Tramadol is a medication, used to treat mild to moderate pain in patients 18 and older. This medication is available by prescription only and is currently considered one of the most effective painkillers. The problem with this drug is that many patients have heard that Tramadol is addictive. This makes many patients weary to take Tramadol and some physicians slow to prescribe it.

Tramadol is an opioid that works by blocking receptors in the brain from receiving certain pain messages. The medication also blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine and increases serotonin levels. When metabolized in the body, Tramadol becomes similar to morphine. Patients may feel euphoric and any pain will be significantly reduced or eliminated.

However, while Tramadol may be similar to morphine, it is not morphine, nor is it a narcotic. It is an extremely effective medication designed to manage short term pain. When used under the supervision of a physician, Tramadol can be a very effective and non-habit forming way to manage pain.

Under the Controlled Substance Act, Tramadol does not currently make the list of addictive substances. This act ranks controlled substances by placing them in five different “schedules”, from highly addictive to not likely to cause physical or emotional dependence. So for Tramadol to be left off of this list, many would conclude that the substance is simply not addictive.

The Journal of Family Practice also agrees that Tramadol is not normally addictive. A study performed by the Journal of Family Practice concluded that Tramadol only posed a low risk of serious physical dependence.

Unfortunately, patients have reported becoming addicted to the medication. Patients most at risk of abuse are those that either take Tramadol for long periods of time or that self-medicate. Tramadol is a prescription medication for a reason. When not used under the supervision of a doctor, many prescription medications can be dangerous. Patients are often unaware of the correct dosage and find themselves medicating far beyond what a physician would suggest.

Tramadol can also cause dependence if taken for long periods. Tramadol is most often said to be addictive by those who take the medication to treat chronic pain. Patients that have struggled with substance abuse in the past may also find the drug to cause dependence.

Are Patients Really Addicted?

Some professionals argue that patients are not necessarily addicted to Tramadol, but dependent on it. A person is dependent on an opioid when their body adjusts and depends on a certain dose of a medication. A person is addicted to a medication when they begin increasing their dosage without their doctor’s consent, become fixated on the medication, and try to find ways to get more medication.

It is normal to become dependent on an opioid. Patients that take Tramadol on a regular basis will become use to taking the drug, especially because it helps them manage pain. Once patients stop taking Tramadol after an extended period of time, they will go through a slight withdrawal period since their body is use to the medication. This is a normal reaction. It does not mean that a patient is addicted.

How to Cope With a Dependence to Tramadol

If a patient finds themselves independently increasing their dosage or scheming up ways to obtain more Tramadol, then there is cause for concern. The first thing for an overly dependent or addicted person to do is to contact their doctor. Their doctor may suggest slowly lowering their dosage or enrolling the patient in a drug treatment program.

While cleansing oneself of the medication, patients will want to consume a healthy diet and maintain a regular exercise routine. Certain herbs and other substances, like gingko biloba, kava-kava, eutherero root, caffeine, and green tea, may also help a patient overcome dependence. However, the most effective ways to avoid dependence is to take Tramadol only as prescribed by a doctor and speak with a doctor at the first sign of excessive dependence.