Does tramadol cause constipation. How common is constipation with tramadol use. What other gastrointestinal side effects can tramadol cause. How can opioid-induced constipation be managed effectively.

The Link Between Tramadol and Constipation

Tramadol, an opioid pain medication, is known to cause constipation in many patients who use it. Constipation is one of the most prevalent side effects associated with tramadol use, affecting between 9% to 46% of patients in clinical studies. This side effect can range from mild discomfort to severe cases that may require medical intervention.

Why does tramadol cause constipation? Tramadol, like other opioids, affects the digestive system by slowing down the movement of waste through the intestines. This slower transit time allows more water to be absorbed from the stool, leading to harder, drier stools that are difficult to pass.

Prevalence of Constipation in Tramadol Users

The wide range in reported constipation rates (9% to 46%) suggests that individual responses to tramadol can vary significantly. Factors such as dosage, duration of use, and individual physiology can all play a role in determining whether a patient will experience constipation and to what degree.

• 9% – Lower end of reported constipation rates
• 46% – Upper end of reported constipation rates
• 10% – Percentage of patients over 75 years old who discontinued treatment due to constipation

Other Gastrointestinal Side Effects of Tramadol

While constipation is a significant concern, tramadol can cause various other gastrointestinal side effects. These additional effects can compound the discomfort experienced by patients and may influence treatment adherence.

Common gastrointestinal side effects of tramadol include:

• Nausea (16% to 40% of patients)
• Vomiting (5% to 17% of patients)
• Dry mouth (5% to 13% of patients)
• Heartburn (1% to 13% of patients)

Are these side effects more common in certain populations? Elderly patients, in particular, may be more susceptible to these side effects and may require closer monitoring. In studies, 10% of patients over 75 years of age discontinued tramadol treatment due to constipation.

Managing Opioid-Induced Constipation

Given the high prevalence of constipation among tramadol users, it’s crucial to address this side effect promptly to prevent further complications. How can patients and healthcare providers manage opioid-induced constipation effectively?

1. Increase fluid intake: Drinking more water can help soften stools and make them easier to pass.
2. Dietary changes: Consuming more fiber-rich foods can promote regular bowel movements.
3. Regular exercise: Physical activity can help stimulate bowel function.
4. Over-the-counter laxatives: Under medical guidance, certain laxatives may be recommended to alleviate constipation.
5. Prescription medications: In severe cases, healthcare providers may prescribe specific medications designed to treat opioid-induced constipation.

Can lifestyle modifications alone manage opioid-induced constipation? While lifestyle changes can be helpful, they may not be sufficient for all patients. It’s essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop an individualized management plan.

Tramadol’s Impact on the Central Nervous System

Beyond its gastrointestinal effects, tramadol can also cause changes in the central nervous system. These effects are typically rare when the medication is taken as prescribed but may become more pronounced in cases of misuse or addiction.

Potential central nervous system effects of tramadol include:

• Anxiety
• Physical tremors
• Muscle spasms
• Emotional changes
• Hallucinations (in rare cases)

Is there a connection between tramadol’s effects on the central nervous system and its gastrointestinal side effects? While the primary mechanism for constipation is related to tramadol’s effects on the digestive system, changes in the central nervous system could potentially influence overall gastrointestinal function.

Tramadol Use in Special Populations

Certain groups of patients may be more vulnerable to tramadol’s side effects, including constipation. Healthcare providers must exercise caution and implement closer monitoring when prescribing tramadol to these populations.

Elderly Patients

Older adults may be particularly susceptible to tramadol’s side effects, including constipation. The higher discontinuation rate due to constipation in patients over 75 years old (10%) highlights the need for careful management in this population.

Patients with Pre-existing Gastrointestinal Conditions

Individuals with a history of gastrointestinal issues may experience more severe or frequent side effects when using tramadol. Healthcare providers should consider this factor when prescribing the medication and developing management strategies.

