What is the classification of Tramadol: muscle relaxer or painkiller?
Is Tramadol a Muscle Relaxer Or Painkiller?
Introduction: Tramadol a Muscle Relaxer or Painkiller
Tramadol is a medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is classified as an opioid analgesic and is chemically similar to codeine and morphine. Tramadol is considered a lower-risk opioid alternative due to its favorable tolerability profile and multimodal mechanism of action. However, it should be noted that overdosing on tramadol can lead to liver failure. Clinically obvious drug-induced liver damage has not been linked to normal doses of tramadol. On the World Health Organization’s pain scale, tramadol is classified as a step 2 choice, with approximately one-tenth the strength of morphine.
The chemical name for tramadol is 2-[(Dimethylamino)methyl]-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexanol, with a molecular formula of C16H25NO2 and a molecular weight of 263.381 g/mol.
Medical administration of tramadol
Tramadol is primarily used as a pain reliever and is often prescribed in combination with other medications. It belongs to the drug class of opioid agonists and is classified as a Schedule 2 Controlled Substance. This means that tramadol has the potential to be addictive. It is important for patients to follow the prescribed dosage and inform their doctor if they are allergic to tramadol or have any relevant medical history, such as liver or kidney disease, epilepsy or fits, or treatment for depression or Parkinson’s disease. Tramadol may cause drowsiness or sleepiness, so it is advised to avoid alcohol, marijuana, and cannabis while taking this medication. Pregnant women should not take tramadol without a prescription, as it can pass into breast milk and harm the infant.
How does tramadol work
Tramadol works by altering the brain’s perception of pain. It is related to endorphins, which are brain chemicals that bind to receptors in the brain. By reducing the pain impulses sent to the brain, tramadol helps to alleviate pain. It is important to note that tramadol is not an anti-inflammatory medicine or a muscle relaxer. It is solely used for pain relief and is often taken in combination with other medications. Tramadol is effective in treating neuropathic pain, with around 25% of patients experiencing relief in more than 50% of cases. The effects of tramadol can be felt within 30 to 60 minutes.
Conclusion: Is Tramadol a Muscle Relaxer Or Painkiller?
In conclusion, tramadol is an opioid analgesic painkiller and is not recommended as a muscle relaxer. It does not have anti-inflammatory properties. Tramadol works by reducing the brain’s perception of pain through its interaction with endorphins and receptors in the brain. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and be aware of potential side effects, such as drowsiness or sleepiness. Alcohol, marijuana, and cannabis should be avoided while taking tramadol, and pregnant women should not take it without a prescription due to potential harm to the infant.