Tramadol and Alcohol

Tramadol is an opioid analgesic drug used to treat moderate and severe pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other conditions. Rarely, it is also used as a substitute for antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, although this is only done when more traditional treatments have been ineffective. It is believed that Tramadol is one of the more effective pain medications because it prolongs signals of serotonin and norepinephrine, which causes an increase in mood and thus a higher pain threshold. In addition, Tramadol does not cause histamine to be released in the body. Histamine release is the cause of many allergic reactions such as itching and rash, which means that these side effects are not as common with Tramadol as they are with other pain relievers.

Despite these advantages, Tramadol is still a narcotic drug, which means that drinking alcohol while using it poses serious dangers. The combined sedating effects of alcohol and Tramadol can cause excessive drowsiness, nausea, and even unconsciousness much faster than they would occur while using Tramadol or alcohol alone. Alcohol can also cause Tramadol to become more potent, which can exacerbate side effects such as tachycardia, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and blood pressure problems. Simultaneous use of alcohol and Tramadol can also increase the chance of a Tramadol overdose, both because of the potentiating effects of alcohol and because the alcohol may decrease judgment in the user and cause the person to take more Tramadol than needed.

In addition, patients who have alcohol dependency or a history of alcohol abuse are advised against taking Tramadol if other options for pain relief are available. Because Tramadol is a narcotic, it poses the possibility of dependence and tolerance, just as other morphine-based pain medications do. For this reason, patients who are prone to substance abuse or dependence should try other alternatives before using Tramadol to relieve their pain. If Tramadol must be used, then careful monitoring of the patient should take place over the course of the treatment, including watching for signs of tolerance, increases in dosage, and selling of the medication.

Patients who take psychiatric medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anti-anxiety drugs need to check with their doctor before taking Tramadol, as the possibility for negative interactions between the drugs is high. Patients with mood disorders, anxiety, or other psychological disorders should also use extreme caution when taking Tramadol. Because of the way Tramadol affects brain chemistry, psychological conditions may worsen, develop, or otherwise change when Tramadol is used. Be sure to tell the doctor prescribing you Tramadol about any psychiatric medications or disorders so that negative effects can be minimized.