How can healthcare providers tailor tramadol treatment for these special populations? Approaches may include starting with lower doses, more frequent follow-ups, and proactive management of potential side effects.

Drug Interactions and Constipation Risk

The risk of constipation associated with tramadol use can be exacerbated by certain drug interactions. Patients and healthcare providers should be aware of these potential interactions to minimize the risk of severe constipation.

Medications that may increase the risk of constipation when used with tramadol include:

• Anticholinergic drugs
• Other opioid pain medications
• Certain antidepressants
• Some antipsychotic medications

How can patients determine if their other medications might interact with tramadol? It’s crucial for patients to provide their healthcare providers with a complete list of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Healthcare providers can then assess potential interactions and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

Recognizing and Addressing Severe Constipation

While constipation is a common side effect of tramadol use, severe cases can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Patients and caregivers should be aware of the signs of severe constipation and know when to seek medical attention.

Signs of severe constipation may include:

• No bowel movement for several days
• Severe abdominal pain or bloating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Inability to pass gas
• Fever

When should patients contact their healthcare provider about constipation? Patients should reach out to their healthcare provider if they experience persistent constipation, severe discomfort, or any of the signs of severe constipation listed above.

Balancing Pain Management and Side Effect Control

Managing chronic pain with tramadol requires a delicate balance between achieving effective pain relief and minimizing side effects such as constipation. This balance is crucial for ensuring patient comfort and treatment adherence.

Strategies for optimizing tramadol treatment while managing side effects may include:

1. Dose adjustments: Finding the lowest effective dose to minimize side effects
2. Alternative pain management techniques: Incorporating non-pharmacological approaches to reduce reliance on opioids
3. Rotation of pain medications: Switching between different pain medications to prevent tolerance and reduce side effects
4. Proactive side effect management: Implementing preventive measures for constipation from the start of treatment

How can healthcare providers determine the optimal approach for each patient? Individualized treatment plans should be developed based on factors such as pain severity, medical history, and patient preferences. Regular follow-ups and open communication between patients and healthcare providers are essential for success.

Long-term Consequences of Tramadol-Induced Constipation

While constipation may seem like a minor inconvenience, chronic constipation resulting from long-term tramadol use can lead to more serious health issues. Understanding these potential long-term consequences is crucial for patients and healthcare providers alike.

Possible complications of chronic constipation include:

• Hemorrhoids
• Anal fissures
• Rectal prolapse
• Fecal impaction
• Bowel obstruction (in severe cases)

Can tramadol-induced constipation lead to permanent changes in bowel function? While most cases of opioid-induced constipation resolve when the medication is discontinued or properly managed, prolonged, severe constipation could potentially lead to changes in bowel function that may persist. This underscores the importance of proactive management and regular monitoring.

Alternative Pain Management Options

For patients experiencing severe or persistent constipation with tramadol use, exploring alternative pain management strategies may be necessary. These alternatives can help maintain effective pain control while reducing the risk of constipation and other opioid-related side effects.

Potential alternatives to tramadol for pain management include:

1. Non-opioid pain medications (e.g., NSAIDs, acetaminophen)
2. Topical pain relievers
3. Antidepressants or anticonvulsants for certain types of pain
4. Physical therapy and exercise programs
5. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for pain management
6. Acupuncture or other complementary therapies

How can patients and healthcare providers determine the most appropriate alternative? The choice of alternative pain management strategies should be based on the type and severity of pain, individual patient factors, and the potential risks and benefits of each option. A multidisciplinary approach involving pain specialists, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals may be beneficial in developing a comprehensive pain management plan.

Patient Education and Empowerment

Effective management of tramadol-induced constipation relies heavily on patient education and empowerment. Informed patients are better equipped to recognize and address side effects promptly, leading to improved treatment outcomes and quality of life.

