Hey SWIMERs listen to this LOL, SWIM went to the gym before school as usual. He had his box of 8s waiting for CWE at home sometime later on in the week. At gym he injures his neck (its a spot that happens every now and then and goes away in couple days or so). He decides to go doctors to get a med cert so he doesnt go school as he has an oral and he aint gona do one with a twisted neck. He goes doctors and out of no were is prescribed Tramadol Lol ?? He now has 20 X 50mg tablets.
He has been reading threads but cant come up with definitive answers to his questions.
He wants to know how much he should take, what to expect and if he should mix it with codeine... what to do on them? etc anything would be helpful really
SWIM still cant believe his luck today. Literally out of no where.
tramadol is a non-narcotic,synthetic ,mild pain killer. swiy should start by reading the drug interaction/info sheet that comes w/medication.Always take recommended dose then gradually add dose till desired relief is achieved.Swim would say mixing with codeine would be not a good idea,but swim has done this with no ill-effects.Swim would warn you that tramadol is NOT a "catch a buzz" type medication. it works by tricking pain receptors in brain and other than that does nothing else.Swim says throw'em away and go back to dr. & tell him they don't work.hope this answers your question.
He wants to know how much he should take, what to expect and if he should mix it with codeine... what to do on them? etc anything would be helpful really
Start with 50-100mg. Tramadol works very well in low doses for the recreational effect!
Many People reported that "the fun of tramadol need to be learned",
it's a very subtly Trip!
Don't mix Tramadol with any other medicament, ie. Codeine or/and other Opioids!
Quote:
Originally Posted by midnightcast
SWIM still cant believe his luck today. Literally out of no where.
Yeah, "the Devil" use always different ways to hook up his much needed customer
The happiest days of swims life were spent on tramadol. The high would last all day.. he had so much energy so much self-confidence and felt constantly euphoric with this incredible warm glow type feeling. The best thing was that he never had a single side effect ever (except its sometimes hard to pee lol).
Sadly once swim gained a huge tolerance to other opioids it was never the same
One thing though is that swim noticed that tramadol itself never caused any tolerance at all,
A word of warning though, Tramadol has been known to cause physical dependence.
Yeah start with around 50-100mg to be on the safe side. Tramadol does give a very nice buzz, not massivly strong but nice all the same. The thing with Tramadol is unlike most other opiates it actually seems to be mildly stimulating, it's still possible nod but it does have slight stimulating undertone, which no one else seemed to mention yet so I thought I would. Just watch out for how frequently you take it what with physical dependence and all, SWIM used for 2 weeks once and felt horribly ill for 3/4 days when he stopped. You onyl have 20 so you should be ok. Stay safe and sensible, hope your neck is ok.
Hi, Swims doctor perscibed them. Swim used to take 100mg per day Swim found to be very relaxed all day, nice floaty feeling. Although at first SWIM was sick on them as the doctor had advised swim to take them through the day and it was def too much. Swim also had the trouble peeing, kind of numbs you so you have to really focus!. Also when coming off them after 3 months, SWIM had very bad restless leg symdrome when trying to sleep. Not nice But 3/4 days is worth the 3 months of feeling great.
swim personally hasn't found any recreational use for tramadol though he has only done it once. when swim did try it he did 300mg though he wouldnt recommend that dose as swim has a high opiate tolerance
Update: Fellow Swimmer thanks for the swift effective replies.
SWIM took 200mg and reports that he felt a low but enjoyable buzz that was resemblent of mdma. and dxm, even music sounded deep and rich. SWIM prefers real sedative opiods were he can lie in bed so did not really like it. THe waves of euphoria was also missing to a large degree. He took another 50mg about two hours later and found that the trip went a little more noddy but it came and went in waves. SWIM is not really into any stimulants while recreationally using stuff so ofcourse ENTER CODEINE(450mg) --- the only word swim can pick out when describing the mixture of these two is BLISS. Euphoria so wavey that it forces a nod. PS this is SWIMs life...no one ever copy this or do it..swim does not condone this sort of drug use..he wishes he never started drugs he is only reporting what he experienced due to the number of replies on this great forum. Drugs suck. Tramadol nice but still a little dissapointed. DXm could give SWIM a similiar trip at 90mg.
SWIM advises being very careful with Tramadol. Although SWIY only has 20, still be careful. SWIM is prescribed tramadol, and is currently physically dependent on it. It came out of completely nowhere. SWIM was not even using it every day, due to having a good pain day, or just skipping a dose because he wanted to avoid this problem. Despite all this, he is now sick about 12-14 hours after his last dose of 300 mg. SWIM gets very cold, goose bumps, sweats profusely, runny nose and chest congestion, insomnia. He shakes constantly from being cold. It's awful.
SWIM is going to keep using to avoid withdrawal symptoms until school is out, and then will try to taper down to get off of tramadol, or at least break this physical dependence. SWIM has gone through worse before (see his previous posts), getting RLS, all the aforementioned symptoms, and more.
If anyone has any tips for getting off of this medicine, please share them with SWIM. He'd really appreciate it.
my jack ass donkey has had VERY direct experience with it and the only thing that I can pass on is that this stuff negatively affected him and he felt he was ill and about to pass away.
No pain relief nor positive effects were documented.
Please keep in mind that MOST pharmaceutical companies suggest tramadol should NOT be given in any higher a dose than a total of 400mg in a 24/hr period. Going higher than this will increase the chance of seizures and also seretonin syndrome which can be fatal. As you increase the dose over 400 mg the chances rise more and more. Seizures HAVE occurred in people on 300mg.
