Ultram
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The brand name for the drug tramadol, Ultram is often prescribed to people who have moderate to severe pain, particularly involving stiff, tender muscles and joints. It appears most commonly as a pill or tablet in an extended release formula.
According to data from the Substance Abuse and Medical Health Services Administration, tramadol was involved in over 21,000 emergency room visits in 2011 and accounted for 379 deaths that year. Data from the Department of Justice found that people had dispensed over 43.8 million tramadol prescriptions in 2013.
Symptoms and Side Effects of Ultram Use
Ultram offers many of the same effects as other opiates, namely feelings of euphoria combined with great emotional calm and physical relaxation. Other common side effects that may come with Ultram use include:
- Weakness and fatigue
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Heartburn
- Dizziness
- Mood swings
Complications of Ultram Abuse
As an opiate drug that is readily available, Ultram has a high potential for addiction and abuse. Addiction has an immense impact on your personal character, causing you to act recklessly. This can lead to problems at work or school and put a large strain on your personal relationships. Addiction also takes control of your life, preventing you from truly enjoying friends, family, and social situations.
Some common health concerns associated with Ultram abuse include:
- Weakness and fatigue
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Heartburn
- Dizziness
- Mood swings
Dangers of Ultram Abuse
Prolonged Ultram use can lead to a variety of potential health issues, including:
- Seizures
- Slow or halted breathing
- Swelling in extremities, lips, face, mouth
- Fever
- Faster heartbeat
Symptoms of Ultram Addiction
Ultram acts on the brain to cause a flood of dopamine, a natural hormone involved in motor control, motivation, and reward. Many abusers will use Ultram just to experience that regular sense of reward. Furthermore, your brain will try to account for that increased amount of dopamine by producing less of it or inhibiting its receptors. This then forces you to take Ultram just to feel normal.
Common symptoms of Ultram addiction include:
- Taking Ultram for anything other than its prescribed use
- Requiring the drug just to operate
- Increasing the drug’s dosage
- Neglecting responsibilities to use or obtain Ultram
Withdrawals
- Irritability
- Flu-like symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Joint pains
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Restlessness
Medical Intervention for Ultram Addiction
Medication can play an important role in your recovery. It can help to rebalance your body’s chemicals, keep cravings at bay, and soothe your withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will likely prescribe an opiate antagonist, such as:
- Methadone
- Naltrexone
- Buprenorphine
Ultram Detox Process
Detox is an invaluable step in your recovery. It involves ridding your body of the harmful toxins that have accumulated from extended drug use. This is accomplished by either stopping or tapering off your drug use and administering medications.
Inpatient care is the best option for your detox. It is designed to provide you with a safe, positive atmosphere that is free of distractions or negative influences that could cause relapse. Best of all, inpatient care gives you access to a trained medical staff. This staff can develop a personalized treatment plan, provide counseling, and administer medication.
Experience a Different Form of Healing
Detox is just your first stop on the road to recovery, but it’s certainly not the last. Detox often leads directly into a longer rehab program. These rehab programs can help you improve yourself while developing tools and gaining knowledge to fight addiction and maintain long-term sobriety and good health.