Key aspects of patient education regarding tramadol and constipation include:

• Understanding the mechanism of opioid-induced constipation
• Recognizing early signs of constipation
• Learning preventive measures and lifestyle modifications
• Knowing when and how to use over-the-counter remedies
• Understanding the importance of communication with healthcare providers

How can healthcare providers effectively educate patients about tramadol and constipation? Utilizing a variety of educational methods, such as written materials, verbal explanations, and follow-up discussions, can help ensure patients fully understand the potential side effects and management strategies. Additionally, encouraging patients to ask questions and express concerns can foster a collaborative approach to care.

Monitoring and Follow-up for Tramadol Users

Regular monitoring and follow-up are essential components of safe and effective tramadol use, particularly in managing side effects like constipation. A proactive approach to monitoring can help identify and address issues before they become severe.

Effective monitoring strategies may include:

1. Regular check-ins with healthcare providers
2. Use of pain and side effect diaries
3. Periodic reassessment of pain management goals and treatment efficacy
4. Adjustment of treatment plans based on patient response and side effects
5. Screening for signs of medication misuse or addiction

How frequently should patients using tramadol be monitored? The frequency of monitoring may vary depending on factors such as the patient’s overall health, the duration of tramadol use, and the presence of side effects. Initially, more frequent follow-ups may be necessary, with the interval potentially increasing as treatment stabilizes. However, patients should be encouraged to contact their healthcare provider at any time if they experience concerning symptoms or side effects.

Research and Future Directions in Opioid-Induced Constipation Management

As the prevalence of chronic pain and opioid use continues to be a significant healthcare concern, research into better management of opioid-induced constipation, including that caused by tramadol, remains an active area of investigation.

Current areas of research and development include:

• Novel pharmacological agents specifically targeting opioid-induced constipation
• Improved formulations of existing medications to reduce gastrointestinal side effects
• Development of opioid analgesics with reduced constipation potential
• Investigation of non-pharmacological interventions for managing opioid-induced constipation
• Personalized medicine approaches to predict and prevent severe constipation in opioid users

What potential breakthroughs might we see in the management of tramadol-induced constipation in the coming years? While it’s difficult to predict specific breakthroughs, ongoing research suggests that we may see more targeted therapies for opioid-induced constipation, improved pain management strategies that reduce reliance on opioids, and better tools for predicting individual patient responses to tramadol and other opioids.

As research progresses, healthcare providers and patients should stay informed about new developments in the management of opioid-induced constipation. This ongoing education can help ensure that patients receive the most up-to-date and effective care possible when using tramadol or other opioid medications for pain management.

Does tramadol cause constipation?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Nov 7, 2022.

Yes, tramadol can cause constipation and is one of the most common side effects with this drug. In studies, constipation was reported in 9% to 46% of patients. In some cases it may be severe. Call your healthcare provider if you have any tramadol symptoms and they are severe.

• Constipation is a well-known and expected side effect of opioid use. It should be addressed quickly to prevent further complications.
• Use extra caution in older patients and monitor more closely. In studies, constipation resulted in discontinuation of treatment in 10% of those over 75 years of age.
• The use of other drug therapies that lead to constipation, such as anticholinergic drugs, can worsen the constipating effect of tramadol. If you are not sure if you are taking other medicines that may worsen constipation, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

To learn more: Treatment of Opioid-Induced Constipation: The Hard Facts

Tramadol (Ultram) is commonly associated with other stomach (gastrointestinal) side effects such as:

• nausea (16% to 40%)
• vomiting (5% to 17%)
• dry mouth (5% to 13%)
• heartburn (1% to 13%)

Tramadol side effects (in more detail)

Bottom Line

• Tramadol can cause constipation in 9% to 46% of patients. Stomach side effects in general are common with tramadol.
• Constipation is a well-known side effect of opioid pain treatment, and it should be addressed quickly to prevent further complications. Call your doctor if you have constipation with opioid treatment.

