Tramadol is a relatively common pain medication that can be prescribed on its own or in combination with other drugs like Aleve [1] to relieve moderate to severe pain.

It’s important to know that Tramadol, despite often being described as an effective alternative to traditional opioid medications, is actually a synthetic opioid in itself.

The difference between an opioid and an opiate [2] is whether the drug is derived directly from the opium poppy, like morphine, or if the drug is created in a lab using the same or similar chemicals as the ones found in opium poppies. So, while Tramadol may be part of the solution to the opioid crisis, it’s still an opioid itself. We mention this because it’s important to know when it comes to figuring out whether Tramadol is addictive. After all, the type of drug a medication is tells you a lot about how it interacts with your brain and body.

All opioids are at least slightly addictive, but they can vary widely in how addictive they are, and what kind of people are at risk of addiction when they use them. Opioid use disorder [3] is the name for addiction to any opioid and is a common problem in the United States.

There are two basic kinds of tramadol, extended-release and regular. Both offer about the same level of pain relief, but the doses and duration of the medication are different. Both are used for moderate to severe pain, but the extended-release tablet is typically reserved for chronic pain.

Most of the time tramadol isn’t used long-term, but there are exceptions for chronic pain patients, which is common for most opioid medications.

In the short term, tramadol can be taken as needed, rather than being a drug you need to take on a schedule. That can be useful for people who have severe pain but are recovering from it because it gives you a little more flexibility.

That said, that flexibility still comes with the need to be responsible for how you take the medication. Like other opioids, tramadol can leave users feeling high, euphoric, and physically very good, which can lead to problems from use, especially if you take the medication when you don’t need it or take more than you need at one time.

All medications come with some side effects and risks. The side effects and risks are generally better than the pain you’re treating with the medication, but there is always a small risk that you might be someone who has more severe reactions to the medication.

The good news is that, if you do react badly to tramadol, other options may not come with the same side effects and risks. You can always talk with your prescribing doctor if you’re worried about a medication or feel like the medication you’re taking isn’t a good fit for you.

Here are some of the common side effects of Tramadol [4] that you should be aware of if you or someone close to you is taking this medication:

• Relaxation
• Euphoria
• Pain relief
• Constipation
• Slowed breathing.
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Itching
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sweating
• Confusion
• Erectile dysfunction

Yes, all addictions are treatable, and there is always hope if you have an addiction. The trick is finding the right treatment for you or the right combination of treatments for you. Once you’ve found the right treatment, you can overcome your addiction, no matter how severe it’s become.

If you are ready to get help for tramadol addiction or are looking for resources for someone close to you, you’re in the right place.

One of the best ways to overcome addiction is by going to an addiction treatment center that can help identify the risk factors for your addiction, your triggers, and the techniques and coping mechanisms you need to manage your mental health and addiction risk in your future.

If that sounds like the right kind of addiction treatment for you, contact Achieve Wellness treatment center to learn more about our treatment programs, therapies, insurance coverage, and more. We’re happy to help you get back to your normal.