{"id":4181,"date":"2023-08-02T06:13:04","date_gmt":"2023-08-02T06:13:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/?page_id=4181"},"modified":"2025-02-07T12:31:37","modified_gmt":"2025-02-07T12:31:37","slug":"tramadol","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/tramadol\/","title":{"rendered":"Tramadol: Uses, Identification &amp; Addictive Qualities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tramadol is a pain medication that can be used to treat a variety of conditions. It has the potential to be addictive if used in ways other than recommended.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tramadol is a pain medication that is commonly given to people with ongoing moderate or moderately-severe pain. There is also an extended-release version that is a treatment option for people with chronic pain who require around-the-clock pain relief. When used inappropriately or other than intended, tramadol can be addictive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Tramadol?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tramadol is an opioid-like pain medication that is used to treat chronic pain. It is considered an atypical opioid because it has a slightly different mechanism of action than classic opioids.&nbsp;<a href=\"\/drugs\/opioids\/\">Opioids<\/a>&nbsp;traditionally have their effect by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system and activating them. The activation leads to pain relief. Tramadol binds weakly to these receptors and therefore is not considered a classic opioid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tramadol has the additional effect of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov\/drug_chem_info\/tramadol.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">inhibiting<\/a>&nbsp;the reuptake of two neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and serotonin. By inhibiting their reuptake, the effective concentration of both neurotransmitters is increased, allowing them to interact with their receptors more and cause increased signaling in the brain. Both of these neurotransmitters are involved in feeling pleasure, so increasing their availability can lead to a euphoric high. Drugs aimed at inhibiting their reuptake are used to treat&nbsp;<a href=\"\/co-occurring-disorders\/depression\/\">depression<\/a>&nbsp;and other mental health disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Tramadol Used For?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tramadol is used to treat a variety of pain conditions, along with other problems and disorders. Tramadol treats:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Dosage_and_Administration\">Dosage and Administration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tramadol dosage varies on the condition it is used to treat and the type of tramadol that is used (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2009\/020281s032s033lbl.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">immediate<\/a>&nbsp;versus&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2010\/022370s000lbl.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">extended-release<\/a>). The dosage and administration should be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>For chronic pain:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Immediate-release<\/strong>: Initially 25 mg daily in the morning, followed by an increase of 25 mg in separate doses every three days until a dose of 100 mg per day is reached (25 mg, four times a day). After that, the dose can be increased to 50 mg every three days as tolerated until a dose of 200 mg per day is reached (50 mg, four times a day). Then, it can be used in 50 mg to 100 mg doses every four to six hours, not to exceed 400 mg per day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Extended-release:<\/strong>&nbsp;Initially 100 mg can be given once daily and tested in 100 mg increments every five days as needed or tolerated. The final dose should not exceed 300 mg per day.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>For acute pain:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Immediate-release:<\/strong>&nbsp;50 mg to 100 mg can be taken every four to six hours as needed, but should not exceed 400 mg per day<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Extended-release:<\/strong>&nbsp;Extended-release is generally not used for acute pain<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Administration Methods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Powder:<\/strong>&nbsp;It is not a prescribed method of administration, but when used recreationally, some people may snort tramadol powder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Injection:<\/strong>&nbsp;Tramadol can be injected if it is dissolved in water. This method is highly dangerous and should not be utilized, but is sometimes the route of administration used by people who use tramadol recreationally.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tablet or capsule:<\/strong>&nbsp;Tramadol tablets or capsules should be taken orally. They should be directly swallowed and never chewed, crushed, split or dissolved. This method is the only way that tramadol is prescribed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Does Tramadol Look Like?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If trying to identify the tramadol pill, know that the 50 mg tablets are white and capsule shaped with a coating surrounding it. The coating is imprinted \u201cULTRAM,\u201d regarding the brand name, on one side and \u201c06 59\u201d on the other side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Brand Names<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The brand names for tramadol are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ultram<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ultram ER<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ConZip<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ryzolt<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is marketed under the generic name and brand names.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Names and Street Names for Tramadol<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other names for tramadol stem from its recreational use. Tramadol street names include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Trammies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ultras<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chill Pills<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tramadol Side Effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tramadol&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.therecoveryvillage.com\/tramadol-addiction\/side-effects\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">side effects include<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"\/co-occurring-disorders\/anxiety-disorders\/\">Anxiety<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agitation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Constipation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hallucinations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nausea<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Itchy skin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Diarrhea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tremor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vomiting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Excessive sweating<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Long Does Tramadol Stay in Your System?