Can Tramadol Be Addicting?
Inspite of common misconceptions Tramadol is a non-narcotic drug. Many individuals continue to classify Tramadol as a narcotic, however, unlike morphine Tramadol does not fit all of the necessary requirements for this classification. While Tramadol does perform in ways similar to some narcotic drugs it does not carry the severe side effects that are common to drugs fitting into the narcotic classification. When implemented as part of a doctor prescribed pain management routine the drug causes neither dependency nor addiction.
The Journal of Family Practice issued a study declaring Tramadol as a drug that boasts a notably low risk for potential substance abuse. Nonetheless, numerous individuals complain that they are suffering from a Tramadol addiction. Can Tramadol be addicting? In reality there are some instances in which dependence upon the drug has developed. While remaining one of the most effective sources of pain management that is currently available on the market, there are numerous reasons why individuals can develop a dependency upon this drug.
Self-medicating for pain with Tramadol is a leading form of abuse of this particular drug. Taking this drug without supervised instruction from a doctor or other health care professional is never recommended. With all prescribed medicines self-medication can be a very dangerous practice to employ. Because some states make Tramadol available without the necessity of prescription, it is possible for any person who has a pain issue to gain over the counter access to this drug. Because Tramadol is really only intended to be used in issues of more severe pain, those that experience mild to moderate levels of pain should not use this drug for their pain management.
Extended use of Tramadol is also an important factor in drug dependency. Many argue that the effects of extended use may be all or in part psyschological. Individuals may be likely to increase the recommended dose of Tramadol because of a belief that an increased dose will provide lower levels of pain or eradicate pain entirely.
All drugs however, come with maximum doses that should never be exceeded. Doses that go beyond what has been presribed by a doctor can cause side effects and other more serious conditions. Tramadol is meant to relieve and help control severe pain. It is not intended for the cure of malignant health conditions.
The Differences Between Dependency And Addiction
There are several major difference that lie between dependency and addiction. An individual that is dependent upon Tramadol due to a medical condition remains dependent upon the drug as a result of the need to continue to address the associated pain of the medical condition. Taking a regular dose of Tramadol for an extended period has the ability to create dependency upon the drug. Should the need for Tramadol no longer exist, the patient and doctor must together work to taper the individual off of the medication, thus alleviating dependency and avoiding symptoms of withdrawal during this process.
Those that are addicted to Tramadol however, tend to exhibit very different signs than those of dependency. These include using Tramadol in excess of a presribed dosage or more frequently than is recommended. Individuals with Tramadol addiction often report their medication as lost in order to obtain additional pills or request refills even while existing supplies of Tramadol remain. Patients are addicted to this drug when they begin taking steps to obtain additional prescriptions from numerous pharmacies and doctors in order to increase the amount of Tramadol in their possession. An addicted invidual will also seek additional Tramadol from friends or resort to stealing the drug. Those that are perpetually thinking of a next dose or who experience problems with where and how to make a purhcase of the drug are also addicted.
Individuals who have a Tramadol addiction are likely to experience the symptoms of withdrawal when they are unable to receive the drug. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and are usually characterized by sweating and anxiety, tremors, diarrhea, insomnia and a rise in pain levels. Hallucinations are one other common symptom of withdrawal. For individuals that have been taking prescribed doses of this medication it is important to never abruptly stop taking Tramadol as these symptoms of withdrawal are likely to occur.
How To Avoid Becoming Addicted To Tramadol
The surest way to avoid an addiction to Tramadol is to follow the dosing and weaning instruction of the prescribing doctor. Patients must use self-discipline in order to this. A healthy lifestyle that incorporate sufficient amounts of physical activity and a well-balanced diet are also beneficial to this end. There are numerous herbal supplements that can be used to combat the effects of Tramadol as well as several recommended addiction fighting methods to cleanse the drug from an individual's opioid receptors.