rate
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Loss of coordination
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
If you experience any of these dangerous tramadol side effects, make sure to call 911 right away. In the event of a tramadol overdose, medical professionals may administer naloxone, a life-saving medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.
How Addictive Is Tramadol?
In 2014, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) listed tramadol as a Schedule IV controlled substance. This means that it has the potential for abuse or addiction, but the risk is relatively low.
Although tramadol doesn’t have the same addiction potential as other opioid medications like Vicodin, Percocet, and OxyContin, users can still develop a problematic pattern of abuse known as a substance use disorder.
Recent research from the Mayo Clinic shows that individuals who are prescribed tramadol as a pain-relieving medication after surgery could be at a higher risk of using the medication for a prolonged period of time, compared to people who receive other opioids after surgery.
Researchers studied 444,764 people who underwent around 20 common surgeries over nine years. They found that the people most likely to refill their prescriptions were those who had been prescribed tramadol. Around 7% got at least one refill between 90 and 180 days after surgery; 1% refilled up to 270 days after surgery, and 0.5% got at least 10 refills to cover at least 120 days or longer.
The risk of tramadol addiction increases if you misuse or abuse tramadol by:
- Taking a larger tramadol dose than prescribed
- Taking tramadol more often than prescribed
- Taking tramadol for a longer period than prescribed
- Taking tramadol without a prescription
Misusing or abusing tramadol can increase the risk of developing tolerance. This means you require higher doses of tramadol to experience the same desired effects.
As tolerance develops and you take higher and higher doses, a physical dependence can subsequently occur. Once you are physically dependent on tramadol, you could experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you abruptly stop or reduce your dose.
Tramadol Withdrawal Symptoms
Common tramadol withdrawal symptoms include:
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Pain
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Tremors
- Upper respiratory symptoms
- Goosebumps
- Tingling sensations
In rare occurrences, tramadol-dependent users have reported hallucinations when they have suddenly stopped taking this opioid medication. Tramadol withdrawal symptoms can be distressing and painful, so many users will take tramadol to alleviate or prevent these symptoms.
This cycle of tramadol abuse and withdrawal contributes to the development of a tramadol addiction.
Signs of Tramadol Addiction
A tramadol addiction, or substance use disorder, is characterized by a set of behavioral signs that indicate a pattern of compulsive tramadol use regardless of detrimental consequences. It is this uncontrollable use that differentiates tramadol addiction from tramadol dependence or abuse.
If you demonstrate at least two of the following behavioral signs within one year, you may be struggling with a tramadol addiction:
- Obtaining tramadol illegally or “doctor shopping” for new physicians to prescribe the medication
- Using tramadol in dangerous situations, such as while driving a car
- Spending a lot of time obtaining and using tramadol, as well as recovering from use
- Failing to control or quit tramadol use, despite efforts to do so
- Using increasing tramadol doses in order to experience the same effect (tolerance)
- Combining tramadol with other drugs or alcohol
- Neglecting important responsibilities and hobbies in favor of tramadol use
- Continuing to abuse tramadol despite negative occupational and interpersonal consequences
- Engaging in dishonest or secretive behaviors
In addition to behavioral signs, there are also some physical signs of tramadol addiction, including:
- Constricted pupils
- Bloodshot eyes
- Drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Mood swings
- Memory or attention problems
- Neglected personal hygiene
- Changes in appetite resulting in sudden weight gain or loss
If you or someone you know demonstrates these signs of tramadol addiction, don’t hesitate to seek help—call
800-681-1058
(
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to speak to a treatment specialist about finding a tramadol addiction treatment program.
Treatment for Tramadol Addiction
There are several types of treatment for tramadol addiction. Here are the most common ones.
Detox
Tramadol can cause distressing and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Many people may benefit from receiving medically supervised detox before treatment.
During detox, which can occur in an inpatient or outpatient setting, a physician may create a tapering schedule in which your tramadol dose is gradually reduced over a predetermined period. This slow tapering allows you to quit tramadol while preventing the emergence of withdrawal symptoms.
If tramadol addiction is severe, you may be prescribed opioid withdrawal medication, such as buprenorphine or methadone. These medications, which are given on a short-term basis, can help alleviate tramadol withdrawal symptoms while the tramadol detoxes from your system.
Another common medication used during opioid detox is clonidine, which can help treat some symptoms like rapid heart rate and anxiety.
Outpatient Treatment
You’ll attend a rehab center during the day to receive individual and group counseling, as well as medical care, and then return home after your treatment for the day is complete. This type of tramadol addiction treatment is beneficial for people who still need to attend school or work while recovering.
Inpatient Rehab
You will live at the addiction treatment center for the duration of your treatment, which may last 30, 60, 90 days, or more, depending on your individual needs. During inpatient treatment, you’ll attend group and individual therapy sessions and have access to medical care—in some cases, that medical care includes medically-supervised detox.
12-Step Programs
12-step programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), are also extremely common support systems for people recovering from an addiction to tramadol. These free programs meet on a regular schedule and members provide each other with mutual support and encouragement to help each other stay sober.
New members also receive sponsors. Sponsors are people who have successfully completed the 12-step program and maintained a life of sobriety. They can offer motivation, practical advice, and accountability in your recovery journey.
Keep in mind that 12-step programs are not run by mental health or addiction professionals but rather by individuals who have also struggled with addiction. While they may work for some people, others may require more formal treatment, such as an inpatient or outpatient program.
What Does Tramadol Addiction Treatment Entail?
Once you’ve detoxed from tramadol, then you can begin addiction treatment, which may include interventions, such as:
- Individual therapy: You work closely with a therapist to identify and rectify the maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that contribute to tramadol abuse.
- Group counseling: You share your feelings and experiences with a group of individuals struggling with addiction. Facilitated by an addiction or mental health professional, these groups may also teach various skills, such as anger management and coping skills.
- Family therapy: You and your family members meet with a therapist who promotes healing, facilitates healthy communication, and teaches boundary-setting.
- Complementary or alternative therapies: Some treatment programs include holistic treatment interventions, such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, music therapy, and art therapy. These interventions are intended to help heal the “whole person.”
Not everyone’s treatment plan looks the same. When you enter a treatment program, an addiction or mental health professional will first conduct an intake evaluation to create an individualized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.
An intake evaluation typically assesses:
- Medical history
- Mental status
- Neurological functioning and physical status
- Vital signs, such as pulse and temperature
- Living conditions and financial situation
- Patterns of tramadol abuse
- Risk of suicide or violence
- Previous detox or treatment experiences
When comparing tramadol rehab facilities, ask if they create individualized treatment plans. The best addiction treatment program for you is one that takes all of your unique needs into account.
Find a Tramadol Rehab Program
If you are struggling with tramadol addiction or abuse, help is just a phone call away. Call
800-681-1058
(Sponsored)
to speak to a recovery support specialist who can provide you with information about your tramadol addiction treatment options.