Tramadol is a popular and effective treatment for pain that is prescribed by many doctors for moderate to severe pain levels. But there is a risk with Tramadol, especially for people who are prone to self-medicate. Though taking too much of any medication can potentially lead to an overdose, when the drug in question is an opiate which is known to create a tendency to a dependency on the drug, special care should be taken. Tramadol is an opioid analgesic and can lead to abusive use if dosages are not carefully followed and monitored. Tramadol is not a cure for any disease, it is simply a potent pain reliever that is used to manage severe pain over a relatively short period of time.

Following the prescription dosage that your doctor has indicated will not lead to an overdose since doctors are well aware of this drug's potency and prescribe exactly enough to relieve your pain without causing health issues or overdose. Also, your doctor will monitor you and your reaction to this drug since all opiates can lead to a dependence on the drug if used for too long a period.

What's the normal dosage of Tramadol?

For people 16 years of age and older who have not shown an intolerance for the drug, the normal dosage of Tramadol usually ranges from 25 to 100 milligrams every 4 to 6 hours, depending on the weight of the patient. The dosage shouldn't ever exceed 400 milligrams in one day.

Some patients show an intolerance for Tramadol in which case the dosage can be lowered to 25 milligrams per day.

There are also extended release capsules of Tramadol available with the recommended dosage equal to 100 milligrams daily.

If the dosage the doctor has prescribed isn't working well enough then the doctor can adjust the dosage. This is usually done by increasing the dosage amount slightly every three days until an optimum dosage within limits is reached.

Tramadol usually comes in either tablets or capsules and is taken orally with plenty of water with or without food. Those who experience a slight upset stomach should take Tramadol after meals. Tramadol should never be chewed, crushed or injected in a dissolved form.

What leads to a Tramadol overdose?

The most common cause of a Tramadol overdose is an intentional overuse caused by dependency. Patients who become dependent will often increase their own dosage without their doctor's knowledge or approval. Sometimes patients will get prescriptions from other doctors in order to hide dependency from their doctor and from other family members.

There have been some instances of children who have accidentally overdosed on a parent's Tramadol prescription and special care must be taken to keep Tramadol out of the reach of children.

In some cases an overdose has occurred when a patient who missed a dose tried to catch up by taking more than one dose at once. No one should ever double up on Tramadol doses.

What are the symptoms of a Tramadol overdose?

The most common symptom of a Tramadol overdose is a seizure. Other signs of a Tramadol overdose may include a slow heatbeat, cold and sweaty skin, excessive and inappropriate drowsiness, fainting, dizziness, and weakness. In extreme cases coma or cardiac arrest can occur.

If the patient has had the following conditions or takes the following medications while taking Tramadol there is an elevated risk of seizure if an overdose occurs:

• A past history of alcohol or drug addiction
• Epilepsy
• Metabolic Disorders
• Using muscle relaxants or antidepressants
• Past head injuries
• Taking a medication for nausea or vomiting

It is very important that a doctor prescribing Tramadol has a full medical history so that problems can be avoided and the dosage adjusted accordingly. People who have suffered from kidney, stomach or liver disorders may need a special sensitivity test or a lowered dosage of the medication. The doctor should also be made aware of a history of mental illness, clinical depression, or suicidal tendencies.