Tramadol hydrochloride

Tramadol hydrochloride (trademarked as Conzip, Ryzolt, Ultracet, Ultram in the USA,Ralivia and Zytram XL in Canada) is a centrally acting synthetic analgesic used to treat moderate to moderately-severe pain. The drug has a wide range of applications, including treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, restless legs syndrome and fibromyalgia. It was launched and marketed as Tramal by the German pharmaceutical company Grünenthal GmbH in 1977.
Tramadol is a very weak μ-opioid receptor agonist, induces serotonin release, and inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine. Tramadol is converted to O-desmethyltramadol, a significantly more potent μ-opioid agonist. The opioid agonistic effect of tramadol and its major metabolite(s) is almost exclusively mediated by such μ-opioid receptors. This further distinguishes tramadol from opioids in general (including morphine), which do not possess tramadol's degree of receptor subtype selectivity and which are much stronger opiate-receptor agonists. Similarly, the habituating properties of tramadol (such as they are) are arguably mainly due to μ-opioid agonism with contributions from serotonergic and noradrenergic effects.

Who Invented Tramadol and What Are Their Other Claims to Fame?

Tramadol, also found under the label names Rybix ODT, Ryzolt and Ultram, is a prescription analgesic medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. This medication is in a class of drugs known as opiates and include Demerol and morphine and works by altering the brain’s interpretation of pain. Because it is an opiate medication, Tramadol can be habit-forming however if taken as directed by a healthcare professional, Tramadol is generally safe and effective.
Potential side effects of Tramadol include fatigue, mood fluctuations and constipation. Most side effects are relatively mild and subside as your body becomes acclimated to the medication. Individuals taking this medication should exercise caution when operating heavy machinery and should avoid consuming grapefruit juice which can cause a serious interaction.
The manufacturer behind Tramadol is Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a pharmaceutical research and manufacturing company based in the United States. Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals’ primary emphasis is on developing medications used in pain management, acid reflux and infectious bacterial diseases.
Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals is responsible for the creation of several popular medications for pain management, aside from Tramadol. The widely used Duragesic patch is an opioid delivery dermal bandage that provides the medication fentanyl via slow absorption through the skin. The advantage to this method of delivery is that the medication is continuously provided to the patient and does not require regular consumption of medication in pill form.
In addition to Tramadol and Duragesic, Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals also produces combination pain medications that contain opiates including Tylenol with codeine, Tylox (oxycodone and acetaminophen) and a version of Ultram that also contains acetaminophen. Another medication this manufacturer offers is Parafon forte, a combination pain reliever that contains the muscle relaxer chlorzoxazone combined with acetaminophen. Finally, the company also manufacturers Nucynta (tapentadol), which is indicated for moderate to severe pain and affects both the ascending and descending neural pathways that create the sensation of pain. This is a unique action, in contrast to other opioid medications which only affect the ascending pathways.
In addition to medications intended for pain management, Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals also produces Aciphex (rabeprazole sodium). This medication is used to treat symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux and works by reducing the amount of stomach acid that reaches the esophagus. This action also helps to reduce erosion in the esophagus caused by continuous exposure to acid that can cause ulcers.
For the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections, Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals manufacturers injectable Doribax injectable antibiotic, Levaquin injectable antibiotic, Floxin tablets for ear infection, Nizoral antifungal cream, Sporanox antifungal capsules. The company was also the manufacturer of Propulsid, a popular medication used to treat stomach ulcers and acid reflux. Propulsid however, is no longer available for use in the United States.

How Does Tramadol Interact With Diabetes?