This is not all the information you need to know about tramadol for safe and effective use. Review the full tramadol information here, and discuss this information and any questions with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

• Tramadol monograph. Drugs.com. Accessed Nov. 16, 2020 at https://www.drugs.com/ppa/tramadol.html
• Ultram [product information]. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Updated July 16, 2020. Accessed Nov. 16, 2020 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=45f59e6f-1794-40a4-8f8b-3a9415924468

Related medical questions

• Which painkiller should you use?
• Is tramadol stronger than codeine?
• How long does it take for tramadol to start working?
• How long does tramadol withdrawal last?
• Can you take tramadol with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin?
• How much tramadol should I give my dog?
• How long does tramadol stay in your system?
• Can you take 800mg ibuprofen with 50mg tramadol?
• Which drugs cause opioid-induced constipation?
• Is tramadol an anti-inflammatory or muscle relaxant?
• Does tramadol raise or lower blood pressure?

Drug information

• Tramadol Information for Consumers
• Tramadol prescribing info & package insert
  (for Health Professionals)
• Side Effects of Tramadol
  (detailed)

Related support groups

• Tramadol
  (476 questions, 2,654 members)
• Pain
  (2,156 questions, 11,779 members)
• Constipation
  (210 questions, 598 members)

Medical Disclaimer

Tramadol Side Effects: Nausea, Constipation, and More

Tramadol is an opioid painkiller used to treat chronic pain. When taken as prescribed, this medication is ingested every 4-6 hours; however, people who struggle with tramadol addiction may take it more often and at higher doses. Doctors adjust prescription doses so their patients do not consume more than 400 mg of tramadol per day.

More than this amount can cause severe side effects, including addiction, tolerance, and dependence.

While a person who takes tramadol as prescribed may develop some side effects, they are more likely to develop in people who struggle with addiction. General side effects from tramadol include:

• Flushing
• Dizziness
• Fatigue or sleepiness
• Sore throat
• Congestion
• Headache
• Itching
• Constipation
• Appetite changes or stomach upset
• Nausea or vomiting
• Physical weakness

Per the National Library of Medicine, in a double-blind study regarding the general side effects from tramadol, about 26 percent of people taking the medicine as directed developed diarrhea; 24 percent experienced nausea and vomiting; 18 percent had headaches; and 16 percent experienced excessive fatigue. Other side effects, like vomiting, itching, and sweating, occurred in less than 10 percent of study participants; dry mouth, indigestion, and diarrhea occurred in about 5 percent of study participants.

Tramadol can cause changes in the central nervous system, which could be disturbing or detrimental. These include:

• Anxiety
• Physical tremors
• Muscle spasms
• Emotional changes
• Hallucinations

These are very rare when tramadol is taken as directed; however, people who struggle with addiction to this narcotic may experience these side effects.

Some people may develop an allergy to tramadol, and this can cause symptoms like hives, difficulty breathing, mouth sores, rash, itchy eyes, and even convulsions. While this is rare, symptoms should be reported to doctors for emergency treatment immediately.

Other rare side effects include:

• Excess gas
• Urinary retention
• Frequent urination
• Bloating
• Blurry vision
• Trouble performing routine tasks
• Numbness or tingling, especially in the hands or feet
• Changes to physical sensations, especially decreased sensation
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Loss of balance
• Fainting
• Pain in the arms, jaw, legs, or back
• Trembling or shaking in the hands and feet
• Severe cramping
• Hallucinations, typically auditory
• Lack of oxygen to the extremities, leading to blue or clammy hands, feet, or nose
• Menstrual irregularities
• Vasodilation

If too much vasodilation occurs, blood pressure will drop, and the person may faint, suffer damage to the heart and blood vessels, and potentially experience organ damage, including brain damage from lack of oxygen.

People who abuse tramadol are at risk of suffering an opioid overdose. If a person survives opioid overdose, they may suffer liver failure, although this could be associated with taking acetaminophen at the same time as the narcotic. It is rare for opioid painkillers like tramadol to cause liver damage, but it has occurred in a small percent of cases.