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How long tramadol stays in your system depends on the type of tramadol used and the dosage. It also depends on a variety of factors such as weight and age. In general, tramadol can be detected in the different parts of the body for different amounts of time, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Tramadol_Addiction\">Tramadol Addiction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"\/drugs\/tramadol\/addiction\/\">Tramadol addiction<\/a>&nbsp;can occur if a person uses it for reasons other than its intended use or at doses that exceed the recommended amount. When used at higher doses or administered using a route other than recommended, tramadol can have a euphoric effect. Addiction occurs over time when the person craves the drug for the high it provides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How long does it take to get addicted to tramadol? This answer depends on a variety of factors, including the demographics of the person using the drug (age, weight, health, family history, etc.), how much tramadol they are using at once and the route of administration they are using. A person that already has a substance use disorder of another kind may also be at increased risk of becoming addicted to tramadol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Points: Understanding Tramadol<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few key points to remember about tramadol include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tramadol is a pain reliever that works in a manner similar to opioids but has additional effects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tramadol should be used according to the dosing recommended by a physician, which will vary depending on the condition treated and what form of tramadol is being used<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tramadol has the potential to be addicting if it is used in ways other than recommended<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If addiction and dependence develops,&nbsp;<a href=\"\/drugs\/tramadol\/tramadol-withdrawal-timeline\/\">withdrawal symptoms<\/a>&nbsp;can occur when drug use stops<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you struggle with tramadol addiction,&nbsp;<a href=\"\/contact-us\/\">contact The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health<\/a> to speak with a representative about how addiction treatment can work for you. Take the first step toward a healthier future, call today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tramadol is a pain medication that can be used to treat a variety of conditions. It has the potential to be addictive if used in ways other than recommended. Tramadol is a pain medication that is commonly given to people with ongoing moderate or moderately-severe pain. There is also an extended-release version that is a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":481,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"categories":[98],"tags":[49],"class_list":["post-4181","blog","type-blog","status-publish","hentry","category-tramadol","tag-opioids"],"acf":{"written_by":317,"enable_medically_and_up":["Yes"],"medically_reviewed_by":313,"medically_reviewed_content":"This article was reviewed by a medical professional to guarantee the delivery of accurate and up-to- date information. <a href=\"\/research\/\">View our research policy.<\/a>","up_to_date":"<i>Last Updated<\/i> - <b>12\/29\/22<\/b>","page_first_published_date":null,"page_last_edit_date":null,"highlighted_description":"If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, help is available. Speak with a Recovery Advocate by calling <a href=\"tel:8886480738\"><b>888-648-0738<\/b><\/a> now.","key_takeaways":"","source":{"source_label":"View Sources","source_content":"Food and Drug Administration. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2010\/022370s000lbl.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tramadol Prescribing Information<\/a>.\u201d May 2010. Accessed July 26, 2019.\r\n\r\nDrug Enforcement Administration \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov\/drug_chem_info\/tramadol.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tramadol<\/a>.\u201d October 2018. Accessed July 26, 2019.\r\n\r\nSilberstein, S.; Freitag, F.G.; Rozen, T.D.; Kudrow, D.B.; Hewitt, D.J.; Jordan, D.M.; Fisher, A.C.; Rosenthal, N.R. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/16324164\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tramadol\/acetaminophen for the treatment of acute migraine pain: findings of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.<\/a>\u201d Headache, December 2005. Accessed July 26, 2019.\r\n\r\nCaspani, O.; Reitz, M.C.; Ceci, A.; Kremer, A.; Treede, R.D.\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/24974768\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tramadol reduces anxiety-related and depression-associated behaviors presumably induced by pain in the chronic constriction injury model of neuropathic pain in rats.<\/a>\u201d Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior, September 2014. Accessed July 26, 2019.\r\n\r\nDion, G.R.; Teng, S.E.; Achlatis, E.; Fang, Y.; Amin, M.R. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/28463539\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Treatment of Neurogenic Cough with Tramadol: A Pilot Study<\/a>.\u201dOtolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, July 2017. Accessed July 26, 2019.\r\n\r\nZou, Y.; Ling, Y.; Kong, G.; Tang, Y.; Huang, Q.; Zhang, L.; Wei, L.\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/31262573\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Effect of Tramadol Pretreatment on Sufentanil-Induced Cough.<\/a>\u201d Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing, June 28, 2019. Accessed July 26, 2019.\r\n\r\nMartyn-St James, M.; Cooper, K.; Kaltenthaler, E.; Dickinson, K.; Cantrell, A.; Wylie, K.; Frodsham, L.; Hood, C. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/25636495\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tramadol for premature ejaculation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.<\/a>\u201d BMC Urology, January 30, 2015. Accessed July 26, 2019.\r\n\r\nLauerma, H.; Markkula, J.\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/10221285\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Treatment of restless legs syndrome with tramadol: an open study.<\/a>\u201d The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, April 1999. Accessed July 26, 2019.\r\n\r\nFood and Drug Administration. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2009\/020281s032s033lbl.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ultram<\/a>.\u201d Accessed July 26, 2019.\r\n\r\nDhesi, Manraj; Maani, Christopher V. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK537060\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tramadol<\/a>.\u201d StatPearls Publishing, January 6, 2019. Accessed July 26, 2019."},"staff_member_heading":"Authorship","staff_member":[{"staff_member_title":"Editor","select_staff_member":317},{"staff_member_title":"Medically Reviewed By","select_staff_member":313}],"insurance_label":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/4181","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4181"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/4181\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/481"}],"acf:post":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/staff\/313"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/staff\/317"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4181"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4181"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4181"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}