Last Updated: 9/3/2020

Tramadol Abuse: Effects, Signs & SymptomsIf you or your loved ones have been affected by the misuse of tramadol, a key step in your recovery is the gathering of accurate information. In addition to explaining more about the signs and symptoms of addiction, this information can improve your understanding of tramadol withdrawal and detox, as well as the proven methods used in substance treatment programs. With these resources at your disposal, you can begin the journey toward sobriety from a position of knowledge and awareness.

Symptoms and Side Effects of Tramadol Abuse

Like any other opioid- or opiate-based painkiller, tramadol1 can trigger the onset of addiction when used in large amounts (especially over a long span of time). People addicted to the medication have a condition called opioid use disorder2. In addition to addiction, the definition of this condition includes cases of non-addicted abuse that impair your ability to lead a functional daily existence. These two problems are grouped together because they often appear at the same time in people who misuse opioids.

As with all other opioids, the core symptoms of tramadol addiction include:

  • Loss of the ability to regulate how much of the medication you use at once
  • Loss of the ability to regulate how often you use tramadol
  • A history of unsuccessful attempts to stop using the medication
  • The need to take increasing doses of tramadol in order to feel its effects
  • The substitution of tramadol consumption for other activities you once preferred
  • The development of strong tramadol cravings when not actively consuming the medication
  • A pattern of medication misuse that you stick with even after it causes serious life disruptions

Recognized symptoms of non-addicted tramadol abuse include repeated consumption of the medication in obviously risky situations and an unwillingness to modify your intake after your current pattern of use leads to significant conflicts with your family or friends. In addition, doctors look for a level of medication intake that restricts your ability to meet obligations at work, in school or at home.

Behavioral Signs Of Abuse

A range of other mental, physical and behavioral changes may also point to a tramadol-related problem. Common examples of these changes include3:

  • Slurring of your speech
  • A declining ability to make good decisions
  • Unusual sleepiness
  • A depressed or irritable mood
  • Unexplained, rapid mood changes
  • Panic attacks
  • Constipated bowels
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • A declining ability to coordinate your body movements
  • An unusual lack of motivation
  • Abnormally slow or shallow breathing

Prolonged use of tramadol or any other opioid painkiller can lead to a state of physical dependence even if you follow the terms of your prescription. In the case of opioids, dependence means that you must keep taking a given substance in order to avoid feeling unwell. However, dependent people don’t have addiction-related symptoms such as uncontrolled medication consumption and dysfunctional daily routines.

Reach Out For Help

We provide holistic care and treatment using an individualized approach specifically tailored to your needs. Our holistic care and treatment is based on the best scientific evidence available. Secondly, we help you lead a healthy, substance-free life with adaptive coping and problem-solving skills. Don’t let Tramadol abuse control your life. Our addiction professionals can help you get on a path of recovery, significantly changing your life. Contact us today for more information on our certified staff of professionals, as well as our first-rate facilities.

  1. U.S. National Library of Medicine – MedlinePlus: Tramadol
    https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695011.html
  2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Substance Use Disorders
    https://www.samhsa.gov/disorders/substance-use
  3. American Academy of Family Physicians: Opioid Addiction
    https://familydoctor.org/condition/opioid-addiction/?adfree=true