Does Tramadol make you sleepy or awake?
What is Tramadol?
Tramadol is a strong painkiller that belongs to a group of medicines known as opiates or narcotics. Primarily, it is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is typically prescribed after an operation or a serious injury. However, it may be prescribed in chronic pain cases where weaker painkillers no longer have an effect.
Tramadol is available only on prescription. You can find it in the form of tablets, capsules and liquid drops you can swallow.
What is Tramadol used for?
Tramadol is used for the alleviation of moderate to severe physical pain. It is a short-term treatment. You should only use Tramadol when other non-opioid pain relief forms prove unsuccessful in managing pain.
A doctor will rarely prescribe Tramadol to treat chronic (long-term) pain.
How does Tramadol work?
Tramadol works by directly affecting the opioid receptors in the central nervous system. This enables the body to recognise feelings of pain at a decreased frequency. In addition, it blocks the sensation of pain by interrupting how nerves signal pain between the brain and the body.
What are the side effects of Tramadol?
Tramadol is an opioid which has side effects, including life-threatening breathing problems. The risk of this is higher:
- When you are taking Tramadol first without trying other painkillers
- After your dosage is increased
- If you are older than 40
- If you have an existing lung problem
Various side effects of Tramadol are quite similar to those of other opioids. These include:
- Sleepiness
- Constipation
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Vomiting
Does Tramadol make you sleepy?
Yes. Since Tramadol is a narcotic drug, it induces sleepiness in an individual instead of wakefulness. As a result, Tramadol can make you sleepy, drowsy, dizzy or even lightheaded. These are reported to be some of the most common side effects of this pain medication. Due to these effects, it is crucial to avoid activities that consist of you driving, operating heavy machinery or participating in any activities that may cause injury.
However, note that the effect of Tramadol varies from person to person. Some report excessive drowsiness, while others manage to operate perfectly fine without any added sleepiness.
In addition, to ensure that the drug does what it is supposed to, take your dose of Tramadol precisely as your doctor or other healthcare provider prescribed it. Do not increase or decrease your dosage unless advised otherwise.
Can I become addicted to Tramadol?
Yes, Tramadol's association with the group of narcotics and opioids proved that drug use could lead to drug abuse, addiction, and overdose. Therefore, even if you take your dose correctly as instructed, you may be at significant risk of opioid addiction, abuse, and Tramadol misuse, which can prove to be fatal.
Since it is a short-term treatment, make sure to take it for a limited amount. Your doctor or pharmacist will help you taper the drug to ensure you do not face any withdrawal symptoms.