Serotonin syndrome is a potentialyl life-threatening drug reaction that causes the body to have too much serotonin, a chemical produced by nerve cells.
Causes
Serotonin syndrome most often occurs when two drugs that affect the body's level of serotonin are taken together at the same time. The drugs cause too much serotonin to be released or to remain in the brain area.
For example, you can develop this syndrome if you take migraine medicines called triptans together with antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and selective serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs). Popular SSRI's include Celexa, Zoloft, Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, and Lexapro. SNRI's include Cymbalta and Effexor. Brand names of triptans include Imitrex, Zomig, Frova, Maxalt, Axert, Amerge, and Relpax.
The FDA recently asked the manufacturers of these types of drugs to include warning labels on their products that tell you about the potential risk of serotonin syndrome. Talk to your doctor before stopping any medication.
Serotonin syndrome is more likely to occur when you first start or increase the medicine.
Older antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can also cause serotonin syndrome with the medicines describe above, as well as meperidine (Demerol, a painkiller) or dextromethorphan (cough medicine).
Drugs of abuse, such as ecstasy and LSD have also been associated with serotonin syndrome.
Symptoms
Symptoms occur within minutes to hours, and may include:
Agitation or restlessness
Diarrhea
Fast heart beat
Hallucinations
Increased body temperature
Loss of coordination
Nausea
Overactive reflexes
Rapid changes in blood pressure
Vomiting
Exams and Tests
The diagnosis is usually made by asking questions about your medical history, including the types of drugs you take.
To be diagnosed with serotonin syndrome, you must have been taking a drug that changes the body's serotonin levels (serotonergic drug) and have at least three of the following signs or symptoms:
Serotonin syndrome is not diagnosed until all other possible causes have been ruled out, including infections, intoxications, metabolic and hormone problems, and drug withdrawal. Some symptoms of serotonin syndrome can mimic those due to an overdose of cocaine, lithium, or an MAOI.
If you have just start taking or increased the dosage of a tranquilizer (neuroleptic drug), other conditions such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome will be considered.
Tests may include:
Patients with serotonin syndrome should stay in the hospital for at least 24 hours for close observation.
Treatment may include:
Benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan) to decrease agitation, seizure-like movements, and muscle stiffness
Cyproheptadine (Periactin), a drug that blocks serotonin production
Fluids by IV
Withdrawal of medicines that caused the syndrome
In life-threatening cases, medicines that keep your muscles still (paralyze them) and a temporary breathing tube and breathing machine will be needed to prevent further muscle damage.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Patients may get slowly worse and can become severely ill if not quickly treated. Untreated serotonin syndrome can be deadly. However, with treatment, symptoms can usually go away in less than 24 hours.
Possible Complications
Uncontrolled muscle spasms can cause severe muscle breakdown. The products produced when the muscles break down are released into your blood and eventually go through the kidneys. This can cause severe kidney damage if not recognized and treated appropriately. With appropriate treatment, the condition is reversible.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Prevention
Always tell all of your healthcare providers what medicines you take. Patients who take triptans with SSRIs or SNRIs should be closely followed, especially right after starting a medicine or increasing its dosage.
Alternative Names
Hyperserotonemia; Serotonergic syndrome
References
US Food and Drug Administration. FDA Public Health Advisory: Combined Use of 5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptor Agonists (Triptans), Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) or Selective Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) May Result in Life-threatening Serotonin Syndrome. Rockville, MD: Center for Drug Evaluation and Research; July 19, 2006.
Prator BC. Serotonin syndrome. J Neurosci Nurs. 2006 Apr;38(2):102-5.
Ford MD, Clinical Toxicology. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2001:150, 522, 547, 550.
Bilden EF, Walter FG. Antidepressants. In Marx J, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2006: chap 149.
Sternbach H. The Serotonin Syndrome. Am J Psychiatry. 1991: 148:705.
Parrot AC. Recreational Ecstasy/MDMA, the serotonin syndrome, and serotonergic neurotoxicity. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2002 Apr;71(4):837-44. Review.
Update Date: 7/23/2008
Updated by: Jacob L. Heller, MD, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, Clinic. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Tramadol Data Sheet:
Quote:
Tramal®
Tramal® Capsules
Tramal® Solution for Injection
Tramal® SR Tablets
Tramal® Oral Drops
[h2]NAME OF MEDICINE[/h2]
Tramal® (tramadol hydrochloride) immediate release capsules 50 mg
Tramal® (tramadol hydrochloride) solution for injection 50 mg/mL, 100 mg/2mL
Tramal® SR tablets (tramadol hydrochloride) sustained release tablets) 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg
Tramal® oral drops (tramadol hydrochloride) immediate release, solution 100 mg/mL
[h2]PRESENTATION[/h2]
Tramal® 50 mg capsules are green and pale yellow capsules, containing 50 mg tramadol hydrochloride. Excipients include: cellulose-microcrystalline, magnesium stearate, sodium starch glycollate, silica-colloidal anhydrous. Excipients in the capsule shell are: indigo carmine (CI 173015), iron oxide yellow (CI 77492), Capsugel ink black (1007), titanium dioxide (CI 173015), and gelatine.
Tramal® 50 mg and 100 mg injections contain tramadol hydrochloride 50mg/mL. Excipients are: sodium acetate, Water for Injections.
