Tramadol is a prescription-only painkiller used to treat moderate to severe pain. In this blog, we explain what Tramadol is, its role in relieving pain, when to use Tramadol and potential side effects, and provide guidance on where and how to purchase this medication safely.
What is Tramadol
Tramadol is a strong painkiller used to treat moderate to severe pain, which isn’t sufficiently managed by over-the-counter medications. It could be used after an operation or a serious injury. It can also help to relieve chronic pains caused by conditions like arthritis or as a second-line treatment for hard-to-treat cases of fibromyalgia. Tramadol is an analgesic (medication which relieves pain) and acts primarily in the central nervous system, influencing how the body perceives and responds to pain.
Its role in pain relief
Tramadol is often grouped with opioids such as codeine and dihydrocodeine. This is because these medications work similarly as they decrease the feeling of pain. Tramadol however is a fully synthetic drug, in other words man-made, unlike codeine which is derived from the opium poppy (a plant which is used to create strong pain-relief medicines).
Along with reducing pain, it has a second rare benefit which sets it apart from other medications. That is, it also increases the levels of two other chemicals in the brain called: norepinephrine and serotonin (more commonly associated with certain anti-depressants). Norepinephrine is released in the brain during periods of stress or excitement. It helps to improve awareness, focus and concentration. Serotonin helps regulate mood, sleep, and other important functions in our bodies; it is often associated with feelings of happiness and feeling good.
This dual action allows Tramadol to treat two types of pain. The first is nociceptive pain (caused by injury to tissues) and neuropathic pain (caused by damage to the nervous system), making it an effective medication for managing pain.
When to use Tramadol
Tramadol is only available on prescription. It is commonly prescribed for various pain-inducing conditions. These may be post-surgical pain, pain related to injuries, and chronic conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.
A healthcare professional will usually prescribe Tramadol if the pain is chronic or moderate to severe and is unable to be managed by traditional over-the-counter medications. For instance, if a patient has a serious injury that is causing them pain, and the pain is not going away with the help of ibuprofen, then their doctor may suggest tramadol. Tramadol is a stronger medication, hence can only be prescribed and with its unique dual-action, tackles pain more effectively than say, ibuprofen.
Compared to other strong opioids like morphine, tramadol is generally considered safer due to its weaker potency. This means a lower risk of developing tolerance, where the body gets accustomed to the drug, and the original dosage becomes ineffective. It also means a lower risk of dependence (where the body needs the drug to function normally). However, like any potent painkillers, Tramadol does still carry a risk of dependency and comes with its own potential for side effects.
Therefore, like all opioid medications, it should be used responsibly and under the guidance of a doctor or healthcare professional. Your doctor will thoroughly discuss its usage with you, providing specific recommendations for dosages and the duration of treatment.
Possible side effects
As with all medications, taking tramadol can cause side effects. Not everyone will experience these, but it is important to be aware of them. If you experience side effects that do not go away, or notice any unusual symptoms after taking Tramadol, you should consult your doctor.
The NHS notes that feeling sick or dizzy while taking tramadol is a very common side effect, affecting more than 1 in 10 people.
Other common side effects may include the below, affecting more than 1 in 100 people.
- Headaches
- Feeling sleepy, tired, dizzy or “spaced out”.
- Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting).
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Low energy
If these do not stop, you should contact your doctor.
Serious side effects are less common, affecting fewer than 1 in 100 people, but they can be severe. The NHS advises that you should contact your doctor or your local emergency medical services immediately if any of the below side effects occur:
- Feel dizzy, tired and have low energy – these can be a sign of low blood pressure.
- Experience hallucinations, which involve seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.
- Feel confused
- Feel very sleepy
- Having trouble urinating or are unable to pee.
Where to buy Tramadol
Tramadol requires a valid prescription from your doctor due to its potential for dependency. Once you have a prescription, you can obtain the medication from local pharmacies or order from an online pharmacy or reputable online provider.
A physical pharmacy offers the benefit of being able to speak directly with a pharmacist. They can provide advice and answers then and there on dosage, side effects and any other questions you may have. You may already have these questions answered by your doctor and so may not need to discuss anything further, but just want to get your medication. This method may then be less convenient for someone who can’t get to a local pharmacy.
On the other hand, buying online offers the convenience of home delivery, often at lower prices. Some providers even guarantee next-day delivery. However, the risk with buying online is knowing whether the medications are authentic and sold legally. To mitigate this risk, ensure you check the credibility of the site and ensure they are a reputable provider of prescribed medicines.
At Meds4Healthcare, we prioritise affordable and safe healthcare, which is why we offer a wide range of generic, FDA approved medications at discounted prices. Our products are sourced from reputable manufacturers, ensuring that you get the same high-quality medications that you would find at a local pharmacy.
If you have been prescribed tramadol but are still waiting for your medication or aren’t able to collect it, try our online prescription service. We guarantee next day delivery straight to your door. To order, simply add the product to your cart, fill out an online consultation form, and submit your information for review. Once approved, you can complete your order, and your medication will be delivered the next day, allowing you to start your treatment without delay.
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