Following is a Tramadol FAQ section where you can find answers to most of your questions about Ultram.
What is Tramadol HCL?
Tramadol HCL or Tramadol Hydrochloride is a synthetic pain medication that has a similar chemical structure as an opioid pain reliever. Don’t let the technical term ‘HCL (Hydrochloride). It is simply a kind of salt that is used with many medications. So, for example, Tramadol 50mg and Tramadol HCL 50mg are essentially the same things. If you want a more detailed explanation, please read our main article instead of this Tramadol FAQ.
What is Ultram?
Ultram is the brand name of Tramadol. It is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Just like Tramadol generic, Ultram can be found in 50mg and 100mg dosages.
What is Tramadol used for?
A variety of pains. Tramadol is, in a way, the ultimate pain reliever. As mentioned earlier, it is a pain reliever that can handle severe pain without the addiction issues of an opioid. Tramadol actually heals pain. Due to its middle position between an opioid and non-opioid following are the cases where you can use it safely.
- Headache
- Migraine
- Toothache
- Abdominal pain (Ulcer, women’s period)
- Fracture
- Joint pain
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Surgical pain
- Severe injuries
- Muscle pain (various reasons)
- Cuts and bruises
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Gout
Is Tramadol an Opioid?
Not in a technical sense. Other opioids may be addictive. That’s why most opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine are considered Schedule II controlled substances (High potential for abuse and addiction). Tramadol is only a Schedule IV (Low potential for abuse and addiction). Only in the USA and the UK, is it sold with prescriptions. In many other countries, it is an OCT (Over The counter) medication and you can buy Tramadol without prescriptions. Until 2014, Tramadol was also an OTC medication in the USA.
Does Tramadol Help You Sleep?
It may. It does have some opioid characteristics so the patient may fall asleep. It all depends on the severity of the pain and the dosage taken.
Related: Tramadol Side Effects
Is Tramadol Better than Ibuprofen?
In many ways. yes. However, it all depends on what kind of pain you are dealing with. Ibuprofen (Advil) is like aspirin. It is a blood thinner and a pain blocker. For example, you are having some abdominal pain due to your monthly period. You only need to block the pain for a few days until it’s over. Therefore, Ibuprofen is fine.
On the other hand, if your abdominal pain is due to ulcer, it may be dangerous. Ibuprofen may cause internal bleeding. Tramadol is much better in that case. As far as cuts and bleeding are concerned, Tramadol is way better than Ibuprofen, Aspirin, or Acetaminophen.
Is Tramadol Good for Joint Pain?
Yes, it is. Joint pains are a Tramadol specialty. Tramadol will also help heal the cause of the pain.
Is it Possible to Use Tramadol for Dogs?
Yes, many veterinarians frequently use Tramadol for dogs. Dongs tend to injure themselves on their legs (Hairline fractures). If you see your dog limping, get to the vet and he/she will prescribe Tramadol 50mg in most cases.
Is Tramadol Stronger than Codeine?
They are somewhat of equal strength. As I mentioned earlier, it depends on the dosages. Yet, Codeine is an opioid and a narcotic. Tramadol is not.
Is Tramadol Narcotic?
Technically no. Yet, it possesses some qualities of narcotic products such as alteration of the mind. That is why Tramadol is considered a narcotic in the USA and the UK.
How do we Grade Tramadol vs Oxycodone?
Oxycontin is a serious opioid. There is no doubt about it. And if a patient uses Oxycodone for more than 15 days, there is a 90% chance that he/she may get addicted to it.
Tramadol, on the other hand, is not an opioid and a patient may use it for a long time or on a ‘need to use’ basis. However, unlike non-opioids, Tramadol can handle severe pain.
Generally, if a person has undergone a major surgery, doctors prescribe medications this way. First, morphine drips for the first 2-3 days (Intravenously). Then, when the patient is able to eat by mouth, Oxycodone for a week or Tramadol for a month. as you can see, Tramadol can be immediately prescribed right after the patient comes out of morphine.
If you have missed any questions in this Tramadol FAQ and you would like answers to those, please leave a comment below, and we will do our best to get you the answer as soon as possible.