Is Tramadol a Muscle Relaxer? [EXPLANATION]3 min read

Tramadol is a narcotic-like pain reliever which is used to attain relief from moderate to severe pain.

The drug should be avoided by those who have consumed

Alcohol or take sedatives, tranquilizers, or narcotic medications within the past few hours.

The drug can slow down the breathing rate, especially during the initial days when you start using it.

Therefore

You need to ensure that you take the drug in the dosage that has been prescribed by the doctor.

If you fail to do so or use the drug longer than what the doctor had instructed, you would be placing your health in jeopardy.

It is advisable to take the drug whole to ensure that overexposure does not occur.

There have been reports of convulsions and seizures due to the usage of this drug, which usually occurs in those who have a history of seizures or who have had a head injury in the past.

The drug should not be taken with certain medications:

Such as antidepressants, muscle relaxers, narcotics or medicines that are used to relieve nausea and vomiting.

The drug carries a risk of dependency

Which is why it needs to be ensured that it is not taken longer than it is necessary or without prescription.

It is advisable to refrain from drinking alcohol while you are on the drug since dangerous side effects can occur.

Can tramadol be classified as a muscle relaxer?

Muscle relaxers are the group of drugs which is used to attain relief from the pain caused by muscle spasms.

Muscle spasms occur due to the involuntary and uncontrolled contraction of a group of muscles that gives rise to severe pain.

Sometimes

The contraction can be so tight that the muscles become stiff, making it difficult for you to move them.

Certain conditions related to the central nervous system such as cerebral palsy, motor neuron disease, and long-term injuries to the head or back can lead to muscle spasms.

Quite a few people tend to confuse tramadol as a muscle relaxer.

However

The truth is that the drug is far from it.

The drug provides relief from pain but does not prove to be effective when it comes to relieving muscle pain.

Furthermore

The drug is not supposed to be taken concurrently with muscle spasms since the effects can put your life in jeopardy.

Be cautious while using the drug

Tramadol carries a risk of quite a few side effects, which is why it is important to be careful while using it.

Before you make use of it:

Ensure that you acquire complete information about it so that you keep a close eye on the probable side effects and can receive prompt assistance in the case of any problem.

Tramadol should be avoided by:

Patients with asthma or other breathing problems, those suffering from a blockage in the intestines, and those who have recently used alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, or narcotic medications.

If there are any signs of allergic reactions to the drug, you are advised to seek consultation at the earliest.

The signs to look out for include:

Difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, and hives.

Common side effects caused by the drug include headaches, dizziness, easy fatigability, constipation and diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, itching, sweating, and flushing.

Bill Lloyd MD