Tramadol is a powerful opioid pain killer that can also be prescribed to treat various conditions unrelated to pain. It is a controlled substance and unavailable in the UK unless obtained via a prescription from a fully registered UK doctor. As it has so many uses and is a controlled substance with issues relating to safety and addiction, it inspires many pertinent questions from those prescribed Tramadol. Below, we have listed the most common questions around Tramadol for you:

Can I Buy Tramadol Online?

Tramadol is available online with a prescription. That is not to say that you need to present a prescription to a website in order to purchase the medication. Treated.com can provide a prescription after you fill in an online questionnaire, after a UK registered doctor can ascertain whether the medication is right for you. It is essential that you avoid buying medication from unregistered, illegal websites as this can lead to problems with wrongly labelled medications. Counterfeit products can also contain highly toxic ingredients or just ineffectual ones.

Is Tramadol Safe For Children?

Although it is rare for doctors to prescribe Tramadol for use in children, in specific circumstances it can be administered. Tramadol for children is not allowed through online purchasing and all other painkilling medications should be sought before opioid use is recommended.

Can I Split Tramadol Tablets?

Tramadol comes in two forms, Instant Release (IR) and Extended Release (ER). The instant release form can be split as the medication is released in one dose. This is sometimes the case at the start of the treatment as a half dosage (25mg instead of 50mg) might be recommended to begin with. For the extended release version it is essential that the tablet is taken whole, this also means undamaged, as they tend to be a more powerful dosage that is designed to release the active ingredient over prolonged period of time. Breaking the seal on the tablet is extremely dangerous and can lead to overdose and even fatalities.

Are Other Pain Medications Suitable To Take With Tramadol?

Some pain medications can be taken alongside Tramadol. In fact many doctors recommend this as a way of keeping Tramadol dosages at a minimum. It is essential, however, that Tramadol is not taken with other opioid medications as this can be extremely hazardous, greatly increase the risk of overdose. Some forms of Tramadol already come with separate pain medications in them, such as Tramacet, a mixture of Tramadol and Paracetamol. Ibuprofen is another painkiller that is often prescribed to be taken with Tramadol, and anti-inflammatory medications are often used to treat conditions such as Arthritis alongside Tramadol.

Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Tramadol?

Alcohol should never be ingested while taking Tramadol or any other form of opioid. This is due to the fact that alcohol and Tramadol have a similar affect on the central nervous system. Alcohol magnifies the affects that Tramadol has on the respiratory system (breathing), slowing it to the point where it can stop altogether. Most fatal opioid overdoses occur this way.

How Often Should I Take Tramadol?

This depends on the type of Tramadol you have been prescribed (Sustained or Instant Release), the strength of the medication and your specific need. For Instant Release forms of Tramadol you should not take more than 4 capsules a day. It is important to note that if the pain is manageable without Tramadol, you should discontinue the treatment and perhaps use other painkillers, such as Ibuprofen. For Sustained Release versions it is will depend on the reason you have been prescribed the medication. It is therefore important to follow the instructions from your doctor.

How Much Is Too Much Tramadol?

No matter which condition you are being prescribed Tramadol for or the form in which is comes in, you should never exceed 400mg within 24 hours. If you are finding that Tramadol is not managing your symptoms at this dosage you should speak to your doctor to see whether another treatment would be more suitable. As each medication affects the individual in a unique way, it might be that a different treatment, even with a less powerful painkiller, will be more effective.

Is Tramadol An Anti-Depressant?

Due to the fact that Tramadol affects Serotonin and Dopamine, both feel good hormones, it has shown some positive results in those suffering with depression. Although this might be a welcome side effect for some, specifically designed anti-depressants are able to pinpoint similar effects without the risks and side effects associated with Tramadol. For this reason it is generally unsuitable for use as an anti-depressant, although it might be prescribed to treat such symptoms in some circumstances. It is also the reason why Tramadol should not be taken with most anti-depressant medications, including SSRI such as Prozac.

Can I Give My Dog Tramadol?

While dogs can be prescribed Tramadol for pain relief, it is extremely dangerous to give the human forms of the medication to any animal. Treatments in pets will require careful calculations regarding body mass and dosage, which if miscalculated can cause an overdose and death.

Is It Illegal to Give Someone Your Tramadol Prescription?

Tramadol is a controlled substance, as such it is illegal to possess it without prescription. Doing so can result in a fine or even a prison sentence of up to two years. Giving someone Tramadol is not only highly dangerous due to issues with underlying conditions and drug interactions with medications you may not be aware they are taking, it is also highly illegal. Supplying Tramadol can be harshly punished by UK law, with a custodial sentence of up to 14 years a possibility. At the very least a criminal record can lead to problems gaining employment and obtaining visas to visit many countries.

If Tramadol Is Addictive Why Is It Prescribed For Long-Term Use?

While Tramadol is an addictive substance, it is far less so than many other opioid medications, such as Morphine. It is also much better tolerated than most other medications of its kind. That is not to say that long-term use is recommended. If symptoms are severe enough, however, with careful monitoring it can be the best option for managing pain for many whose quality of life would suffer beyond the possible issues of Tramadol side effects. This is a highly individual consideration that both patient and doctor must negotiate. Typically it is used in small doses alongside other pain managing medications, such as anti-inflammatories and less powerful painkillers.