Tramal® SR sustained release tablets contain: tramadol hydrochloride in the following dose strengths: 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg. Excipients are: hypromellose105 mPa.s, silica-colloidal anhydrous, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose. Excipients in the film coat are: hypromellose 6 mPa.s, lactose, macrogol 6000, propylene glycol, purified talc, titanium dioxide, quinoline yellow aluminium lake CI 47005 (150 and 200 mg tablets only), iron oxide red CI 77491 (150 and 200 mg tablets only), iron oxide yellow CI 77492 (50 and 200 mg tablets only) and iron oxide black CI 77499 (200 mg tablet only). Tramal® oral drops 100 mg/mL: contain tramadol hydrochloride 100 mg/mL. The excipients in the oral drops include potassium sorbate, glycerol, propylene glycol, sucrose, sodium cyclamate, saccharin sodium, ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oil, mint oil (partly dementholised), aniseed flavour (87122), and purified water.
[h2]USES[/h2]
[h3]Description [/h3]
Tramal® capsules, Tramal® solution for injection, Tramal® SR tablets and Tramal® oral drops contain tramadol hydrochloride which is (±) - cis-2-(dimethylaminomethyl)-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)-cyclohexanol hydrochloride. Tramadol hydrochloride is an odourless, white to off-white crystalline powder that is readily soluble in both water and ethanol and has a pKa of 9.41. The water/n-octanol partition coefficient is 1.35 at pH 7. It belongs to the synthetic analgesics class and has opioid-like activity, with the formula: C16H25NO2. HCl. MW = 299.84.
The structural formula of tramadol hydrochloride is
The CAS Registry Number is 36282-47-0 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 36282-47-0 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
[h2]Action[/h2]
[h3]Pharmacodynamics[/h3]
Tramadol is a centrally-acting synthetic analgesic of the aminocyclohexanol group with opioid-like effects. It is not derived from natural sources, nor is it chemically related to opiates. Although pre-clinical testing has not completely explained the mode of action, at least two complementary mechanisms appear applicable: binding to µ-opioid receptors and inhibition of re-uptake of noradrenaline and serotonin. The opioid-like activity of tramadol derives from low affinity binding of the parent compound to µ-opioid receptors and higher affinity binding of the principal active metabolite, O-desmethyltramadol, denoted M1, to µ-opioid receptors. In animal models, M1 is up to 6 times more potent than tramadol in producing analgesia and 200 times more potent in µ-opioid binding. The contribution to human analgesia of tramadol relative to M1 is unknown.
Both animal and human studies have shown that antinociception induced by tramadol is only partially antagonised by the opiate antagonist naloxone. In addition, tramadol has been shown to inhibit re-uptake of noradrenaline and serotonin in vitro, as have some other opioid analgesics. These latter mechanisms may contribute independently to the overall analgesic profile of tramadol.
The analgesic effect is dose-dependant, but the relationship between serum concentrations and analgesic effect varies considerably between individuals. In one study, the median serum concentration of tramadol required for effective post-operative analgesia was 300 ng/mL, with individual values ranging from 20 to 990 ng/mL.
Apart from analgesia, tramadol may produce other symptoms similar to that of opioids including: dizziness, somnolence, nausea, constipation, sweating and pruritus. However, tramadol causes significantly less respiratory depression than morphine. In contrast to morphine, tramadol has not been shown to cause histamine release. At therapeutic doses, tramadol has no clinically significant effect on heart rate, left ventricular function or cardiac index. Orthostatic changes in blood pressure have been observed.
[h3]Pharmacokinetics[/h3]
Tramadol is administered as a mixture of two stereoisomers; the following information refers to the combined concentration of both isomers. Tramadol has a linear pharmacokinetic profile within the therapeutic dosage range. Absorption
Tramadol is rapidly and almost completely absorbed after oral administration of 50 mg capsules following a mean absorption delay (t0) of approximately thirty minutes. The absorption half-life (t½) is 23 ± 11 minutes. After oral administration of two 50 mg capsules, the mean absolute bioavailability (fabs) is 68-72%, and the peak serum level (Cmax) is reached two hours (range one to three) after administration. The mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) is approximately 280 ng/mL after oral administration of two capsules. At this time, the mean serum concentration after intravenous injection is 1.46 times higher, amounting to approximately 410 ng/mL.
Oral administration of tramadol with food does not significantly affect its rate or extent of absorption. Therefore tramadol can be administered without regard to food.
After repeated oral administration of 50 mg and 100 mg tramadol capsules at six hourly intervals, steady state is reached 30 to 36 hours after the first administration and the bioavailability is greater than 90%. The plasma concentrations at steady state exceeded by 52% and 36% those extrapolated from the single dose administration studies with 50 mg and 100 mg capsules, respectively. This can be explained by first pass metabolic saturation.
After intramuscular injection of 50mg tramadol, the bioavailability is approximately 100%, and the peak serum level is attained after 45 minutes (range 15 to 90).
After oral administration of Tramal® SR, more than 90% of tramadol is absorbed. After a single dose, the mean absolute bioavailability is approximately 70%, irrespective of the concomitant intake of food. Oral bioavailability increases to 90% after repeated administration. The difference between absorbed and bioavailable tramadol is due to first-pass metabolism (maximum of 30%). The administration of Tramal® SR every 12 hours and Tramal® (immediate release) every 6 hours at the same daily dose, resulted in similar peak and trough serum tramadol concentrations and total tramadol exposure for the two preparations. Serum tramadol concentrations in young males treated with Tramal® SR (mean ± sd) Single Dose Steady State 100 mg 200 mg 100 mg q12 h 200 mg q12 h Peak (ng/mL) 142 ± 40 260 ± 113 293 ± 113 579 ± 149 Time to peak (h) 4.9 ± 0.8 4.8 ± 0.8 3.5 ± 1 3.9 ± 1.1 Trough (ng/mL) - - 156 ± 87 265 ± 67 [h4]Distribution[/h4]
Tramadol is rapidly distributed in the body, with a volume of distribution of 2 - 3 L/kg in young adults. The volume of distribution is reduced by about 25% in those aged over 75 years. Plasma protein binding is about 20% and is independent of concentration up to 10 μg/mL. Saturation of plasma protein binding occurs only at concentrations outside the clinically relevant range.
