With concerns over the prescription opioids addiction in the United States gaining increasing attention, some medical professionals have proposed the use of Tramadol as a safer opioid. A number of medical researchers have even promoted the use of the drug as a safer opioid.

Others have even promoted the drug as an effective treatment for the nasty withdrawal symptoms experienced by individuals attempting to beat addiction to opioids. However, the efficacy and safety of the drug has been thrown into question given that Tramadol is simply another opioid. And most people are now battling with one question; is Tramadol addictive?

Well, let’s dig deeper to find the truth!

What is Tramadol? Opioid?

In simple terms, Tramadol is an opioid painkiller that is often used to treat moderate to serious pain. It belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid agonists. This class of drugs works by altering how the brain senses pain and they are similar to the chemicals in the brain known as endorphins. These endorphins bind to receptor cells in the brain to decrease the pain messages that the body transmits to the brain. Consequently, Tramadol works in the same way to reduce the intensity of pain the brain thinks you’re experiencing.

Is Tramadol Safe?

The truth of the matter is that Tramadol is addictive. Over time, the drug can produce cravings as well as the psychological desire to continue using. Some individuals get addicted to the drug after being prescribed it as a treatment for physical pain. Most people will experience the same withdrawal symptoms associated with other opioids once they stop taking it, so most people continue taking the drug instead. Additionally, your body can build a tolerance to Tramadol and this means you’ll have to take more of the drug just to experience the same effects or to escape an unpleasant withdrawal.

The fact that Tramadol can be as addictive as any other prescription opioids mean that it is not advisable to use the drug as pain medication. It also means that the drug is not safe to use as a treatment for opioid withdrawal symptoms. In fact, you will most probably experience the same withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping the use of other known opioids like Methadone.

What are the Opioid-Like Withdrawal Symptoms of Tramadol?

As already mentioned, Tramadol has most of the symptoms associated with other opioids. These include:

  • Nervous tremors
  • Sweating profusely
  • Running nose
  • Anxiety
  • Yawning
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Restlessness
  • Abdominal cramps or muscle spasms
  • Sleep disturbancec

Conclusion

Tramadol is somewhat atypical with its properties as an opioid. It still elicits narcotic properties in the brain’s opioid receptors. It is also similar in many ways to other drugs in this category of substances. Tramadol poses a great risk for addiction. Prolonged period of time or taken in larger doses than recommended, can harm the patient.

It also poses a risk for addiction when taken more frequently. Especially for non-medical purposes. Consequently, the bottom line is that you should not use Tramadol. In case you’re addicted, you should withdraw from it.