Ultram (also referred to by its generic name Tramadol) is a drug used to help alleviate moderate to severe pain. In some ways it is a narcotic-type drug. Ultram is an extended release drug which means that it is used for round-the-clock pain. Extended release drugs are those which release different doses of medicine into your body at different times.

Never crush up, chew, inhale the powder, or mix it with water and inject it into your veins. This erases the time extended release qualities of the drug and you may give yourself a life-threatening dose of the drug if administered in this way. Administering the medication in those ways can lead to quicker tolerance of the drug and can lead to a faster addiction. Using the drug in these ways can be warning signs of abuse.

If you are currently using Ultram, make sure that you are taking it as the doctor prescribed. This drug can be addictive, even at normal doses, so take extreme caution while using Ultram. Always keep your medicine stored in a safe place away from others (such as teens, children, loved ones, and pets). And make sure you keep your medication is accounted for (count the number of pills you have to make sure that only you are taking them). And never give your prescription medication to another person (especially those with a history of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction). Misuse of Ultram can mimic an opiate addiction.

Abuse Of Ultram And Opiates

Maybe you were prescribed Ultram to alleviate pain from an accident or injury. Or perhaps you started taking the drug as prescribed but you started to have more pain, so you doubled up on a dose. Increasing a dose can lead to addiction. Abuse of Ultram is similar to an opiate addiction, and misuse of the drug can cause severe complications or even death.

Opiates are a type of opioid that have extremely addictive properties to them and naturally occur in the poppy plant. Opioids are used in pain relievers, anesthesia, or cough medicines. There are actually three categories of opioids. There are naturally occurring opioids such as morphine. There can be manufactured (synthetic) opioids such as methadone and Demerol. And there can also be semi-synthetic versions (where the plant is mixed with other materials) and these include heroin created by morphine.

Some common opiates include the following:

• Codeine (Tylenol 3)
• Methadone
• Heroin
• Morphine
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lorcet)
• Propoxyphene (Darvocet)
• Oxycodone (Percocet, OxyContin)
• And others

Some side effects of opiate addiction are as follows:

• Vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Seizures
• Slowed heart rate
• Trouble sleeping
• Insomnia
• Memory problems
• Nausea
• Slowed breathing
• More pain
• Itching
• Altered mood
• Constipation
• And others

Now, here are some side effects of Ultram abuse, and you should start to notice similarities:

• Trouble breathing
• Slowed heartbeat
• Stopped heartbeat
• Seizures
• Trouble sleeping
• Heart attack
• Vomiting
• Confusion and/or delirium
• Diarrhea
• Tremors
• And others

Also, if you are mixing Ultram with alcohol (which you should NEVER do) or other drugs, it can create a cocktail of side effects. Also remember that a potential side effect for either Ultram or opiates could be death.

Ways That Ultram Is Abused:

Ultram is prescribed by doctors because it is considered a lower risk drug for abuse and they often think it is a “safer” alternative if you must take an opioid for your pain. However, it can still be abused. Some ways that can lead to Ultram abuse have been discussed. If you use Ultram in the following ways, this may either be an indication you are abusing the drug, or can show signs of an addiction:

• Crushing or chewing Ultram
• Diluting it with water and injecting it into your veins
• Smoking or snorting the substance
• Taking a higher dose than prescribed
• Taking it more times than directed
• Mixing Ultram with drugs or alcohol for a cocktail effect

Trying to figure out if a loved one may have an addiction might be tough. If you notice they have changed their behavior with taking the drug, this could be an indication of abuse. If you see the person snort the medication this is also a sign of abuse that should not be ignored. Think about the number of times the prescription has been filled. Are they running out of the drug faster than they should be? This could be another indicator that the person may have an addiction and it certainly warrants further investigation.

Also, watch your wallet. If a loved one is addicted to Ultram, they may do anything they can to get the next fix, including stealing money from you in order to purchase the drug. Make sure that you are not negligent in keeping track of your personal finances (cash, credit cards, etc). And stay alert. Sometimes, those who are addicted to a substance will find ingenious ways in getting what they want or hiding the truth and evidence. You need to stay alert and aware if you suspect that someone is abusing the drug. Don’t ignore the signs and seek professional help.

Contact Us For More Information

Use caution when taking Ultram for moderate to severe pain. And take your medication as prescribed. If you are addicted to Ultram, abusing the drug can cause severe complication or death, so seek help today. Addiction to Ultram is similar to an opiate addiction, and this is a serious situation. Contact us at DrugRehab.org for more information or reach out to us if you’re experiencing addiction to Ultram or any other substance. We are here to get you the help you need when you need it.