Tramadol crosses the placental and blood-brain barriers. Very small amounts of tramadol and M1 are found in breast milk (0.1% and 0.02% respectively of the administered dose).
[h4]Metabolism[/h4]
Tramadol is extensively metabolised after oral administration. The major metabolic pathways appear to be N - and O -demethylation and glucuronidation or sulfation in the liver. Only O -desmethyltramadol (M1) is pharmacologically active. Production of M1 is dependent on the CYP2D6 isoenzyme of cytochrome P450. Patients who metabolise drugs poorly via CYP2D6 may obtain reduced benefit from tramadol, due to reduced formation of M1. N-demethylation is catalysed by the CYP3A4 isoenzyme of cytochrome P450. The inhibition of one or both types of the isoenzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 involved in the biotransformation of tramadol may affect the plasma concentration of tramadol or its active metabolite.
[h4]Excretion[/h4]
Tramadol and its metabolites are excreted mainly by the kidneys, with a cumulative renal excretion (tramadol and metabolites) of approximately 95%. In young adults approximately 15 - 19% of an administered dose of tramadol is excreted in the urine as unmetabolised drug. In the elderly, this increases to about 35%. Biliary excretion is of little importance. In young adults, the half-life of tramadol is 5 - 7 h and the half-life of M1 is 6 - 8 h. Total clearance is approximately 430 - 610 mL/min.
[h3]Pharmacokinetics in patients with hepatic or renal impairment[/h3]
Elimination of tramadol and M1 is impaired in patients with hepatic or renal impairment (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS). In patients with hepatic impairment, the mean half-life of tramadol was found to be 13 h (range up to 19 h), and the mean half-life of M1 was 19 h (range up to 36 h). In patients with renal impairment including subjects with considerably decreased CLc [< 5mL/min] the mean half-life of tramadol was 11 h (range up to 20 h), and the mean half life of M1 was 17 h (range up to 43 h).
[h3]Pharmacokinetics in the elderly[/h3]
In the elderly (age over 75 years), the volume of distribution of tramadol is decreased by 25% and clearance is decreased by 40%. As a result, tramadol Cmax and total exposure are increased by 30% and 50%, respectively, but the half-life of tramadol is only slightly prolonged (by 15%).
[h2]INDICATIONS[/h2]
Relief of moderate to severe pain.
[h2]CONTRAINDICATIONS[/h2]
Tramadol is contraindicated in:
individuals with known hypersensitivity to tramadol or any excipients
acute intoxication with alcohol, hypnotics, analgesics, opioids or psychotropic drugs
patients who are taking MAO inhibitors or who have taken them within the last 14 days
known hypersensitivity to opioids
patients with uncontrolled epilepsy or epilepsy not adequately controlled by treatment.
Tramadol must not be used for narcotic withdrawal treatment.
[h2]WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS[/h2]
[h3]Galactose intolerance[/h3]
Tramal® SR tablets contain 2.5 mg lactose per tablet. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should consult a physician before use.
[h3]Acute abdominal conditions[/h3]
The administration of tramadol may complicate the clinical assessment of patients with acute abdominal conditions.
[h3]Respiratory depression [/h3]
Tramadol should be administered cautiously in patients at risk of respiratory depression.
When large doses of tramadol are administered with anaesthetic medications or alcohol, respiratory depression may result. Cases of intra-operative respiratory depression, usually with large intravenous doses of tramadol and with concurrent administration of respiratory depressants, have been reported.
[h3]Increased intracranial pressure or head trauma [/h3]
Tramadol should be used with caution in patients with increased intracranial pressure, head injury, shock or a reduced level of consciousness of uncertain origin. Pupillary changes (miosis) from tramadol may obscure the existence, extent, or course of intracranial pathology. Clinicians should also maintain a high index of suspicion for adverse drug reaction when evaluating altered mental status in these patients if they are receiving tramadol.
[h3]Renal and hepatic disease[/h3]
With the prolonged half-life in these conditions, achievement of steady state is delayed, so that it may take several days for elevated plasma concentrations to develop.
[h3]Renal disease[/h3]
In patients with renal insufficiency the elimination of tramadol is delayed. In these patients prolongation of the dosage intervals should be carefully considered according to the patient's requirements. In cases of severe renal insufficiency Tramal prolonged-release tablets are not recommended. As tramadol is removed very slowly by haemodialysis or haemofilitration, post-dialysis administration to maintain analgesia is not usually necessary.
[h3]Hepatic disease[/h3]
Metabolism of tramadol and M1 is reduced in patients with advanced cirrhosis of the liver. In cirrhotic patients, dosage reduction is recommended (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
[h3]Effects on ability to drive and use machinery[/h3]
Due to its sedative effect, patients should be advised to avoid driving or operating machinery whilst taking tramadol.
[h3]Patients physically dependent on opioids[/h3]
Tramadol is not recommended as a substitute in opioid-dependent patients. Although tramadol is an opiate-agonist, it cannot suppress opioid withdrawal symptoms. Animal experiments have shown that under certain circumstances the administration of tramadol may provoke a withdrawal syndrome in opioid-dependent monkeys. Because of the difficulty in assessing dependence in patients who have previously received substantial amounts of opioid medications, caution should be used in the administration of tramadol to such patients.
