Does Tramadol Make You Tired?

If we wish to answer the question, ‘does Tramadol make you tired’, we must first define what Tramadol is. Tramadol is a class C drug in the UK and is an analgesic that has grown in popularity over the years. This is specifically due to its commercial formulation with paracetamol.

However, in its purest form, it is used to treat a number of conditions and symptoms relating to pain and chronic discomfort. Tramadol is effective as an adjuvant to relieve pain in osteoarthritis for example. It is also used to treat several issues, including post-surgical pain, chronic illness, and injury. It is appropriate for those suffering from more severe pain on which paracetamol or ibuprofen has little to no effect on.

What is Tramadol?

Tramadol is classified as an opioid and is taken orally, but it may sometimes be offered intravenously in a hospital environment.

It is an agonist of the central opioid receptors, simply meaning that it activates them. It is around 6,000 times lower than that of morphine but does have a very strong reaction in the body. The science behind Tramadol relates to modulating the release of nociceptive neurotransmitters such as dopamine, acetylcholine, and norepinephrine.

This inhibits pain and causes relief from it, as well as causing relaxation within the entire body. Tramadol causes reactions within the body and also causes suppression. Much of the pain relief is caused by the blockade of norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake in the central nervous system. This prevents the transmission of pain, which eases pain effectively.

What are the Side Effects of Tramadol?

Tramadol has some known side effects, like any drug. However, some of the known issues may settle the longer you take the drug. Nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, insomnia, headache, or drowsiness may occur.

Not everyone has a reaction to Tramadol, but the side effects must be known and monitored. You should always consult a doctor if your side effects are worrying you or affecting your daily life.

Tramadol, however, causes less respiratory depression and dependence than other opioids. It is worth noting that it can have a small impact on respiration which may cause shallow breathing, difficulty breathing or loud breathing. If you have any pre-existing respiratory condition, it may worsen these symptoms.

It does not cause gastrointestinal disturbances or significant cardiovascular effects, so it can be a good alternative for people with arthritis who do not tolerate NSAIDs. For pregnant women, any type of opioid should be avoided. Tramadol is classified within category C of risk in pregnancy therefore it is never recommended.

Tramadol is however renowned to cause drowsiness and make you tired and long-term use can lead to extreme fatigue. Whilst the effects wear off within 4 to 6 hours, it can make you extremely sleepy. Up to a quarter of users have noted that Tramadol made them extremely tired. It is always recommended that you do not drive after, or operate heavy machinery.

You may find that a standard dosage comes in either 50 or 100mg. Effects of immediate-release tablets are felt for 4-6 hours. For delayed-release tablets, it can take up to 12-24 hours.

Can I Become Addicted to Tramadol?

Whilst it is one of the least potent opioids, as, with any drug, abuse can lead to prescription drug addiction. Addiction to any drug can cause a multitude of issues that can affect physical and mental health.

This can lead to the loss of your job, difficulties within relationships, and even money troubles. It must be known that long-term abuse or overdose can cause acute liver failure. It can damage organs and cause lasting physical issues. Addiction can happen easier than you think.

Tramadol addiction only occurs when the drug is abused. Prescribed and controlled use of Tramadol is perfectly safe, but drug abuse can lead to dependence. Certain physical symptoms that are red flags are:

● Pinpoint (very small) pupils
● Changes in appetite
● Nausea or vomiting
● Drowsiness
● Slurred speech
● Headaches
● Impaired coordination

Individuals dealing with any type of narcotic addiction are likely to exhibit unusual or atypical behaviour. If you or someone close to you gets any of the following signs, you may be suffering from tramadol dependence. These signs include:

● Social isolation/ neglect of work or relationships
● Seeing doctors more frequently for higher dosage prescriptions
● Mood changes or anger issues
● Extreme tiredness, exhaustion, and less interest in activities
● Potential thoughts about acquiring Tramadol illegally
● Financial problems
● Believing that this drug is helping them

How Much is Too Much?

You may first be prescribed Tramadol for a number of reasons. These include treating moderate to severe pain, for example after surgery or a serious injury. This may be as a result of a diagnosis where the pain is unbearable and medical assistance is required. The highest recommended dosage and prescription is no more than 400 mg per day.

The lowest is around 25 mg. Anything that exceeds 400 mg may cause the first signs of tolerance to the drug. Tolerance then develops when the brain becomes accustomed to the presence of tramadol. If used incorrectly, any user will need to increase the dosage in order to feel the same effects. This tolerance will lead to an addiction and it may go unnoticed until the symptoms become debilitating for the user.

Getting the Help You Need

Getting help with any addiction is the first step toward recovery. Whilst this may seem impossible, there are plenty of routes to take in order to get clean. The addiction can be mild, moderate, or severe. This depends on the severity of the dependency.

Professional assistance and a rehab programme at one of our drug and alcohol rehab centres that are suited to your needs will give you the best chance of successful drug detox. Addiction can be cured and therefore you should consider reaching out to gain the help you need.

Here at Action Rehab we can offer you help, listen and guide you through your addiction toward a healthier future. Call us on 0151 268 6992 for any queries.

Posted on Thursday, July 7th, 2022 at 10:50 am in Addiction, Latest News.