The development of the Internet technology has given us access to a wide variety of information and we can only be thankful for that. As more and more drugs appear, we need to stay informed and learn about their general effects, including the adverse reactions. That is also the case of Tramadol, one of the most used opioids today with multiple beneficial effects but several disadvantages that must be known.

If we were to provide a short description of the drug that is known as Tramadol, we would have to say that it is a synthetic opioid and is generally used for treating pain of varied degrees (usually ranging from mild, moderate to severe). Developed as an analogue of codeine, Tramadol has been carefully studied before it was released on the market and most of its effects are linked to three major systems. The first refers to the GABAergic system, a powerful neurotransmitter for the nervous system, followed by the noradrenergic system related to the hormonal balance (including of the central nervous system). The last major effect of Tramadol refers to serotonin, another crucial neurotransmitter for the nervous system.

Tramadol was developed based on the idea that the central nervous system can be influenced positively by a drug that has less side effects and leads to a lower degree of dependence. First time manufactured by a German company, today it is produced under a wide array of names and under varied brands but its success is equal worldwide. The most common form in which it is present is hydrochloride salt and there are three main administration methods used: oral, intravenous and intramuscular. Depending on the recommendations for each patient, a method will be chosen just like a specific dosage of Tramadol.

As it was already mentioned, Tramadol was intensively tested and put to clinical trials before it was put out there on the market. Researchers continue to test Tramadol even after it was released, wanting to know more about its effects and how they can reduce the adverse reactions. They have even tried a combination of Tramadol and acetaminophen, thought to be more effective. Still, no matter if Tramadol is classified as an opioid, it is highly important that patients are informed of its actual powers and that is only 1/10 compared to one of the most potent analgesics currently existent on the market, meaning morphine.

Talking about the recommended doses for Tramadol, they range from 50 to 600 mg on a daily basis for oral administrations and 400 mg/day when administered intravenous or intramuscular. The formula containing acetaminophen is usually given orally, the dosage being of one tablet at every 4 hours, or two tablets at every 6 hours (it all depends on the patient, the doctor’s prescription and the reason for taking the drug in the first place).

Health specialists have made it very clear that Tramadol is not to be considered part of the controlled-drug class of medication, given the fact that it is not that powerful an opioid. Today, it is sold with a regular prescription from the doctor even if there have been some studied where dependence has been found. The research will continue to determine the true pertinence of Tramadol, taking into consideration the ways the drug interacts with the body and the degree of dependence it is known to create.

What is Tramadol recommended for today? Well, the most common uses are based on the analgesic effects of this drug, it being used for treating diverse degrees of pain and neuralgia. Neuralgia has been described as an acute spasmodic pain involving one or even more nerves in the body; many analgesics can be given in this case but Tramadol seems to have quite beneficial effects, especially if we are talking about trigeminal neuralgia, which is incredibly intense (almost paroxysmal). Other uses are being currently under examination but they seem to be related to depression or anxiety symptoms, given the fact that Tramadol has a powerful influence on the nervous systems.

From all the drugs that have been released on the market under opioid analgesics, Tramadol tends to stand out. It has a lower influence on the nervous system and still offers plenty of positive uses. However, like any other drug it must be taken with increased precaution, so be careful when taking it!