In patients with a tendency for drug abuse or dependence, treatment with tramadol should only be carried out for short periods under strict medical supervision.
Cases of dependence and abuse of tramadol have been reported rarely.
[h3]Seizure risk [/h3]
Convulsions have been reported in patients receiving tramadol at the recommended dose levels. The risk may be increased when doses of tramadol exceed the recommended upper daily dose limit. In addition, tramadol may increase the seizure risk in patients taking other medication that lowers the seizure threshold (see Interactions with other drugs). Patients with epilepsy or those susceptible to seizures should only be treated with tramadol if there are compelling circumstances.
[h3]Anaphylactoid reactions[/h3]
Serious and rarely fatal anaphylactoid reactions have been reported in patients receiving tramadol. These reactions often occur following the first dose. Other reported reactions include pruritus, hives, bronchospasm and angioedema.
[h3]Intra-operative use[/h3]
In one study using nitrous oxide/tramadol anaesthetic technique (with only intermittent administration of enflurane "as required"), tramadol was reported to enhance intra-operative recall. Hence its use during potentially very light levels of general anaesthesia should be avoided. Two recent studies of tramadol administration during anaesthesia comprising continuous administration of isoflurane did not show clinically significant lightening of anaesthetic depth or intra-operative recall. Therefore, providing the current practice of administering continuous, potent (volatile or intravenous) anaesthetic agent is followed, tramadol may be used intra-operatively in the same way as other analgesic agents are routinely used.
[h3]Long-term use[/h3]
Tramadol has been studied in controlled clinical trials for periods of up to three months. In one small uncontrolled study, patients with cancer pain received a dose of 150 mg tramadol per day for up to six months. Beyond six months no clinical studies investigating the safety and efficacy of tramadol are available.
When tramadol treatment of pain is required long-term, careful and regular monitoring should be carried out to establish whether, and to what extent, ongoing treatment is necessary.
[h3]Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis and impairment of fertility[/h3]
Tramadol was not mutagenic in the following assays: Ames Salmonella microsomal activation test, CHO/HPRT mammalian cell assay, mouse lymphoma assay (in the presence of metabolic activation), dominant lethal mutation tests in mice, chromosome aberration test in Chinese hamster cells, and bone marrow micronucleus tests in mice and Chinese hamster cells. Weakly mutagenic results occurred in the presence of metabolic activation in the mouse lymphoma assay and micronucleus tests in rat cells. Overall, the weight of evidence from these tests indicates tramadol does not possess a genotoxic risk to humans.
A slight, but statistically significant increase in two common murine tumours (pulmonary and hepatic) was observed in a mouse carcinogenicity study, particularly in aged mice dosed orally up to 30 mg/kg for approximately two years. Although the study was not conducted using the Maximum Tolerated Dose, or at exposure levels expected in clinical use, this finding is not believed to suggest risk in humans. No such findings occurred in a rat carcinogenicity study.
No effects on fertility were observed for tramadol at oral dose levels up to 50 mg/kg.
[h3]Use in pregnancy - Category C[/h3]
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with tramadol in pregnant women, therefore, tramadol should not be used during pregnancy. Studies in animals using IV or IM routes of administration have not been conducted.Tramadol has been shown to be embryotoxic and foetotoxic in mice, rats and rabbits in maternally toxic doses of 120 mg/kg in mice, or higher in rats and 75 mg/kg in rabbits, but was not teratogenic at these dose levels. No harm to the foetus due to tramadol was seen at doses that were not maternally toxic. No drug-related teratogenic effects were observed in progeny of mice, rats or rabbits treated with tramadol (75 mg/kg for rats or 175 mg/kg for rabbits). Embryo and foetal toxicity consisted primarily of decreased foetal weights, skeletal ossification and increased supernumerary ribs at maternally toxic dose levels. Transient delays in development or behavioural parameters were also seen in pups from rat dams allowed to deliver. Embryo and foetal lethality were reported only in one rabbit study at 300 mg/kg, a dose that would cause extreme maternal toxicity in the rabbit.
In peri- and post-natal studies in rats, progeny of dams receiving oral (gavage) dose levels of 50 mg/kg or greater had decreased weights and pup survival was decreased early in lactation at 80 mg/kg (6-10 times the maximum human dose). No toxicity was observed for progeny of dams receiving 8, 10, 20, 25 or 40 mg/kg. Maternal toxicity was observed at all dose levels.
[h3]Labour and Delivery[/h3]
Tramadol should not be used in pregnant women prior to or during labour unless the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks, because safe use in pregnancy has not been established. Chronic use during pregnancy may lead to neonatal withdrawal symptoms. If tramadol were to be used during labour, it may cause respiratory depression in the newborn. Tramadol has been shown to cross the placenta. The mean ratio of serum tramadol in the umbilical veins compared to maternal veins was 0.83 for 40 women given tramadol during labour.
The effect of tramadol, if any, on the later growth, development, and functional maturation of the child is unknown.
[h3]Use in lactation[/h3]
Tramadol is not recommended during breast feeding, because its safety in infants and newborns has not been studied. Low levels of tramadol have been detected in breast milk. Following a single intravenous 100 mg dose of tramadol, the cumulative excretion in breast milk within 16 hours post-dose was 100 μg of tramadol (0.1% of the maternal dose) and 27 μg of M1.