Tramadol may also increase the risk of serotonin syndrome in people who take antidepressants, including SSRIs. It is unclear how this occurs, but it appears that tramadol enhances the effects of the antidepressant on releasing serotonin and preventing it from being reabsorbed. This causes serotonin to remain in the brain for too long. Many cases of serotonin syndrome clear up on their own, but very serious instances can cause high fever, irregular heartbeat, unconsciousness, or seizures.

About The Contributor

Editorial Staff

Author, American Addiction Centers

The editorial staff of American Addiction Centers is made up of credentialed clinical reviewers with hands-on experience in or expert knowledge of ad … Read More

Read Our Editorial Policy

opioid

side effects

Last Updated on Jul 10, 2023

Tramadol for osteoarthritis | Cochrane

This translation is out of date. Please click here for the latest English version of this review.

This summary of the Cochrane Review presents what we know from research on the effects of tramadol on osteoarthritis. The review shows that:

There is gold level evidence that for the treatment of osteoarthritis, taking tramadol for up to three months can reduce pain, stiffness, and improve function and overall well-being. Tramadol can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, fatigue and headache.

The benefits of tramadol are negligible and the side effects may cause people to stop taking it, which may limit the benefit of tramadol in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

What is osteoarthritis and what drugs are used to treat it?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and can affect the hands, hips, shoulders, and knees. In OA, the cartilage that protects the ends of bones breaks down and causes pain and swelling. There are two main types of drug treatment for OA. Painkillers (such as acetaminophen/paracetamol and opioids) are used to relieve pain, but they do not affect swelling. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and COX-II inhibitors) are used to reduce pain and swelling. Tramadol is one of the opioids most used in OA. It does not cause bleeding from the stomach and intestines, and does not cause kidney problems that can occur with other painkillers. It also does not affect the cartilage at the ends of bones. But tramadol does not reduce swelling and may not be effective with long-term use. Therefore, it is important to know the benefits and harms of tramadol.

What are the results of this review?

People in the studies took about 200 mg of tramadol per day, or a placebo (fake pill or powder), or an NSAID, or other pain medication. People took the medicines for one week to three months.

Benefits of tramadol

in people with osteoarthritis:

tramadol can reduce pain more than placebo

– tramadol can reduce pain by more than 8. 5 points on a scale of 0 to 100

tramadol may improve overall well-being more than placebo

– 50 out of 100 people may improve with placebo
– 69 out of 100 people may improve with tramadol

tramadol may reduce stiffness somewhat and improve function more than placebo

– function may improve by 0.32 points on a scale of 0 to 10 with tramadol

It is not known whether tramadol improves osteoarthritis symptoms more than other drugs. It is also unknown if tramadol is still effective with long-term use. This is due to the fact that the observations in the studies were short.

Harm of tramadol

in people with osteoarthritis:

tramadol may cause minor side effects in more people than placebo, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, fatigue, and headache

– 18 out of 100 people may have minor side effects when placebo
– 39 out of 100 people may have minor side effects when taking tramadol

tramadol can cause serious side effects that would cause people to stop taking it

– 8 out of 100 people had serious side effects with placebo
– 21 out of 100 people had serious side effects with tramadol

It is not known if tramadol causes more side effects than other osteoarthritis medications.

If you found this evidence helpful, please consider donating to Cochrane. We are a charity that produces accessible evidence to help people make health and care decisions.

Donate

Translation notes:

Translation notes: Translation: Aleksandrova Elvira Grigoryevna. Editing: Gamirova Rimma Gabdulbarovna, Ziganshina Lilia Evgenievna. Russian translation project coordination: Kazan Federal University. For questions related to this transfer, please contact us at: [email protected]

Tramadol tablets for oncology – instructions for use, reviews, reaction in cancer patients to the drug

Tramadol is an effective pain reliever that belongs to soft drugs. It is difficult to get a prescription for it, but it is often impossible for cancer patients to do without this drug.

Oncology and pain syndrome

Drug therapy of pain syndrome in oncology is carried out in accordance with some fundamental principles: pain in 90% of patients;

Oral: Oral (swallowed) dosage forms are preferred, as are other non-injectable forms.

