Tramadol is a narcotic opioid medication in one group with drugs such as hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine. Opioid medications work by acting on the brain’s opioid receptors to block pain. The drug also has a pleasurable effect for the user, and when it is abused, it can result in a euphoric, mellow “high.” Tramadol eases stress reduces respiration rates, body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate to make the user feel more relaxed. Opioids are the most abused drugs because of the desirable effects when used recreationally.
By acting on the brain’s opioid receptors, Tramadol increases dopamine levels in the brain just like other opioid drugs. However, it also restricts the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine the same way most antidepressant medicines that are selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors also act on the brain. This mode of action might be different from conventional opioids, which have both antidepressant and analgesic simultaneous effects.
Tramadol’s effects can be enhanced when extended-release forms of the drug are modified before use and the dosage taken gets into the bloodstream at once instead of gradually over a specific period. Such modifications include chewing and swallowing the pills and crushing them to smoke, inject, or snort the drug. This raises the user’s risk of overdosing and can lead to drowsiness, dizziness, stomach cramps, and nausea. Generally, Tramadol use can result in a high feeling that makes the user feel more relaxed while also reducing anxiety, dulling pain, and raising moods when used for reasons other than medical ones.
Tramadol sets off the reward system in the brain, just like other opioid drugs. This leads to a dopamine rush within the brain, making the user feel high. Tramadol misuse to feel high can raise the user’s risk of overdose and addiction. This is why it is advisable to take Tramadol precisely according to prescription and not to take it at all if you do not have a prescription for the drug.
Recommended Tramadol Dosage
The recommended dosage for Tramadol differs due to several factors such as the kind of pain experienced by the user, any underlying health conditions, and age. Anyone who feels that the drug is not working correctly for them after taking it for some time should not increase the dose but instead talk to their physician.
Different patients typically receive varying dosages of Tramadol according to their doctor’s recommended prescription. It is essential to follow the physician’s directions on the medication label. You are not supposed to alter the dosage given to you unless the doctor advises otherwise. The amount of Tramadol taken is also based on the strength of the drug. The number of daily doses taken by the patient, the period between each dose, and the duration of taking the prescription will also vary based on the medical problem that the individual is treating.
Below are the recommended Tramadol dosages typically prescribed for various conditions. Exceeding any of these dosages without a doctor’s recommendation can be classified as Tramadol misuse or abuse, which can result in tolerance and dependence on the medication. At this point, quitting the drug would result in withdrawal symptoms for the user.
Oral dose extended-release capsules or tablets are typically prescribed for chronic pain in the following amounts:
- The doctor must ascertain the dosage and use of Tramadol in children who are 12 years or older.
- Adults usually start at 100 milligrams once daily, while the physician can increase the dosage on an as-needed basis. Typically, the dosage does not exceed 300 mg daily.
Oral dose disintegrating Tramadol tablets are usually prescribed for severe to moderate pain in the following amounts:
- For children under 16 years old, Tramadol dose and use have to be decided by a doctor.
- For children aged 16 years and older and adults, patients start with 50 to 100 mg taken every four to six hours on an as-needed basis. The physician can raise the dosage as required, but it often exceeds 400 mg daily.
For the oral solution form of Tramadol prescribed for severe to moderate pain:
- Adults are typically started on 25 milligrams ingested every morning daily. The physician can raise the dose as required and based on the user’s tolerance level. The dosage does not typically go beyond 400 mg daily.
For the Tramadol oral tablets prescribed for severe to moderate pain:
Adults start at 25 mg daily every morning, with the doctor increasing the dosage as tolerated and needed. The overall dosage does not exceed 400 mg daily.- In adults over 75 years old, the initial dosage is 25 mg daily every morning. The physician can increase the dosage as tolerated and required, but it does not typically exceed 300 mg daily.
- Tramadol dosage and use in children aged 12 years or older has to be decided by a physician.
Individuals who need to take Tramadol for an extended period can have their bodies become accustomed to it. Typically, this is not an issue, but the person can also experience undesirable Tramadol withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking the drug suddenly. It is advisable to speak to the doctor first before quitting Tramadol use. This allows for a gradual reduction of your dosage to avoid experiencing the effects of Tramadol withdrawal.
Individuals should not take more than the dosage prescribed to them even if they feel it cannot relieve their pain. If you need to switch up the dose, make sure you talk to your doctor beforehand.