[h2]Interactions with other drugs[/h2] Use with CNS depressants - tramadol should be used with caution and in reduced dosages when administered to patients receiving CNS depressants such as alcohol, opioids, anaesthetic agents, phenothiazines, tranquillisers or sedative hypnotics.
The combination of tramadol with mixed opiate agonists/antagonists (eg. buprenorphine, pentazocine) is not advisable because the analgesic effect of a pure agonist may be theoretically reduced in such circumstances.
Use with other serotonergic agents - the presence of another drug that increases serotonin by any mechanism should alert the treating physician to the possibility of an interaction. In isolated cases there have been reports of serotonin syndrome in a temporal connection with the therapeutic use of tramadol in combination with other serotonergic medicines such as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Signs of serotonin syndrome may be, for example, confusion, agitation, fever, sweating, ataxia, hyperreflexia, myoclonus and diarrhoea. Withdrawal of the serotonergic medicines usually brings about a rapid improvement. Drug treatment depends on the nature and severity of the symptoms. Use with coumarin derivatives - caution should be exercised during concomitant treatment with tramadol and coumarin derivatives (eg. warfarin) due to reports of increased international normalised ratio (INR) with major bleeding and ecchymoses in some patients. Drugs which reduce the seizure threshold - tramadol can induce convulsions and increase the potential for selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics and other seizure threshold lowering agents to cause convulsions. Use with MAO inhibitors - tramadol should not be used in patients who are taking MAO inhibitors or who have taken them within the last fourteen days, as tramadol inhibits the uptake of noradrenaline and serotonin (see CONTRAINDICATIONS). Other interactions - tramadol does not appear to induce its own metabolism in humans, since observed maximal plasma concentrations after multiple oral doses are higher than expected based on single-dose data. Tramadol is a mild inducer of selected drug metabolism pathways measured in animals.
Concomitant administration of tramadol with carbamazepine causes a significant increase in tramadol metabolism, presumably through metabolic induction by carbamazepine. Patients receiving chronic carbamazepine doses of up to 800 mg daily may require up to twice the recommended dose of tramadol.
Tramadol is metabolised to M1 by the CYP2D6 P450 isoenzyme. Drugs that selectively inhibit that isoenzyme (quinidine, phenothiazines, antipsychotic agents) may cause increased concentrations of tramadol and decreased concentrations of M1. The clinical consequences of these potential effects have not been fully investigated.
Concomitant administration of tramadol with cimetidine does not result in clinically significant changes in tramadol pharmacokinetics. Therefore no alteration of the tramadol dosage regimen is recommended.
Other drugs known to inhibit the CYP3A4 isoenzyme of cytochrome P450, such as ketoconazole and erythromycin, may inhibit the metabolism of tramadol (via N-demethylation) and probably the metabolism of the active O-demethylated metabolite (M1). The clinical importance of such an interaction has not been studied.
In a limited number of studies, the pre- or post-operative application of the antiemetic 5-HT3 antagonist ondansetron increased the requirement of tramadol in patients with postoperative pain.
[h2]ADVERSE REACTIONS[/h2]
Adverse reactions that may occur after administration of tramadol resemble those known to occur with opioids. Adverse reactions were recorded in 13,802 patients from trials with different formulations of tramadol. The nature and incidence of reactions (in CIOMS format where very common ≥ 1/10; common ≥ 1/100 and <1/10; uncommon ≥ 1/1000 and <1/100; rare ≥ 1/10,000 and <1/1000; and very rare ≤ 1/10,000) were as follows:
[h3]Cardiovascular[/h3] Uncommon: orthostatic dysregulation (tendency to collapse, and cardiovascular collapse) and tachycardia, flushing Rare: increase in blood pressure, bradycardia
[h3]Respiratory[/h3] Rare: dyspnoea Very rare: worsening of asthma (causality not established), respiratory depression (when the recommended doses are considerably exceeded and other respiratory depressant substances are administered concomitantly)
[h3]Gastrointestinal[/h3]
Very common: nausea Common: vomiting, constipation Uncommon: dyspepsia, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, flatulence, urge to vomit Rare: changes in appetite Very rare: elevated liver enzymes
[h3]Neurological[/h3] Not known: speech disorders Very common: dizziness Common: autonomic nervous effects (mainly dry mouth, perspiration), headache sedation, asthenia, fatigue Uncommon: trembling Rare: changes in mood (usually elevation, occasionally dysphoria) paraesthesia, hallucinations, confusion, coordination disturbance, sleep disturbance, anxiety, nightmares, motor system weakness, changes in appetite, tremor, respiratory depression, seizures, involuntary muscle contractions, changes in activity (usually suppression, occasionally increase), changes in cognitive and sensorial capacity (eg. decision behaviour, perception disorders), syncope Endocrine Very rare: Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion characterised by hyponatraemia secondary to decreased free-water excretion Hypersensitivity and skin Common: sweating Uncommon: skin reactions, pruritus, rash Rare: shock reactions, anaphylaxis, allergic reactions Genitourinary Rare: micturition disorders (difficulty in passing urine and urinary retention), dysuria Eye disorders
Not known: mydriasis Special senses Rare: visual disturbance (blurred vision)
The incidence of "non-specific CNS irritation" (dizziness), "autonomic nervous effects" (perspiration), "orthostatic dysregulation (tendency to collapse and cardiovascular collapse) and tachycardia and "nausea/urge to vomit/vomiting" can be increased with rapid intravenous administration and also tends to be dose dependent. No tests of significance have been performed. Drug abuse and dependence
Although tramadol can produce drug dependence of the µ-opioid type (like codeine or dextropropoxyphene) and potentially may be abused, there has been little evidence of abuse in clinical experience to date. In clinical trials, tramadol produced some effects similar to an opioid, and at supratherapeutic doses was recognised as an opioid in subjective/behavioural studies. Part of the activity of tramadol is thought to be derived from its active metabolite, which is responsible for some delay in onset of activity and some extension of the duration of µ-opioid activity. Delayed µ-opioid activity is believed to reduce a drug's abuse liability. Tolerance and withdrawal
Tolerance development has been reported to be relatively mild. Symptoms of withdrawal reactions, similar to those occurring during opiate withdrawal, may occur as follows: agitation, anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, hyperkinesia, tremor pyrexia, myalgia, chills and gastrointestinal symptoms. Other symptoms that have very rarely been seen with tramadol discontinuation include panic attacks, severe anxiety, hallucinations, paraesthesias, tinnitus and unusual CNS symptoms (i.e. confusion, delusions, personalization, derealization, paranoia).
