Tramadol is a prescription opioid painkiller prescribed by medical professionals to treat mild to moderate pain, usually for short periods. When Tramadol is prescribed to be taken at home, it is always prescribed in pill form and taken orally. If an individual is in the hospital while they are prescribed Tramadol, the hospital staff might administer the drug intravenously, depending on the circumstances.
This specific prescription is an opioid analgesic, meaning that it binds to opioid receptors within the brain, interfering with pain-related messages that are being sent to the brain from other parts of the body. Opioid analgesics also have a reputation for being extremely habit-forming. While Tramadol is less potent than other addictive opioids, such as heroin, morphine, or fentanyl, it can still be extremely dangerous when misused.
One of the most common forms of misuse is intravenous injection. If someone has moved to inject tramadol, they may require a tramadol addiction treatment program. Contact us at 866.931.9312 to learn about the addiction treatment programs at Evoke Wellness.
Signs Someone Injects Tramadol
Those who take the drug orally will start to feel its effects within the first 45 minutes to an hour. When someone becomes physically dependent on a prescription painkiller like Tramadol, they will likely want to feel the effects immediately. Although this is certainly not always the case, there seems to be a pattern as an individual grows more dependent on a chemical substance – an orally ingested painkiller. First, they will swallow the pill, ingesting it the way it was meant to be taken. As the addiction develops, they may begin crushing and snorting the drug.
Many opioid painkillers are now being manufactured so they are challenging (if not impossible) to abuse. Still, those who are addicted will find ways to abuse them. Those deep in the throes of addiction may turn to intravenous use. They will crush the Tramadol, dissolve it, and inject it directly into their veins. This method provides the most intense high but is also the most dangerous. If you believe someone close to you has been abusing Tramadol, there are several signs and symptoms to look for.
When Tramadol is ingested orally or nasally, the following symptoms might occur:
- Stomach issues, like nausea, vomiting, and constipation
- Headaches
- Dizziness and disorientation
- Difficulty urinating
- A rash or itchy skin
- Anxiety and agitation
- Depression
- Rapid heartbeat
- Profuse sweating
- Hallucinations
- A false sense of confidence
- Lack of motivation
These are just some of the side effects of tramadol misuse.
Long-term Health Issues with Tramadol Injection
Those who use the drug intravenously will experience more exaggerated symptoms. Those that abuse the drug over an extended period will begin to experience the symptoms of intravenous drug use. These symptoms are several and can result in severe and lasting health-related complications, including, but not limited to, the following:
Cognitive Dysfunction
Long-term intravenous Tramadol abuse can do severe damage to the brain. Dopamine and serotonin will be harshly depleted over time, leading to ongoing mental health concerns like depression, anxiety disorders, and even psychosis. Serotonin syndrome is another common side effect.
Liver and Kidney Disease
Every drug ingested must pass through the kidneys. Abusing tramadol for an extended period results in lasting kidney damage.
Collapsed Veins
Injecting prescription painkillers like Tramadol severely damages the veins and the skin. Skin infections and abscesses are common.
Lasting Changes in Behavior
Without professional intervention, Tramadol addicts are liable to resort to behaviors significantly out of character, to obtain more drugs, prolong the high, or continue using.
Psychological Effects
As previously mentioned, depression is a common side effect of long-term intravenous Tramadol abuse.
These are just some of the dangers of IV tramadol use. If you or someone you love uses tramadol by injection, you may need recovery help. Evoke Wellness at Miramar has programs to help.
IV Tramadol Use Addiction Recovery With Evoke Wellness
The good news is that recovery is always possible, no matter how Tramadol is being abused or in what quantities. If you or someone you love has been struggling with drug addiction, give Evoke Wellness at Miramar a call today at 866.931.9312.
Those who inject Tramadol are at serious risk of long-term problems, and professional intervention will be immediately necessary. Please contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive drug addiction treatment program.
