Ultram Abuse
Ultram is the generic of Tramadol, and is an analgesic for the treatment of
severe pain. It is neither an anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drug nor a
narcotic. This centralized synthetic analgesic, pain reliever has a likeness to
opiates, but less effective, for opiate receptors. It works by jamming the
uptake of the neurological chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine by modifying
the pain signal and provides relief from pain. It was introduced in the year
1995 and the FDA did not control distribution of this drug based on the review
that forty other countries found it safe. Though after Ultram was released the
abuse came to light and was found to be very addictive. It works as a
non-narcotic pain reliever, but was found to be quite narcotic. Studies have
shown that since it has been marketed from 1995 until the year 2004 in
September, there were 766 cases of Tramadol or Ultram abuse reported to the FDA.
The withdrawal cases reported were approximately 482. Narcotic addicts, patients
who have suffered from severe pain, health professionals etc, abused the drug.
The patients taking Ultram have reported to have seizures and the risks of
getting them increase as the dosage increases. The abuse of Ultram causes the
body to get tolerant to the dose and leads addicts to increase the dose in order
to get the feeling of Euphoria. This is the reason why people taking Ultram
should do so under medical supervision and even cessation of this drug should be
done the under supervision. The New Drug Abuse Warning Network (New-DAWN) is a
database that provides data on episodes related to drugs and reported by
hospital emergency rooms. In the year 2004, there were an apparent 2,984
emergency room visits for Ultram abuse. Also in the year 2004, National Survey
on Drug Use and Health found through studies .3 million people used Ultram
non-medically.
The continuous use of the drug has an effect on the brain with changes in the
chemical balance, psychological dependence and makes treatment through rehabs
very important. The other effect it has is on the character of the abuser,
making the use of drug as the first priority and changing their methods of
motivation. In order to stay high on Ultram they resort to criminal methods to
get the drug like doctor shopping, feigning severe pain, and even resort to
stealing from pharmacies.
Ultram dependent patients and abusers experience violent withdrawal symptoms
when they stop using the drug. Symptoms of withdrawal can include impatience,
pain in muscle and bone, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes with goose
bumps (“cold turkey”), and unintentional leg movements.
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Information on this page last updated on 06/10/2007