Diabetics have to be cautious when taking any type of medication. This includes medications for relief of moderate to severe pain such as tramadol. The narcotic-like medication has been an effective pain reliever for nearly 40 years. The drug is generally safe for most diabetics to take, but some precautions need to be taken to ensure a safe experience with tramadol.
According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetics should discuss taking medications such as tramadol with their doctor. Some medications for diabetes cannot be mixed with tramadol or other similar medications. In some instances, medications a patient is currently taking may need to be altered in dosage.
It is also important for anybody taking tramadol to take the correct dosage amount at the correct times. Overdosing can be especially dangerous for diabetics. Signs of an overdose of tramadol may include shallow breathing, extreme fatigue, muscle weakness and slow heartbeat. Since tramadol suppresses the central nervous system, any signs of an overdose should be taken seriously.
Diabetics may notice more pronounced side effects with tramadol. Common side effects of tramadol include constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, diarrhea, increased sweating, mild itching, nausea, headache, trouble sleeping, weakness and vomiting. Diabetics should also be aware of potential cardiovascular side effects such as tachycardia and high blood pressure.
The risk of side effects is higher is all users of tramadol if more than the stated dosage is consumed on a regular basis. Some diabetics on tramadol have experienced vision issues, but this is often corrected with adjusted dosages. Diabetics planning to use tramadol on a long-term basis should check with their doctor.
Tramadol is meant to be taken over a long period of time for those using it for chronic pain relief. The medication does not behave in the same way other pain relievers act. It attaches itself to specific parts of the bloodstream in order to target the areas where it is needed. Diabetics should be closely monitored if tramadol is going to be taken for more than 90 days.
Most pain relievers do not conflict with common diabetic medications, but there are exceptions. Doctors usually require regular blood tests to make sure there are no issues with medications such as tramadol. If a dosage is missed, it should not be doubled. Either wait until the next required dosage time or take it as soon as possible if it is not too far past the dosage time. Alcohol should never be consumed with tramadol.
Most people taking medications such as tramadol who experience side effects report them within the first 45 to 90 days of taking such medications. If a diabetic who is taking tramadol notices any of the mentioned side effects, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and contact a doctor or trusted health care professional.

Identifying Fake / Real Tramadol

Unfortunately, the sale of counterfeit drugs is on the rise. Selling fake drugs on the street and online is a multi billion dollar operation. Manufacturers and distributors are lining their pockets with money that has not been obtained in good faith. Tramadol is only one in a million examples of fake medication that is being sold illegally. This growing concern has lawmakers and law enforcers very upset.
Law enforcement is looking for ways to crack down on online pharmacies that participate in selling fake drugs to unsuspecting consumers. While some pharmacies are not legal there are some that are legal and consumers should complete a research of the company before buying a non prescription medication. Blind faith and blind trust is not an option in some cases.
Tramadol is a prescription pain that is widely brought and sold and often counterfeited. Buyers should educate themselves on what real Tramadol looks like VS what fake Tramadol looks like. Tramadol like other real or prescription medications has a visual imprint. The imprint is used to identify the name and manufacturer of the drug. Consumers who are attempting to identify a real tramadol from a fake one should run the imprint through a pill identifier.
Real Tramadol is used to treat backaches and other chronic pain on a continually basis. There are two type of prescription Tramadol; both pills are white in color. One has the imprint (AN 627) on one side, and is 9.00 mm in size. The other pill is has an “M” imprint on one side and another imprint “T7” on the other side; it is 8.00 mm in size. Both of these pills are round in size, 50 mg strength, and available by prescription only.
It may be difficult for some people to distinguish between the real deal and the fake pill. Knowing what a real Tramadol looks like should be enough knowledge to know when a fake Tramadol is being introduced. Look for the imprints. If it does not relieve pain and other unusual symptoms occur it is safe to assume that the medication is not what it claims.
Millions of people have been taken advantage of and have lost a considerable amount of money. It stands to reason that so many people are looking for pain medication at a lower price than what they are paying. Cheaper is not always better. Most counterfeit drugs can cause adverse health defects and may even cause death. Great attention and caution should be given to medications being sold on the open market without a prescription.
Consumers should educate themselves on the kinds of medication they are taking, and how to identify pills that are not real. Buying from reputable online pharmacies which are licensed to distribute these medications will help to ensure consumers are receiving the accurate drugs they have ordered. Companies that are not familiar, new, or have a bad reputation are sending out too many red flags; avoid these companies at all costs. Your life and health may depend on it.

Posted in Identification | Tagged fake tramadol, real tramadol.

What Are the Side Effects of Tramadol?

The side effects of tramadol include common complaints such as dizziness and constipation. Called an opiate antagonist, tramadol is a painkiller used to treat pain in much the same way as opioid drugs like morphine and codeine. It does not have all of the same side effects as these drugs, and the risk of respiratory complications with tramadol is lowered, unless the medicine is combined with alcohol or certain antidepressants. Addiction is one of the riskier side effects of tramadol, since any drug that stimulates the pleasure centers of the brain can be habit-forming.
Tramadol is a painkiller that mimics the effects of opioid analgesic drugs which, in addition to relieving pain, stimulate the brain's pleasure and reward centers and can be addictive. It is prescribed to treat moderate to moderately severe pain, and has become preferable to many actual opioids because of its generally milder effects. Since it binds to the same receptors in the nervous system as opioids but is chemically quite different, the side effects of tramadol resemble but aren't identical to classical opioid painkillers like morphine. When it inhibits pain, tramadol activates receptors called mu-opioid receptors, but it also blocks the body's ability to regulate important neurotransmitters like serotonin.

