home > substance abuse treatment resources > ultram
Ultram information Ultram is the brand name of the generic drug Tramadol. Ultram is an analgesic used to treat or prevent pain. Ultram is not a non steroidal anti inflammatory drug, nor is it a narcotic.
Ultram binds to certain opiod pain receptors in the body. By blocking the reuptake of the neuro chemicals norepinephrine and serotonin, it modifies the pain message resulting in pain relief.
Ultram addiction Introduced in 1995, no control was recommended based on review of its uncontrolled use in 40 other countries. However, once released in the U.S., abuse became readily apparent. It is addictive. It is a "non-narcotic" pain reliever. Large doses can interfere with the ability to breathe, especially if taken with alcohol.
People dependent on narcotics may experience drug withdrawal symptoms if they take Ultram. This central acting synthetic analgesic, opiate-type pain reliever has affinity, although low, for opiate receptors and has other mechanisms of function as well.
Ultram abuse Seizures have been reported in patients receiving Ultram. The risk of seizures is increased with doses of Ultram above the recommended range. Ultram increases the seizure risk in patients taking certain medications (e.g. tri-cyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, opioids) and may enhance the seizure risk in patients taking MAO inhibitors, neuroleptics, or other drugs that reduce the seizure threshold or in patients with a medical history that may suggest increased risk of seizure.
|