Avoiding Overdosing On Tramadol
Any medication can be dangerous when more than prescribed is taken. Tramadol is no exception, and overdosing can occur. As an effective treatment for individuals with moderate or severe pain, it is only available with a doctor's prescription. Unfortunately, many people are able to circumvent the need for a prescription, and are self medicated. This can be a risky endeavor for anybody. For the medicine to work effectively it must be prescribed for people who have the right type and amount of pain. Each level and type of pain requires different medication. Though it is an effective pain reliever, Tramadol should only be used for more serious conditions.
Adhering to prescribed dosage amounts by a doctor will not cause an overdose. Doctors are trained professionals that know what the right dosage for a person's pain is. It is important for patients to remember that Tramadol does not actually cure the cause of pain, but rather is a method for mitigating the negative side effects of various afflictions. Patients who need the drug for extended periods of time should consult with their physician. Prolonged use has been known to cause dependence for some individuals.
Normally Prescribed Dosages
On average, Tramadol is prescribed in the range of 25 to 100 mg for a 4-6 hour period for individuals older than 16 years and older. Under no circumstances should anybody take more than 400mg within a 24 hour period. Dosages can be determined based upon a patients weight and severity of pain, which is also used when prescribing for adolescents.
Dosages are often adjusted by 25mg after the first initial days of use to find the right amount needed. Further readjustment is suggested after each 3 days to reach a maximum does of 100 mg 4 times per day. Doctors can also increase dosage to 50 mg 4 times per day as well. Each patient will require observation for the correct dosage to be reached in regards to their individual needs. Tramadol is also available in extended release tablets. Recommended dosage for starting therapy is recommended to be one 100 mg tablet daily for the first 5 days. After that, dosage may be increased by 100 mg every 5 days to reach optimum relief from pain.
Patients may take this medicine with or without food. Many common problem such as upset stomach can be avoided by taking Tramadol after meals. The medication should never be chewed, crushed or taken in any other manner. The medication can be dangerous when not taken as prescribed.
Recognizing Tramadol Overdoses
Both accidental and intentional overdoses have been recorded in regards to Tramadol ingestion. Some patients choose to up their dosage for missed doses without doctor approval. Other individuals have accidentally taken the medicine without being aware of the amount being ingested. Children have also accidentally taken Tramadol and have overdosed. The most commonly reported type of overdose is thought to be intentional. Many patients that develop a dependency to Tramadol take more per dosage interval than was prescribed by their health care physician. Patients have been known to get dual prescriptions from different doctors, which facilitates their perceived for more of the medication.
When the effects are no longer enough to relieve pain, patients need to consult with their physician instead of increasing dosages on their own. Toxicity at higher levels than prescribed can occur, causing major complications for the individual taking Tramadol. Complications include shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, fainting, cardiac arrest, sweaty hands, reduced heartbeat, drowsiness and possibly coma. Those who are considered at heightened risk for these symptoms include patients with a history of seizures, drug addiction, eating disorders, persons taking antidepressants, muscle relaxants, nausea medicine and those who have a metabolic disorders.
Patients should consult with their physician about any known medical conditions and current medications before taking Tramadol. Special tests and observation may be required for patients with a history of some diseases that could be effected by this particular medication. Doctors also need to be informed if a patient has has any form of psychological illnesses that have occurred in the past. Tramadol can be an effective treatment for pain, but must be used as prescribed by a physician.