[h2]DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION[/h2]
The dose of tramadol should be titrated to the severity of the pain and the clinical response of the individual patient. Tramadol is approved for use in adults, adolescents, and children over the age of 2 years. See the Paediatric Use section below for children aged between 2 and 12 years.
The recommended dosage of Tramal® capsules, Tramal® solution for injection. Tramal® SR tablets and Tramal® oral drops respectively are as follows: Tramal® capsules Oral administration- for the treatment of moderate pain Tramal® 50 - 100 mg administered two or three times daily may be sufficient. Tramal® 50 mg may be adequate as the initial dose for moderate pain.
For moderate to severe pain, 50 - 100 mg as needed for relief, every four to six hours may be administered. Tramal® 100mg is usually more effective as the initial dose for more severe pain.
The maximum daily dose should not exceed 400mg per day. Tramal® solution for injection Parenteral administration - Tramal® injection may be administered by intravenous injection by intravenous or intramuscular injection. Few data are available on the administration of Tramal® by repeated intramuscular injection. Intravenous injections should be given slowly over 2-3 minutes.
For postoperative pain, an initial bolus of 100 mg should be administered. Subsequent doses of 50mg or 100mg every four to six hours may be given, up to a total daily dose of 600 mg.
For less severe pain, 50 mg or 100 mg every four to six hours to a maximum of 400 mg per day. Tramal® SR tablets Oral administration - the recommended dose of Tramal® SR in adults and adolescents over the age of 12 years is 100 mg to 200 mg twice daily, preferably morning and evening.
For initial titration therapy, a lower starting dose may be appropriate for some patients.
The tablets are to be taken whole, not divided or chewed, with sufficient liquid, irrespective of food intake.
The maximum daily dose should not exceed 400 mg per day. Tramal® oral drops Oral administration - for moderate pain, the recommended dose of Tramal® oral drops in adults and adolescents over the age of 12 years is a single dose of either 20 drops or 4 pumps (1 press of nozzle = 1 pump) of Tramal® oral drops. This provides 50 mg of tramadol hydrochloride. If there is no pain relief after 30 to 60 minutes, a second dose of 20 drops or 4 pumps of Tramal® oral drops can be taken. Depending on the pain, the analgesic effect lasts for 4 to 6 hours.
For severe pain, the recommended dose of Tramal® oral drops in adults and adolescents over the age of 12 years is a single dose of either 40 drops or 8 pumps of Tramal® oral drops. This provides 100 mg of tramadol hydrochloride.
The maximum daily dose should not exceed a total of 160 drops (that is 8 x 20 drops or 4 x 40 drops) or a total of 32 pumps. This maximum daily dose provides 400 mg tramadol hydrochloride.
If more than 7 days have elapsed since the pump has been used, it is essential to re-prime the pump for accurate dispensing by pressing the nozzle 5 times immediately prior to use. Paediatric use - Tramal® solution for injection and Tramal® oral drops are approved for use in children 2 years old and over. On account of their high dosage strengths, capsules and SR tablets are not recommended for use in children below the age of 12 years. Analgesic dosage of Tramal® solution for injection and Tramal® oral drops must be individualised by the physician according to the severity of pain as well as on the basis of patient's age and weight. The recommended dose of Tramal® solution for injection and Tramal® oral drops in children between the ages of 2 and 12 is 1-2mg/kg. Use in the elderly - in subjects over the age of 75 years, serum concentrations are slightly elevated and the elimination half-life is slightly prolonged. Subjects in this age group are also expected to vary more widely in their ability to tolerate adverse drug effects. Daily doses in excess of 300 mg are not recommended in patients over 75 years. Renal insufficiency - in patients with renal insufficiency the elimination of tramadol is delayed. In these patients prolongation of the dosage intervals should be carefully considered according to the patient's requirements. In case of severe renal insufficiency Tramal prolonged-release tablets are not recommended. Since only 7% of an administered dose is removed by haemodialysis, dialysis patients can receive their regular dose on the day of dialysis. Hepatic insufficiency - Tramal® SR should not be used in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency. In these patients, the immediate release (IR) form of oral tramadol (capsule) may be administered if appropriate. In hepatic impairment, the initial oral dose of tramadol is 50 mg of the immediate release formulation. Depending on the severity of the impairment and individual clinical response, the recommended dosage interval (4-6 hours) may require to be extended, and/or the dose level titrated as required.