Description and pharmacological effects of Tramadol

Tramadol is a weak opioid analgesic similar to morphine, only weaker. This compound is a derivative of cyclohexanol. Once in the body, it binds to opioid prescriptions and blocks the transmission of pain impulses to the spinal cord. In addition, this drug has a sedative (sedative) and antitussive effect. Thus, after the introduction of Tramadol, the patient not only ceases to experience pain, but also calms down, can sleep normally.

Indications for the use of Tramadol

Tramadol is prescribed for various conditions that are accompanied by very severe pain, with the ineffectiveness of drugs from the NSAID group:

• injuries;
• oncological diseases;
• myocardial infarction;
• postoperative period;
• neuralgia.

Tramadol in oncological practice

Tramadol according to the rules of the “anaesthesia ladder” recommended by WHO, is prescribed in the second line – after the use of nonsteroidal drugs (NSAIDs).

Long-term use of opiates is addictive. But cancer patients should not be afraid of this side effect – provided that they are used strictly according to indications, adequate dosage and regimen.

Pharmacokinetics

Tramadol enters the body in an inactive form and only in the liver is converted into ten inactive metabolites and one active, which reduces pain intensity and disrupts the transmission of pain impulses in the spinal cord.

Of the tablets and drops taken, 68% of the medicine reaches the “sore spot”, all 100% are delivered by blood when injected. The disintegrated drug is excreted by 90% by the kidneys and 10% through the intestines, therefore, with renal failure, it can linger in the blood and tissues for a long time.

After taking a tablet or drops, the analgesic effect will appear after a quarter of an hour, after a maximum of half an hour, and will last almost 6 hours, Tramadol-retard acts up to 12 hours. The drug is highly effective, but over time the body decomposes it more actively, which requires an increase in the dose. If tramadol does not help at all, then a transition to stronger narcotic analgesics is required.

How to use the medicine?

Unlike most narcotic analgesics, Tramadol has several dosage forms. You can swallow capsules and tablets, and two types of solutions are also available: in drops for oral administration and in ampoules for injection.

In all cases, oral forms are preferred: injections are painful and, in patients weakened by a long illness, are associated with the possibility of developing an abscess even if complete sterility is observed – immunity works at half strength.

Tramadol drops begin to work very quickly, but they are easy to overdose. It is necessary to drip 20 drops onto a piece of sugar or into water – this is a dose for one dose. The second 20 drops are taken in the absence of pain relief within an hour after the first dose.

Capsule and tablet contains a full single dose. They are taken regardless of food. With unbearable pain syndrome, it is allowed to swallow two at once.

Long-acting tablet – Tramadol retard contains a doubled, tripled dose, and the largest one contains 4 single doses at once, which last up to 12 hours, but in especially difficult situations can be taken after 6 hours.

Ampoules contain 1 or 2 ml of solution, i.e. 50 mg or 100 mg of the drug. How often can you inject tramadol? Injections under the skin, into a muscle or vein are repeated no earlier than 4 hours later.

Contraindications

Stop using tramadol:

• if allergic to it;
• in case of alcohol and drug intoxication, overdose of psychotropic drugs;
• is incompatible with antidepressants from the group of MAO inhibitors due to the possibility of developing a severe serotonin syndrome;
• in severe renal failure, when the drug remains in the blood for a long time at a high concentration and an overdose may occur;
• in liver failure, the formation of the active metabolite is impaired.

Oncology and pain syndrome

90% of cancer patients experience pain of varying intensity, but it is not necessarily unbearable. Intolerable excruciating pain usually accompanies metastatic cancer, again, not in everyone, but with severe complications.

Duration of use

How long tramadol can be taken depends on the purpose for which it is prescribed. For example, after injuries and operations, it is used in a short course for several days, a maximum of weeks. In oncological diseases, the drug is used for a long time. It is important to strictly follow the instructions of the attending physician and immediately report all side effects.

