Tramadol Injection | Uses, Side Effects, & Abuse Potential

Injecting tramadol can lead to stronger side effects than taking the drug by mouth, such as dry mouth, constipation, sedation, and euphoria. 

Your risk of adverse effects such as infections at the injection site, drug addiction, withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit, and opioid overdose may increase when injecting tramadol.

Tramadol is a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States with a moderate abuse potential. As a prescription opioid medication, tramadol is available under the brand names Ultram and Conzip for chronic and severe pain management. 

Injecting prescription tramadol in Ohio is a likely form of substance abuse.

Uses For Tramadol Injection

In the United States, injection is not an approved use of tramadol. Illicit extended-release or immediate-release tramadol injection can occur when you crush Ultram or Conzip capsules, mix the powder into a solution, and inject the solution with a syringe or needle.

Injecting tramadol hydrochloride can lead to stronger analgesic effects of the drug, such as pain relief, sedation, and euphoria, compared to taking oral doses of the drug. Tramadol injection can be a form of drug abuse to get high.

Taking tramadol as directed can reduce your risk of serious side effects. Talk to the doctor or healthcare professional who is prescribing your medication to receive proper dosing information.

Side Effects Of Tramadol Injection

Injecting tramadol can lead to common and serious side effects such as:

• sedation
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• constipation
• impairment
• low blood pressure
• increased risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other diseases from sharing needles
• scarring
• muscle problems

Sharing needles may increase your risk of health effects such as infections and diseases.

Tramadol Overdose

A tramadol overdose can occur when a high amount of tramadol enters your system at once. A single dose of tramadol can lead to an overdose when the drug is injected.

Signs of an opiate overdose may include respiratory depression (trouble breathing), a weak pulse, slowed heart rate, clammy skin, and gurgling noises. 

Overdose victims may be administered naloxone, which can reverse the effects of overdose by binding to the same opioid receptors as tramadol.

Abuse Potential Of Tramadol

Tramadol has a moderate abuse potential due to its effects on the central nervous system. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, leading to the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine.

Tramadol’s effects on the brain can lead to habit-forming patterns of drug use, which can be harmful to your health in the long term.

Risks Of Tramadol Abuse

Patients with preexisting medical conditions, including those who are taking medication, may have an increased risk of adverse events when injecting tramadol.

Patients with preexisting hepatic (liver) or renal (kidney) impairment may have a higher risk of organ damage or organ failure when injecting. 

Patients mixing tramadol with antidepressants such as MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or benzodiazepines may experience life-threatening drug interactions such as serotonin syndrome.

Talking to your doctor about your medical history can reduce your risk of serious side effects, while helping you decide whether tramadol is right for you. 

If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid analgesic abuse in Ohio, contact Ohio Recovery Center for effective pain medication addiction treatment options.