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Discussion of common issues about Tramadol with a doctor

Whenever anyone is in pain, they feel vulnerable. Even the routine things seem threatening. Doctors therefore spend quite a lot of time reassuring their patients. In fact, a number of concerns commonly surface.

I’ve just received my tramadol from an online pharmacy but the tablets don’t look like those I’ve seen before

One of the reasons why online pharmacies are able to sell drugs cheaply is they buy generics from manufacturers in different countries. There’s no need to worry if the tablets are not the color or shape you’re used to. Every country around the world regulates its pharmaceutical industry. To be sold as tramadol, the manufacturer has to use exactly the same active ingredients. But there’s no need to match the color or shape of the tablets. Indeed, to add to the confusion, the manufacturer often uses a different name for marketing purposes so don’t worry if the packaging or labeling is different.

 

Why are foreign drugs so cheap?

Once a drug is out of patent protection, anyone can copy it. There are no research and development costs to recover. There’s no big marketing budget to sell the new brand to you. All you have is a drug proved safe and reliable over time with only the manufacturing production costs to cover (plus a profit). The actual chemicals used in most drugs are quite cheap to make and, in foreign countries, the cost of labor is low. Put all these together and you get the same drug for a lot less than you’re used to paying.

 

Is tramadol a narcotic?

It’s usual to think of opiates like morphine as narcotic. Everyone knows of the dangers of addiction and dependence with these powerful natural drugs. Theoretically, tramadol is not a narcotic. US law only uses the word to describe opium and the drugs derived from it. But, as an opioid, tramadol has a similar effect and, unless used with care, it can be addictive. You will suffer withdrawal symptoms if you use it too long or exceed the safe dosage.

 

I’ve heard tramadol affects the sex drive. Is this true?

Some people taking tramadol for lower back pain report they find it harder to achieve an orgasm. There are two things working together here. The first is pain coming from the back. Although sex is usually enjoyable, it’s hard to get really excited without moving your back. Pain can be a turn-on for some people, but most find it better to avoid movement and the pain that comes with it. The result is less enjoyment and, if the pain is bad enough, the avoidance of sexual activity. Secondly, some people find the use of a drug that affects their ability to feel pain also affects their ability to feel pleasure. For most, this passes as they grow more used to the drug. For a small number, the loss of sex drive becomes a longer term problem and it does not go away until you stop taking the drug.

 

Are the withdrawal symptoms something I should worry about?

Once you’ve become dependent, you’ll begin to experience symptoms about one day after your last dose. But if you taper off the use over time, these symptoms should be manageable. It’s a big mistake to go from full dose to zero overnight. With a sudden halt, there’s a risk of seizures and quite violent mood swings alongside physical problems of tremors, restless leg syndrome and so on.