Snorting Tramadol | Can You Snort Tramadol?

Tramadol (brand names Ultram and Ultram ER) is a synthetic opioid analgesic painkiller used to treat those suffering from moderate to severe pain. Tramadol pills can be crushed and snorted, resulting in serious side effects and dangers.

Tramadol is also offered in an extended-release formulation known as Ultram ER. Those who participate in tramadol insufflation are engaging in a form of drug abuse that can increase the risk of addiction and overdose.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), prescription opioid abuse, including tramadol abuse, may occur due to the feelings of euphoria and sedation a person experiences when the drug is snorted. 

Side Effects Of Snorting Tramadol

Those who snort this prescription drug may experience more intense side effects. This is because, when tramadol is snorted, it enters the bloodstream more quickly than oral use, providing almost immediate effects.

Heightened Side Effects

The common side effects can be heightened when tramadol is snorted, which may include:

• loss of appetite
• euphoric sensations
• headache
• constipation
• upset stomach
• mood changes
• constipation

Tramadol Withdrawal Symptoms

Those who abruptly stop use of tramadol may experience withdrawal symptoms that can range in severity. Even though snorting tramadol allows the drug to enter your bloodstream quickly, it also quickly exits the body’s system.

Some tramadol withdrawal symptoms can become severe, and symptoms may include:

• difficulty sleeping
• tremors
• mental health problems such as panic attacks
• nausea
• sweating
• diarrhea
• breathing problems
• runny nose

Dangers Of Snorting Tramadol

Those who snort tramadol may experience serious side effects as well as a number of dangers to their health.

Damage To The Nasal Passages

Snorting tramadol can irritate the sinuses, causing a person to have a chronic runny nose. Mucous membranes of the nasal passages can become infected, leading to nosebleeds.

Bacterial infections can also occur, and damage to the cartilage may lead to a deviated septum. Those snorting tramadol may also experience a sore throat and issues with lung health.

Disease

HIV and hepatitis c can transfer from person to person through blood if a person with a drug addiction snorts tramadol using a straw or other sharp paraphernalia such as a syringe. This can result in contamination and other infections.

Serotonin Syndrome

A life-threatening condition known as serotonin syndrome can take place when certain medications are combined with tramadol. 

Those who snort tramadol and take antidepressants may suffer an increase in serotonin which can lead to serious mental health issues such as hallucinations. 

Those taking tramadol should avoid monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

Other medications to avoid include opiate/opioid drugs such as hydrocodone, oxycodone (OxyContin), and fentanyl.

Tramadol Overdose

Those who snort tramadol may have an increased risk of overdose. Some of the symptoms of a tramadol overdose include:

• extreme sleepiness or drowsiness
• fluctuations in heart rate
• an increase in blood pressure
• respiratory depression
• loss of consciousness
• extreme drowsiness

If you suspect an overdose has taken place, contact 911 immediately to receive the required urgent medical attention.

Tramadol Addiction Treatment

A professional substance abuse treatment center can help those living with tramadol addiction.

At Ohio Recovery Center, we offer a wide-range of inpatient treatment options that include medical detoxification/detox, individual/group therapy, medication-assisted treatment, peer support groups, and other mental and behavioral health services.

To learn more, please contact us today.