[h2]OVERDOSAGE[/h2]
Few cases of overdose with tramadol have been reported. Symptoms
Symptoms of overdosage with tramadol are similar to those of other centrally acting analgesics (opioids) and include miosis, vomiting, cardiovascular collapse, consciousness disorders including coma, convulsions, respiratory depression and respiratory arrest. Treatment
Should overdosage occur, general emergency measures should be implemented. Keep the respiratory airways open, and maintain respiration and circulation. If overdosage is due to ingestion of an oral dose form, emptying the stomach by gastric lavage should be considered because of the possibility of ongoing release in the stomach.
Activated charcoal may reduce absorption of the drug if given within 1-2 hours after ingestion. In patients who are not fully conscious or have impaired gag reflex, considerations should be given to administering activated charcoal via a nasogastric tube, once the airway is protected.
Naloxone will reverse respiratory depression, but not all symptoms caused by overdosage with tramadol. Convulsions occurring in mice following the administration of toxic doses of tramadol could be suppressed with barbiturates or benzodiazepines, but were increased with naloxone. If convulsions are observed, diazepam should be given intravenously. Naloxone did not change the lethality of an overdose in mice.
Tramadol is minimally eliminated from the serum by haemodialysis or haemofiltration. Therefore treatment of overdosage with tramadol with haemodialysis or haemofiltration alone is not suitable for detoxification.
[h2]PHARMACEUTICAL PRECAUTIONS[/h2]
Tramal® solution for injection is incompatible with injection solutions containing diclofenac, indomethacin, phenylbutazone, diazepam, flunitrazepam, glyceryl trinitrate or midazolam.
Tramal® solution for injection is compatible with the following intravenous fluids: 0.9% sodium chloride, 5% glucose, 4.2% sodium bicarbonate, Ringer's solution, Ringer's lactate solution, Dextran 40 (10%) or polygeline 3.5%.
[h2]MEDICINE CLASSIFICATION[/h2]
Prescription-only Medicine
[h2]PACKAGE QUANTITIES[/h2]
Tramal® 50mg immediate release capsules-packs of 6, 10, 20, 30 and 50 capsules.
Tramal® 50, solution for injection-pack containing 5 ampoules of 1 mL each.
Tramal® 100, solution for injection-pack containing 5 ampoules of 2 mL each.
Tramal® SR 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg and 200 mg sustained release tablets - packs of 20 and 60 tablets.
Tramal® oral drops, solution presented in the following bottle sizes: 10 mL with dropper device, 30 mL, 50 mL and 100 mL with dosage pump.
[h2]STORAGE CONDITIONS[/h2]
Tramal® capsules, Tramal® solution for injection and Tramal® SR 100, 150 and 200 mg tablets have a shelf-life of 60 months when stored below 30°C.
Tramal® SR 50 mg tablets have a shelf life of 36 months when stored below 30°C.
Tramal® oral drops have a shelf-life of 36 months when stored below 30°C. Protect from light.
[h2]FURTHER INFORMATION[/h2]
Nil
[h2]Name and address of DISTRIBUTOR[/h2]
CSL Biotherapies (NZ) Limited
666 Great South Road
Penrose, Auckland 6
New Zealand
Telephone: 09 579 8105 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 09 579 8105 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
[h2]DATE OF PREPARATION [/h2]
August 2008 Tramal® is a registered trademark of Grunenthal GmbH used by CSL Limited as authorised user.
There. That info should tell you most of what you need to know.
Update: Fellow Swimmer thanks for the swift effective replies.
SWIM took 200mg and reports that he felt a low but enjoyable buzz that was resemblent of mdma.
Wheyy! Finaly somebody agrees with swim that Tramadol does have mild mdma like poperties.
I think swiy didnt know what to expect from it (it took swim a good few trips to really start enjoying it).. It is the perfect drug for a day out somewhere, not to just sit about on.
A common belief with Tramadol is that more = better, with first time users often taking high doses of 200mg or more.
I think this is not only very stupid but also dangerous as Tramadol has a risk of seizure or asphyxia and death at doses of 300-400mg, which may be even lower when taken with other drugs, including alcohol.
Tramadol is a potent drug with opiate effects on the brain, even a single 50mg pill will give you a pleasant experience. My advice is start by taking one 50mg dose and see how that feels before you decide to take more. Remember that the drug will have a longer onset if you take it on a full stomach (an hour or more) so be patient. Also consider that Tramadol has a long half-life which means you will feel it's effects for a long time, maybe up to 10 hours. Do you really want to be feeling like crap and having trouble breathing on a high dose for that long?
If you are using Tramadol recreationally remember the more often you take higher doses, the greater the risk of physical dependency and tolerance, just like any other opiate drug.
Please use it sensibly!
tramster added 10 Minutes and 34 Seconds later...
Quote:
Originally Posted by blink1989
Wheyy! Finaly somebody agrees with swim that Tramadol does have mild mdma like poperties.
I think swiy didnt know what to expect from it (it took swim a good few trips to really start enjoying it).. It is the perfect drug for a day out somewhere, not to just sit about on.
SWIM definitely agrees that Tramadol does have mdma type properties.. His experience is that everything is "speeded up" and he feels "loved up" while on it. More outgoing and energetic. This is unusual for an "opiate" drug which normally do not make you energetic.
Tramadol definitely has a paradoxical kind of synergy with the opiate warm happy-glow and the loved up mdma empathy feeling. I think the reason for this is because Tramadol acts on a number of receptors in the brain besides the opiate receptors, also it acts on noradrenaline and serotonin receptors.
It's like taking an opiate, an SSRI anti-depressant and amphetamine, all in one pill.
Last edited by tramster; 28-05-2010 at 09:35.
Reason: Automerged Doublepost