Higher doses cause the common side effects of tramadol to occur more often. The most common of these are nausea, dizziness, and constipation, sometimes combined with reports of diarrhea. Overall, studies of tramadol suggest the incidence of gastrointestinal complaints varies with dosage and with the form of drug delivery, whether IV or oral. If administration of the drug is by IV drip, the nausea and constipation tend to be greater than if tramadol is taken orally in pill form. Mild headaches, with or without dizziness, have been reported by less than a third of patients.
One of the serious — if rare — side effects of tramadol is respiratory suppression. While less common a problem than with traditional opioid painkillers, respiratory difficulty from tramadol becomes more likely with overdose or with impaired kidney function, which increases the amount of the drug in blood circulation. As with many opioids, tramadol should not be mixed with alcohol because of the risk of respiratory complications. Conversely, some studies indicated tramadol increased the risk of seizures, particularly in those patients whose treatment regimen was combined with tricyclic antidepressants, or who had an existing history of epilepsy.
There has been some controversy among policymakers and scientists about the side effects of tramadol. It can become an addictive drug to some people, but scientific studies have not indicated that patients build tolerance to it or require increasingly larger doses, as happens with opioid drugs. Because of its potentially addictive properties, it is a controlled substance in the United States and several other nations. Many countries regulate it as a prescription drug but not as a controlled substance in the same category as codeine or morphine.

Is Tramadol a narcotic?

Is Tramadol a Narcotic?

Yes and No. No, Tramadol is not officially classed as a federal narcotic by either the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) or the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The original classifications created by Controlled Substances Act of 1970 are now monitored and changed by the DEA and the FDA, but neither recognizes Tramadol as a narcotic. Instead, Tramadol is in a class of medications called opiate agonists. However, Tramadol is classified as a narcotic in some states such as Virginia and Kentucky.

Should Tramadol classification change?

Given the addictive nature of all opioid drugs, it might make sense to class Tramadol as a narcotic. In a legal sense, most opium, opium derivatives, and their semi-synthetic substitutes are already considered narcotics. Furthermore, Tramadol can be addictive and is prone abuse and misuse. One argument that manufacturers of Tramadol is is that the medicine is rarely addictive in people who genuinely need them to control pain, and is slow acting.
But given the efficacy of Tramadol, its physical dependence and necessary withdrawal when you stop taking it, I believe that this drug should be classified a narcotic, in order to create legal consequences for those who are taking Tramadol for non-medical reasons. Here is a list of why I believe this:
PROS – Why Tramadol should be a narcotic
* technically a narcotic b/c it binds at opiate receptors in the brain
* high potential for non medical abuse
* current high rates of misuse
* easy to obtain, sell or distribute
CONS – Why Tramadol should not be a narcotic
* legitimate medical use of Tramadol may be affected

Discussion

What do you think? Should Tramadol remain unclassified? Or should it become a narcotic?  Your comments, experience and opinions are welcomed and will be posted here.

What is Tramadol

What is tramadol?

Tramadol is a narcotic-like pain reliever.

Tramadol is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Tramadol extended-release is used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain when treatment is needed around the clock.

Tramadol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about tramadol

You should not take tramadol if you have ever been addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Seizures (convulsions) have occurred in some people taking tramadol. You may be more likely to have a seizure while taking tramadol if you have a history of seizures or head injury, a metabolic disorder, or if you are taking certain medicines such as antidepressants, muscle relaxers, or medicine for nausea and vomiting.

Take tramadol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Do not take more than 300 milligrams of tramadol in one day.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. A tramadol overdose can be fatal. Overdose symptoms of a tramadol overdose may include drowsiness, shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, extreme weakness, cold or clammy skin, feeling light-headed, fainting, or coma. Tramadol may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Tramadol should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. Tramadol can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Do not stop using tramadol suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, tremors, chills, hallucinations, trouble sleeping, or breathing problems. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication. Do not crush the tramadol tablet. This medicine is for oral (by mouth) use only. Powder from a crushed tablet should not be inhaled or diluted with liquid and injected into the body. Using this medicine by inhalation or injection can cause life-threatening side effects, overdose, or death.