Tramadol Overdose
Tramadol is a pain reliever in the opioid class of medications. It has the characteristic of opiates and narcotics, but it is not as addictive as other opioids. Tramadol is still addictive and an overdose can be very serious or deadly. Overdoes can be accidental or intentional.
Anyone with a history of drug or alcohol addiction should not take tramadol due to the increased risk of an overdose. Anyone who has ever been prone to suicide, or who current has suicidal thoughts should not take tramadol. Tramadol should never be taken with alcohol or other opioid medications due to the risk of overdose.
Tramadol should be taken only as prescribed. Do not take more than the amount that is prescribed or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Serious injury or death can occur if you take too much or combine it with alcohol or opioids. Talk to your doctor before taking tramadol if you take muscle relaxants, sedative, tranquilizers or antidepressants. If you are currently taking any of these medications, your doctor may prescribe a different pain reliever.
To avoid the risk of an overdose, do not take tramadol other than prescribed. Tablets should be swallowed whole. Some tablets are dissolvable, and should be dissolved in the mouth before swallowing. Do not crush tablets to inhale or snort. Do not combine a crushed tablet with any liquid to inject it into the blood or muscle. This can lead to an overdose or even death.
Taking tramadol other than prescribed can lead to seizures. Combining tramadol with other medications, prescribed or illegal drugs, can depress the respiratory system or the central nervous system and cause a very low respiration or heart rate. This can lead to death in some cases.
Signs of a tramadol overdose include a low heart rate, seizure, shallow breathing, cold skin, low blood pressure, drowsiness, coma, cardiac arrest or death.
Do not share tramadol with anyone, especially if the person has a tendency to seek drugs or has a history of drug or alcohol abuse. Do not store this medication where children can access it.
Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking tramadol. The longer you take tramadol, the more likely it is that you will experience withdrawal. Do not suddenly stop taking tramadol. Ask your doctor how to wean yourself off of the medication safely to reduce withdrawal.
Withdrawal symptoms include: sweating, chills, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, runny nose, sneezing and, sometimes, hallucinations. Some people will experience panic attacks and prickly or burning skin.