Special instructions

During pregnancy Tramadol is prescribed only in short courses. Otherwise, the fetus may become addictive, and then the newborn child may experience a withdrawal syndrome. During breastfeeding, it is also necessary to take into account that a certain amount of the drug passes into breast milk.

Tramadol should be used with caution in case of impaired liver and kidney function .

Do not use the drug in children under 1 year of age. At the age of 1-14 years, dosages of 1 to 2 mg/kg are used. At the same time, prolonged forms of Tramadol should not be used in children under 14 years of age.

Tramadol should be used with caution in case of hypersensitivity to other opioid analgesics, confusion, drug dependence, convulsions.

The drug is incompatible with alcohol, drugs from the group of MAO inhibitors.

Tramadol reduces attention and reaction speed, therefore, during the course of treatment, you can not drive a car and engage in certain activities.

Side effects

Tramadol at therapeutic doses is well tolerated but may cause nausea , which is usually treated with conventional antiemetics – antiemetics.

In long-term treatment, especially in bedridden patients, constipation is possible , which is fought with enemas and laxatives.

Drowsiness and drowsiness are not always unfavorable for severe patients, they even help to some extent, however, this is a side effect.

The drug is characterized by excitation due to changes in the metabolism of serotonin – the “hormone of joy”.

Some patients find over time that this medicine no longer helps them effectively relieve pain and ask the doctor: “why doesn’t tramadol work?”. First, it is one of the weakest opioids. Secondly, as we mentioned above, with prolonged use, the body “gets used” to it and does not respond as well. If the pain syndrome can no longer be effectively controlled, this is an occasion to reconsider the treatment regimen, to include more powerful drugs in it.

Overdose

The maximum dose of Tramadol per day is not more than 400 mg, that is, four times 40 drops, or 8 capsules and regular tablets, 4 suppositories or 4 painkillers injections of tramadol, 2 ml each.

Exceeding the dose is accompanied by a change in consciousness – workload and even coma, convulsions, respiratory depression against the background of a strong heartbeat and a decrease in blood pressure are not excluded. To stop the condition, naloxone is used, convulsions are relieved by an injection of diazepam. Serotonin syndrome is treated with cyproheptadine.

Tramadol analogues

Tramadol and Tramal are the same drug from different manufacturers.

The combination of Tramadol with paracetamol from the group of NSAIDs is available under the names zaldiar, ramleps, tramaceta and forsodol.

How to replace tramadol in oncology? This question is best answered by the attending physician, who knows how the disease proceeds in a particular individual patient.

Only a doctor knows what needs to be done to make the painkiller Tramadol work in full force and with minimal risk to the patient’s health. But it is also important for the patient himself to have information about the drug in order to better understand the goals of treatment, follow the doctor’s prescriptions correctly, and notice side effects in time. Euroonco clinics use only original drugs with proven efficacy, and they are always in stock. Our doctors prescribe treatment in accordance with modern international recommendations.

Appointment for a consultation around the clock

+7 (495) 668-82-28

References:

1. Abuzarova G.R. /The role of tramadol in oncology and surgery// Abstracts X Ross. National congress “Man and medicine”; M.; 2003.
2. Abuzarova G.R., Gallinger E.Yu. Pchelintsev M.V. / Algorithm for pharmacotherapy of chronic pain syndrome in an oncological clinic // Vrach; 2011.-№ 6.
3. Pain ed. Yakhno N.N. / Guide for doctors / / Ed. Medpress info; 2009
4. Kogonia L.M., Voloshin A.G., Novikov G.A., Sidorov A.V. /Practical recommendations for the treatment of chronic pain syndrome in cancer patients // Malignant tumors: Practical recommendations RUSSCO #3s2, 2018 (vol. 8 ).
5. Osipova N.A., Abuzarova G.R. /Treatment of chronic pain in incurable patients at home// Doctor; 2002.-№ 4.
6. Novikov G.A., Osipova N.A. /Treatment of chronic pain of oncological genesis//Ed.