Nowadays, people are suffering from different types of pain such as physical or mental pain. Physical pain can occur for many reasons like post or pre-surgery, improper lifting, poor posture of sitting for an hour, and irregular exercises, these activities can cause muscle pain, back pain, etc. Around 80% to 90% of people in the United States have back pain due to many reasons like being overweight, anxiety depression, etc.
Back pain is a common problem, in which people require medical treatment. It can be categorized as upper, lower, or middle back pain. This pain can be mild, moderate, or severe. Back pain can feel like muscle aching, stabbing, or burning sensation. For these reasons, patients have to consult health care professionals. For the treatment of back pain, a doctor can recommend medication as well as therapy. Tramadol for back pain is now a more commonly prescribed medicine by doctors in the USA. In this article, we will all about Tramadol medicine, and how does it work on back pain.
What is Tramadol?
Tramadol drug is a strong painkiller. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain of an individual, a doctor can recommend tramadol drug when pain is not relieved from other medications.
This is a synthetic opioid (man-made) and it directly acts in the brain and central nervous system (CNS), which helps in reducing pain.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Tramadol for the treatment of moderate to severe pain in adults. This drug belongs to the group of medicines called opioid analgesics.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classified tramadol as Schedule IV of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Tramadol is a generic drug, and it is available as a brand-name Ultram.
Forms and Strengths of Tramadol Drug
- Forms:- Tramadol is available as an Immediate-Release oral tablet and Extended-Release oral tablet.
- Strengths:- Tramadol drug strengths are listed below:
Dosages of Tramadol Medicine
The dose has 2 forms, one is the immediate release form, and the other one is an extended release form. Both are prescribed by a doctor as per the patient’s condition.
Immediate-release (IR) tablet for Moderate to Severe pain
- Adults (age 18 to 64 years):– If the patient can tolerate it, then the health care expert can increase the dose by 50 mg in every 3 days to reach 200 mg per day. A doctor can recommend a dose of 50 mg 4 times in a day. The maintenance dose will be 50 – 100 mg. 400 mg every day is the maximum dose.
- Children (age 17 years):- A dose of 50 mg 4 times per day is advised. In this case, doctor can increase the dose by 50 mg in every 3 days to reach 200 mg every day, if these doses are tolerated by the patient. The fixed dose will be 50 – 100 mg. 400 mg per day is the maximal dose.
- Children (age 0 to 17 years):- Tramadol is not recommended for this age group.
- Senior patients (65 years & above):- Patients are advised to a lower dose because it can lead to severe health problem in the patients. But patients older than 75 years, the maximum dosage of the (IR) tablet is 300 mg per day.
Extended-Release (ER) Tablet
- Adults (age 18 to 64 years):- A dose of 100 mg once per day is recommended, but a doctor can increase the dose by 100 mg every 5 days. 300 mg is the maximum dose.
- Child Dosage (0 to 17 years):– People of this age group are not recommended for the use of this medication because it is not safe and effective for individuals younger than 18 years.
Is Tramadol Useful for Back Pain?
The administration of non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is effective for the treatment of back pain. Tramadol drug is used for the treatment of lower back pain, and sciatica, and also for post-surgery pain in the spine. Tramadol works immediately by binding to the mu opioid receptors in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and it helps in reducing the feeling of pain.
What is it Used For Except Back Pain?
A doctor can recommend tramadol for various reasons that are listed below:
- For treating moderate to severe pain.
- Extended-release tablets for chronic pain in adults for a long period of time.
- It is used to treat pain after surgery in children younger than 18 years of age.
- Tramadol is also effective for nerve-related pain.
Side Effects of Tramadol Drug
Tramadol has some common, and serious side effects that are mentioned below;
Common Side Effects
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Itching
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
Serious Side Effects
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Irregular Heart Beat
- Loss of Coordination
- Skin Rash
- Hives
- Swelling in Face
- Breathing Problems
- Seizure
- The feeling of Light Headed
Precautions
- Tramadol is a habit-forming drug, abuse or misuse of this medication can lead to overdose or death.
- It should be stored at room temperature away from heat, and moisture, and out of reach of children.
- This medication can interact with Benzodiazepines and other drugs, which can cause serious side effects.
- Patients should avoid tramadol drug if they have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days.
- Avoid drinking alcohol as long as you are affected by this drug.
- It should not be administered to women who are breastfeeding or are pregnant.