Can you overdose on Tramadol?

Tramadol is a widely-used pain reliever and, like most drugs, overuse can lead to harmful effects. Technically Tramadol is an opioid drug related to opium, one of the oldest analgesics that was used even before written history as revealed by archaeological findings.

Tramadol can be highly effective when used in proper dosages, but as with other opioids excessive use can be dangerous. The drug is prescribed to treat a wide range of conditions including restless leg syndrome and different forms of neuralgia.

One problem that occurs with most pain relievers is that some people become addicted to the drugs or they purposefully abuse them beyond the prescription given by doctors. Although Tramadol is a controlled substance available only by prescription, people learn how to abuse the system and gain access to quantities of the drug that can be harmful.

What is a normal Tramadol dosage?

For most people, a normal dose of Tramadol for those 16 years and older will range from about 25 to 100 milligrams every four to six hours. The maximum dosage in one day will be about 400 mg. The quantity of the dosage can be adjusted for body weight and also for drug tolerance.

For patients who are sensitive to Tramadol, they can start on a low dosage of about 25 mg per day and gradually increase the dosage every three days. Eventually the dosage can be increased to 100 mg taken four times daily for a total of 400 mg.

When using Tramadol in the form of extended release tablets, the recommended dosage is 100 mg daily to be incrementally increased by 100 mg every five days. The total dosage each day with extended release tablets should not exceed 300 mg. Some manufacturers have even lower maximum dosages, so you should consult with your doctor and read instructions carefully when using this drug.

Tramadol overdose

Complications from Tramadol use can be caused by excessive dosage and by harmful interaction with other drugs or substances. Also, Tramadol overdose can be divided into intentional and accidental categories.

Usually, overdose of the drug is caused either by intentional misuse of Tramadol by people who are self-medicating or addicted to the drug, or by not paying close enough attention to dosage instructions. Accidental overdose can also occur when children gain access to the drug that is not stored properly.

One way to intentionally misuse the drug is to get multiple prescriptions from different doctors. In some cases, patients may also obtain unused portions of other people’s prescriptions.

Some of the symptoms of Tramadol overdose include seizures, drowsiness, sluggish heartbeat, fatigue, weakness, faintness, dizziness, constipation, shallow or difficult breathing and cardiac arrest. The negative effects are similar to those caused by excessive use of other opiod drugs.

Most seizures caused by Tramadol are of the tonic-clonic type and people in the age range of 25-54 are most at risk for seizures as are those who have a history of head injury, seizure disorder, stroke or alcohol abuse. People suffering from a metabolic disorder and those taking drugs to treat depression, tense muscles and nausea may also be at greater risk for Tramadol-induced seizures. In order to avoid possible problems with this drug, you should tell your doctor if any of these conditions apply to you. Also let your doctor know if you have had any problems or diseases involving your kidneys, stomach and liver, or if you have had any problems with mental illness.

A condition called Serotonin syndrome can occur when the drug is taken together with stimulants or antidepressants. In severe cases, serotonin poisoning can even lead to death.

If your Tramadol dosage is not working sufficiently to relieve your pain, tell your doctor rather than attempting to increase the dosage on your own. Other alternatives exist that can help with your specific situation. For example, there are many other pain medications that can be used for the same purpose.

Always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor and ask for alternatives if this is not doing the job. In addition to other drugs, there are other methods that can help in managing pain. Remember that pain relievers do not cure the condition that causes the pain.