Chemical name
Tramadol hydrochloride
Prescription requirement
Tramadolor® is a prescription-only drug.
Definition
Tramadolor® contains the active ingredient tramadol, which has a central pain-relieving function. Tramadol belongs to the large pain-inhibiting group of opioids, which are used for moderate to severe pain. However, Tramadolor® does not only consist of the pain-relieving opioid, but also has an antidepressant effect due to its so-called noradrenergic and serotonergic components.
Tramadolor® can be administered in the form of tablets, effervescent tablets, drops, capsules, suppositories or as an infusion solution (administered via a vein). For each dosage form mentioned, there are different preparations with different contents of the active ingredient tramadol hydrochloride. Depending on the dosage form, cause of pain, intensity of pain, age and general condition of the patient, Tramadolor® can be used in different ways, in different dosages and with different frequency. What is most suitable in a particular case is decided individually by the treating physician and is difficult to generalize. If Tramadolor® is taken in the form of tablets or capsules, this should be done with plenty of liquid (preferably mineral water).
Mode of action
The active ingredient tramadol acts on the one hand via the so-called my opioid receptors, which are located on nerves. There, Tramadolor® suppresses pain signals by preventing the nerve cells from being excited by missing electrical signals. Secondly, Tramadolor® can influence the perception of pain by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin.
Side effects
As with any drug, Tramadolor® can also cause side effects. These can be classified according to the frequency of occurrence.
- Dizziness and nausea are very common (in more than 1 in 10 people treated).
- Frequently (less than 1 in 10 but more than 1 in 100 patients), patients report headaches, drowsiness, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation and increased sweating.
- Occasionally (in less than 1 in 100 but more than 1 in 1000 patients), there are reports of circulatory problems (increased heartbeat, weakness, palpitations, circulatory collapse), diarrhea, stomach upset or nausea, and skin problems such as rashes, redness or itching.
- Rarely (less than 1 in 1000 but more than 1 in 10,000) there is a slowing down of the heart rate (bradycardia) and an increase in blood pressure, a lack of strength in the muscles, allergic reactions (swelling of the skin, shortness of breath (dyspnoea), Circulatory failure (shock)), to trembling, reduced breathing, seizures, sensory disturbances on the skin and changes in appetite, as well as to psychological side effects such as hallucinations, sleep disturbances, nightmares or confusion.
- Very rarely (less than 1 in 10,000 treated cases/individual cases), the use of Tramadolor® can lead to an increase in liver enzymes.