Reasons Why Tramadol Is Prescribed

Tramadol is a drug that is sometimes referred to by the brand names Ultram or ultracet. It is considered an opiate agonist, a class of drugs that changes the way the body senses pain. In the case of tramadol, it can also block pain receptors in the brain. Tramadol is often mixed with acetaminophen, which is an over-the-counter pain killer. It is only available legally with a prescription in the United States.

Short-Term Pain

• Tramadol is primarily prescribed for those in moderate or moderately severe pain. This pain can be for a number of reasons such as recent surgery, broken bones or pinched nerves, just to name a few. Chronic patients receiving painful therapies or who are in the terminal stages may be given tramadol to ease their pain. The reason it is generally prescribed short-term is because it can be highly addicting and is a very hard habit to kick once addiction sets in. If a patient on tramadol needs pain medication for longer than usual, they may be switched to another drug to prevent this from happening.

Acid Reflux

• Acid reflux is also referred to sometimes as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD for short. It is a condition where stomach acids come back up, burning the esophagus as they do. It can turn into a more painful condition called esophagitis. When it does become painful, tramadol may be prescribed in small doses to ease the discomfort.

Bone and Leg Disorders

• There are several bone, leg and muscle disorders that tramadol can help, most commonly fibromyalgia. This is a condition marked by chronic pain in several areas of the body. It can also cause stiffness that can be debilitating. Bone pain associated with injury or osteoporosis can also trigger a prescription for tramadol. Patients with problems with their joints or tendons, such as arthritis or osteoarthritis patients, may also get a prescription to help with the pain. Restless leg syndrome can also be treated with tramadol is severe cases.

Headaches

• Headaches are fairly common, and everyone gets them at some time or another. A regular, tension-caused headache likely isn't cause for a tramadol prescription. However, those with chronic and painful headaches such as migraines or cluster headaches may get a prescription because these types of headaches can be debilitating. The inability to work, sensitivity to light and other symptoms caused by these headaches can sometimes be helped with tramadol.