Tramadol is one of the strongest painkillers which a doctor can prescribe you and is only prescribed if you are experiencing severe pain or discomfort after other painkillers have not yielded the expected results. This medication comes in several forms such as a tablet, pill, or even liquid drops.
This drug works by blocking the pain signals which travel through your nerves up into your brain. As a result, you feel minimal discomfort.
You’ll find that Tramadol isn’t a common drug that doctors prescribe and it is usually only prescribed as a last resort. Patients who recently underwent major surgery or those who suffer from chronic health problems like arthritis will be prescribed Tramadol.
Side Effects of Tramadol
While Tramadol is incredibly effective, it comes with its fair share of side effects (just like all medications). Some of the common side effects that you might experience when taking Tramadol include drowsiness, constipation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or having a dry mouth.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are some more serious side effects. The serious side effects, which should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible, include breathing problems, rashes, or swelling of the face or throat. This typically indicates that you have had an allergic reaction and that you should seek medical attention immediately.
Other side effects, which are less serious, can include anxiety, muscle spasms, increased heartbeat, or heart palpitations.
Tramadol Addiction
Provided that you follow your doctor’s instructions and only take the medication at the times you have been told to (and only at the dosage you have been instructed to take), you shouldn’t have to worry about becoming addicted. If you start relying on Tramadol to get through life then this can lead to an addiction, at which point you should consult your doctor.
If you are taking Tramadol long-term then you may become addicted.
We recently saw Anthony McPartlin, the other hand of the TV duo “Ant and Dec”, open up about his addiction to Tramadol after he had undergone surgery on his knee. He was prescribed Tramadol after the surgery and quickly became dependent on the drug.
Another TV host, Richard Madeley, also revealed he was taking Tramadol at the time but after seeing how Anthony became addicted to them, he quickly got rid of them.
Drinking Alcohol While Using Tramadol
It is recommended that you completely cut alcohol out of your diet while you are taking Tramadol as it can increase the effects of the drug – making it more likely that you will become addicted to it.
Studies have shown that by mixing the two together, your central nervous system will suffer. This results in your mental state being negatively impacted.
With opioid pain relievers like Tramadol, it is crucial to understand the possible interactions between these medications and alcohol. Tramadol is a pain reliever, and alcohol is a depressant. When the two are combined, it can cause serious problems, some of which can be life-threatening.
It is important to note that the effects of drinking alcohol while taking Tramadol can be unpredictable. Even though drinking in moderation is generally considered safe, no amount of alcohol is advisable when taking Tramadol, as the combination can be dangerous.
The most immediate risk of drinking alcohol while taking Tramadol is that it can increase the effects of the drug. Tramadol, like all opioid drugs, is a Central Nervous System depressant. As a result, when combined with alcohol, the combined effects can be more than would be expected from either one alone. This can lead to an increased risk of decreased motor coordination, sedation, difficulty breathing and increased risk of overdose.
Furthermore, drinking alcohol while using Tramadol can increase the risk of serious side effects, including liver damage, nausea, and headaches. The combination of the two can be especially problematic for people with existing conditions, such as liver disease.
In addition to the physical effects, drinking alcohol while taking Tramadol can also impair judgment and thinking, making it more likely that people taking the medication will make bad decisions. It is important to note that alcohol and Tramadol can both impair judgment, so even a small amount of alcohol can have serious consequences.
It is also important to understand that the risks posed by drinking while taking Tramadol increase over time. As the body builds up a tolerance to the drug, it requires more to achieve the desired effect, which can increase the risk of adverse effects.
In short, it is important to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Tramadol. The combination of the two can be dangerous and lead to serious side effects. It is important to talk to your doctor about the risks involved with drinking alcohol while taking Tramadol and to only take the medication as prescribed.
If you are on a high dosage of Tramadol and you choose to drink a lot of alcohol, you could experience seizures, you could lose consciousness, and you may even die. Why risk it?
The Law and Tramadol
Unless you have been prescribed Tramadol by a doctor or a healthcare professional, it is illegal for you to have it in your possession as it is a class C drug.
Even if you have a prescription, it is illegal for you to give someone else the drug that you have been prescribed (regardless of whether they genuinely need it or not).
Illegal Possession
If you are caught possessing Tramadol without a prescription then you will be prosecuted. How severely you are punished depends on the specific circumstances, although lawful action will always be taken (sometimes this can be a caution, other times it may be jail time – again, it depends on the circumstances).
If you have Tramadol on your person which hasn’t been prescribed to you by a certified GP, you are risking up to two years of jail time. Furthermore, even if you aren’t given jail time as a result of your illegal possession, it will make your life significantly harder. For example, you may not be allowed to visit some other countries and a lot of employers will turn their backs on you (making employment harder to seek).
Tramadol Drug Tests
We are seeing Tramadol become a drug that is regularly being screened for as part of many pre-employment drug tests. Tramadol drug tests are now incorporated into many of our urine drug test kits, including our 7 Panel Drug Test with Integrated Cup, 10 Panel Drug Test with Integrated Cup and 13 Panel Drug Test with Integrated Cup. The presence of this drug on any surface can also be detected by Drug Swab Testing.
Detecting Tramadol with an 18 Panel Urine Drug Test
The powerful 18 panel urine drug test from Zoom Testing allows you to cast a wide net in detecting not just tramadol, but a plethora of other substances of abuse. From opioids like oxycodone and fentanyl to party drugs like MDMA and ketamine, this comprehensive test covers a broad spectrum of controlled substances. It even checks for nicotine usage via cotinine detection.
With an integrated cup design and built-in temperature strip to prevent tampering, this all-in-one solution provides reliable and efficient screening.
As UK drug testing experts, Zoom Testing supplies this premier 18 panel cup to meet your most stringent drug testing needs.
Don’t settle for limited panels – ensure a truly comprehensive substance abuse screening with their industry-leading 18 panel test.
Photo: “Tramadol Capsules” by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Testing
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
