Tramadol

Tramadol is normally swallowed, but some people crush up the tablets and snort them.

Tramadol is an opiate. Although it is weaker than heroin and methadone, it still causes all the typical opiate effects, alongside some effects due to increases in serotonin activity.

The effects include feelings of warmth and well-being, relaxation and sleepiness. Typical opiate effects of fatigue, drowsiness, nausea and retching, constipation and sometimes confusion.

Less often, diarrhoea, dizziness or fainting, excessive sweating, itching, raised blood pressure, tightness in the airways, muscle weakness, sensory disturbances, hallucinations, fits and blood disorders.

Although tramadol is not as potent as the strongest opiates like heroin, it still acts as an opiate, and also has additional risks due to its actions on serotonin levels:

If you have epilepsy or are taking certain antidepressants you should definitely only take tramadol with clear medical advice because of the known risks. Tramadol can depress breathing and may be risky in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Tramadol use has been linked with ‘serotonin syndrome’. This is a potentially life threatening condition where the serotonin receptors are overstimulated, which can lead to high fever, rapid pulse, shivering, sweating, trembling, muscle twitches and agitation and confusion.

Pregnant women should not use tramadol as it can be toxic to the developing foetus.

Tramadol is a class C drug and is only available with a prescription from a doctor or other healthcare professional that is qualified to prescribe. As a class C drug, it is illegal for anyone else to supply tramadol, to have it or to give it away, even to friends. If the Police arrest you for possession of tramadol unlawfully, they’ll always take some action. This could be a formal caution or arrest and possible conviction Having tramadol that is not prescribed for you for your own use (called illegal possession) could result in up to two years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. While selling or giving tramadol away for free, even to friends (called supplying) could result in up to fourteen years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.