1. Is tramadol a good painkiller?
Yes, tramadol is an effective painkiller. It is used to treat moderate-to-severe pain. However, it is advised only when other non-opioid painkillers prove ineffective in relieving your pain. It acts directly on the brain cells to change your body's perception of the pain.
2. What kind of pain does tramadol treat?
Tramadol is used to treat moderate-to-severe pain. It has extended-release variants that provide effective pain relief throughout the day. It is the drug of choice to relieve severe pain associated with bone disorders such as osteoarthritis. It is also used to treat post-surgical pain.
3. Is tramadol a narcotic?
Yes, tramadol is an approved narcotic medicine. It belongs to the opioid analgesics class of drugs. However, it is not made from opium. Nonetheless, it binds to opioid receptors in the brain cells and helps change the perception of pain. Thus, it provides effective relief from moderate to intense pain in adults.
4. Does tramadol make one sleepy?
Tramadol may cause drowsiness (sleepiness), dizziness, and blurred vision. These side effects may affect your mental awareness. If you experience such symptoms after taking this medication, you should avoid driving or operating machinery.
5. What should not be taken with tramadol?
Some medicines may interact with or prevent the action of tramadol or may cause adverse effects. Therefore, inform your doctor about your current medications. The medicines that are contraindicated with tramadol include amitriptyline, clonazepam, diazepam, escitalopram, gabapentin, hydroxychloroquine, levofloxacin, ondansetron, vortioxetine, zolpidem, etc.
Alcohol may enhance the effects of tramadol-related side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty in concentration, etc. It may also result in impairment in thinking and judgement. Hence, it is recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with tramadol.
6. Can I take tramadol if I have COVID?
Clinical studies have shown promising results with Tramadol for pain management in COVID treatment. It is an opioid analgesic and acts as an effective painkiller. It helps treat headaches, body aches, muscle pain, and weakness, the prominent symptoms of COVID. However, for the best course of treatment, you should always visit your doctor.
7. Is tramadol anti-inflammatory?
Tramadol is a painkiller medicine and does not have any anti-inflammatory properties. It does not prevent or reduce inflammation (swelling). However, it effectively reduces the pain associated with inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis. Tramadol can be given in combination with anti-inflammatory medicines to help reduce inflammation.
8. Does tramadol weaken the immune system?
Yes, the chronic use of tramadol may weaken your immune system. Prolonged use of tramadol decreases the optimal functioning of macrophages and lymphocytes. These are the cells associated with your body's defence mechanism. However, you can check with your doctor to take precautions. It includes an immune-boosting diet, supplements, and other similar coping measures.
9. What is the maximum amount of tramadol you can take in a single day?
Tramadol is a strong painkiller given to adults. Your doctor prescribes it, taking into consideration your age, body weight, clinical condition, severity of symptoms, and other factors. The maximum recommended dose of tramadol is 400 mg per day.
10. Can tramadol stop you from ejaculating?
Clinical studies have shown tramadol to be effective in the treatment of premature ejaculation. However, it does not stop you from ejaculating. It may cause a significant delay in ejaculation as one of the side effects of long-term use of tramadol. These side effects are reversible and do not last on discontinuation of this medicine.
Tramadol is not an over-the-counter (OTC) drug. You need a doctor’s prescription. Make sure you take this medicine only after consultation with your doctor. This helps to prevent adverse effects and complications.
