Overview
Tramadol is a synthetic opioid used to treat chronic pain. It is believed to bind to mu opioid receptors in the brain. It may possibly inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, mimicking the effects of the body’s natural pain-relief system.

Tramadol is available in long-acting or extended-release tablets and capsules. When swallowed, its effects appear gradually and peak within four to six hours. It’s weaker than other prescription and illicit opioids, such as heroin, codeine, or methadone. However, it can still lead to dependence.

Read on to find out more.


What are the side effects of use?
Tramadol’s effects are similar to those of other opioids.

Mood:

sense of well-being
relaxation
euphoria
Physical:

pain relief
constipation
slower rate of breathing
dizziness
fatigue
headaches
itching
nausea
vomiting
sweating
erectile dysfunction
Psychological:

confusion
Is dependence the same thing as addiction?
Dependence and addiction aren’t the same.

Dependence refers to a physical state in which your body is dependent on the drug. With drug dependence, you need more and more of the substance to achieve the same effect (tolerance). You experience mental and physical effects (withdrawal) if you stop taking the drug.

When you have an addiction, you can’t stop using a drug, regardless of any negative consequences. Addiction can occur with or without physical dependence on the drug.

However, physical dependence is a common feature of addiction.

WHAT CAUSES ADDICTION?
Addiction has many causes. Some are related to your environment and life experiences, such as having friends who use drugs. Others are genetic. When you take a drug, certain genetic factors can increase your risk of developing an addiction.

Regular drug use changes your brain chemistry, affecting how you experience pleasure. This can make it difficult to simply stop using the drug once you’ve started.

What does addiction look like?

Addiction has some common signs, regardless of the substance being used.

Some general warning signs include:

substance use on a regular basis
an overpowering urge for the substance
taking more of the substance to achieve the same effect (tolerance)
having a constant supply of the substance on hand
spending money you need for bills or other necessities on the substance
failing to meet school or professional obligations due to substance use
using the substance in spite of the risks and problems it poses
engaging in risk behaviors, such as violence, to obtain the substance
taking out-of-character risks while under the substance’s influence
spending excessive amounts of time obtaining the substance, using it, and recovering from its effects
trying and failing to stop using the substance

experiencing withdrawal symptoms once substance use has stopped
How to recognize addiction in others
Your friend or loved one might try to hide substance abuse from you. You might wonder if it’s drugs or something else, such as a challenging job or a stressful life change.

The following can be signs of addiction:

personality changes, including mood swings or anxiety
behavioral changes, including secrecy, paranoia, or aggressive behavior
changes in appearance, including unexplained weight loss or weight gain, poor hygiene, and pinprick pupils
ongoing health issues, including exhaustion, poor nutrition, or insomnia
social withdrawal, resulting in strained relationships with friends and family or new relationships with other substance users

poor performance at work or school, often due to disinterest or absence
money or legal issues, including suspicious or frequent requests for money