Tramadol Dosage
Tramadol is a synthetic opioid analgesic, used for relieving moderate to severe pain. It has been proven to be highly effective at relieving pain after surgeries, as well as in patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other types of muscle pain. However, it is crucial that when you take Tramadol, you take the proper dosage, as many adverse effects can arise from not doing so.
A healthy adult with mild to moderate pain should take 25mg of Tramadol four times a day. Patients with more severe pain can increase the dose gradually until effects are felt. Total dosage should not exceed 400mg per day. Taking more than 400mg per day greatly increases the chance of side effects and dependence. For elderly patients over the age of 75, no more than 300mg of Tramadol should be taken per day. Tramadol also comes in an extended-release 300mg pill, no more than one of which should be taken per day. You should take the Tramadol pills whole, without crushing, cutting, or otherwise damaging the pill. It can be taken without food, but if you find that it upsets your stomach, you can take it with a small meal. Pregnant women or women who are trying to become pregnant should not take Tramadol as it is not known how the drug affects the developing fetus. As with all drugs, store it out of the reach of children, and keep it in a dry, cool place.
It is important to remember that Tramadol is a narcotic, so an overdose can be very dangerous, causing unconsciousness, seizures, coma, and even death. The possibility of overdosing on Tramadol is greatly increased when you take it with alcohol or other sedatives, so exercise extreme caution with these while taking Tramadol.
Because Tramadol is an opioid drug, it has very high potential for tolerance and dependence, both of which can be factors in an overdose. When tolerance develops, the user may attempt to take more than the required dose in order to feel the effects. Dependence can cause the user to continue taking the drug even when it is not needed for pain relief, which can lead to overdose. Take caution to keep track of signs of tolerance or dependence while you are taking Tramadol.