Is Ultram addictive? The FDA and Ultram manufacturers say that the chances of becoming addicted to Ultram are very low if you use it for medical purposes and exactly as prescribed. But, even under appropriate medical use, the risk for becoming addicted to any opiate pain medication is real.
But, what increases your chances of Ultram addiction? Can you avoid it? Any abuse of Ultram for nonmedical purposes increases the possibility of addiction to Ultram. And, there are some percussions you can take to minimize the risk of getting hooked on this drug. Read more in this article, and feel free to share any additional questions in the section at the end of the page.
Psychoactive ingredients of Ultram
Ultram is a brand name for the generic prescription medicine tramadol. This medication is intended for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. Tramadol belongs to the group of synthetic opioid analgesics, and is the main psychoactive ingredient of Ultram. Besides tramadol, there is a number of inactive ingredients (non-psychoactive) that can be found in Ultram:
- carnauba wax
- glycol
- hypromellose
- lactose
- magnesium stearate
- microcrystalline cellulose
- modified starch (corn)
- polyethylene
- polysorbate 80
- pregelatinized corn starch
- sodium starch glycolate
- titanium dioxide
What does Ultram do in the body?
When you take Ultram, your pain levels are muted down to the point where you can perform everyday activities without feeling drugged. Ultram is a successful pain killer and works by binding to the brain’s opioid receptors. This drug increases the level of a neurotransmitter called serotonin. Scientists believe that this neurotransmitter regulates:
- appetite and digestion
- memory
- mood
- sexual desire
- sleep
- social behavior
This is why people who take Ultram might feel happier, in a better mood, sleepy, and experience appetite changes.
Ultram also interferes with another neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. This hormone regulates the levels of stress in a persons’ body. The release of norepinephrine causes an increase of glucose and blood flow in the blood stream, and a faster heart rate. This makes the body to feel extremely energized.
One of the most important effects of Ultram on the body is that it slows down the release of these hormones (serotonin and norepinephrine), which then leads the body into a state where pain is not perceived nor registered.
How do you get addicted to Ultram?
If you use Ultram as directed by your doctor the risk of becoming addicted is lesser. But, it is possible to become physically dependent on Ultram and experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop using it or significantly lower your usual dose.
It is also possible to develop tolerance to Ultram. This means that you will feel the need for ever increasing quantities of Ultram to be able to achieve the same pain-relieving effect.
In case you have a history of substance abuse, you should be extremely careful with this medication. Individuals with a history of drug use may feel triggered by the opiate effects of Ultram and start using it more often. This may eventually lead to becoming addicted.
Ways to recognize a person being addicted to Ultram
If a person starts craving Ultram – that can be the signal that s/he may be developing an addictive behavior. Obsessive-compulsive seeking and use of Ultram is another sign of addiction. Also, when a person loses control over the use of Ultram or continues to use it despite knowing the harmful consequences, it shows that they have become addicted.
How to avoid Ultram addiction
Here are some recommendations about how you can prevent the occurrence of addiction to Ultram:
- Use Ultram appropriately.
- Always follow the prescribed directions.
- Do not regulate doses of Ultram by yourself.
- Do not order Ultram online or try to obtaining from anyone else other than a trustworthy pharmacy.
- Learn about potential interactions of Ultram with other drugs, prescriptions, or alcohol.
- Never stop or change a dosing regimen without discussing with your doctor first.
- Never use another person’s prescription.
Young people face an especially high risk of Ultram drug abuse. If you are a parent of a child prescribed with Ultram, it is suggested that you follow these steps to help prevent your teen from abusing the medication.
- Talk about the dangerous consequences of abusing Ultram.
- Set rules.
- Keep Ultram in a safe place.
- Properly dispose of Ultram if any pills remain after the treatment is done.
Questions about Ultram dependency
Do you have any additional questions regarding Ultram’s addictive potential? We welcome all your inquiries in the comments section below. We will try to provide you with a personal answer as quickly as we can.
Reference sources: FDA: ULTRAM
FDA: IMPORTANT DRUG WARNING
NIH: Prescription Drug Abuse
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