All medications come with some side effects, and Tramadol(Ultram)is no different. However, it is one of the safest medications out there. Tramadol is generally prescribed for about 10-15 days. In the beginning, there may be some discomforts. Your doctor will tell you all about it, but just in case, we’ll list a few here. Just remember that not all the Tramadol side effects can be listed. Each patient is different and depending on the age, sex, and level of pain, these side effects may vary.
Initial and minor side-effects usually go away after 2-3 days of use.
Minor Tramdol Side-Effects of Tramadol:
Minor side effects may occur in the very beginning. Tramadolwas designed to withstand pain and help heal wounds. Therefore, some of these side effects are actually good things. Following is a list of the few common mild side effects of Tramadol:
Drowsiness
Sleepiness
Blur vision
Dry mouth
Lack of coordination
Lightheadedness
Nausea
Severe Side-Effects of Tramadol:
These happen if a patient uses Tramadol for a long time (3 Months or more). Consult your doctor immediately or seek social help if you notice these things:
Serious irritation
Anxiety attacks
Chronic or acute headaches
Loss of visionLoss of muscles and bone mass (rapid weight loss)
Unable to move (Certain limbs)
Addiction
Withdrawal symptoms like diarrhea
Muscle spasms
Severe dehydration
How to Deal with the Side Effects
First and foremost, it is very important to consult your doctor every step of the way. It is your doctor’s job to determine the dosages and frequency of your Tramadol intake. As a general rule, patients should start with a small dose to determine if the medication is okay. Therefore, your doctor may start you with 50mg 4 times a day. If the patient feels no discomfort, the increase of dosage can be justified.
The Drowsiness or Sleepiness:
Sleep is one of the most efficient and fastest ways to heal. That’s why almost all opioid including Tramadol has that side effect. Hence, if you are feeling drowsy or sleepy, do not fight it and allow your body to heal.
Headaches, Nausea, and Vomiting:
Those only occur if you don’t sleep well after taking Tramadol. Allow the medication to work by taking plenty of rest, and you will be okay.
Dry Mouth and Dehydration:
These two Tramadol side effects are highly unlikely. Yet, they may occur and the solution is to drink plenty of water. It is good for your health as well.
Irritation, Anxiety Attacks, Muscle Spasms:
These are a few severe Tramadol side effects. They may occur after using Tramadolfor a very long time, especially when it is time to quit. Tramadol increases the flow of several chemicals in the body. When stopped, the body, which is used to the increased levels of chemicals, suddenly feels a certain lack. The anxiety and irritation are the results of that. In severe cases, muscle spasms can occur. These conditions are generally treated with Diazepam.
Addiction:
Tramadol is one of the safest pain relievers in the market today. It is not as addictive as an opioid-like Oxycontin. Yet, there is a mild ‘High’ when you take Tramadol. That, after long-term use, can be addictive. There is not much evidence of physical dependency. Addiction to Tramadol is purely mental and can be treated with CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) within a few weeks.