Tramadol
And Depression

Table of Contents

Is There A Link Between Tramadol And Depression?

This article will explore the link between Tramadol and depression. So, let’s dive in and find out if there is a connection between Tramadol and depression.

What is Tramadol?

Tramadol is a prescription medication that is used to treat pain. It works in the brain to alter how your body experiences and responds to pain. Tramadol is meant to be used for moderate to severe pain and should only be used when it is really needed. It is meant to be taken under strict medical guidelines in a situation where around-the-clock pain management is required.

Can Tramadol Cause Depression?

When it is misused, or abused Tramadol can cause symptoms of depression. Since Tramadol can be addictive if someone develops a dependency on the drug they may feel as though they can’t function without it. This can cause mood swings and depressive symptoms to develop.

Can Tramadol Help Depression?

Tramadol has been shown to have positive effects on depression when taken in low doses under medical supervision. While Tramadol has shown these positive effects, it is not what the purpose of the drug is really for and should be taken with caution while working with a doctor. There are many kinds of antidepressants available that may be safer and have better effects when looking to treat depression.

Learn More

Co-Occurring Disorders

Is It Safe To Take Tramadol For Depression?

If the patient is following strict medical guidelines and taking Tramadol in low doses it can be safe for treating depression. However, if the drug is abused it can become addictive so it should be taken with caution.

It is debatable whether Tramadol should be used for depression as it is designed to be a pain reliever, not an antidepressant. There may be other medications and treatment options available that are better suited for depression. Treating depression is largely based on the individual’s needs and treatment options should be discussed with a medical professional.

Is Tramadol a Narcotic?

Tramadol is an opioid. Opioid drugs affect the pain receptors in the brain. This acts to block pain, as well as boosting feelings of pleasure. When Tramadol is abused it can create a euphoric “high.” Misuse of this drug can lead to the development of dependency. Dependence is when the body has gotten used to the presence of a substance and begins to go through withdrawal when the substance is not used.

Can You Become Addicted To Tramadol?

Though Tramadol is one of the least potent opioid painkillers, it can still be addictive. When taken in high doses or misused Tramadol can have many addictive properties. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “the number of emergency department visits involving tramadol abuse or misuse increased approximately 250 percent from 2005 to 2011.”

Opioid use and addiction are a rising public concern in the U.S. Taking tramadol recreationally or without a prescription is very dangerous and can lead to addiction. When prescribed by a doctor, Tramadol should only be taken at recommended doses.

Treatment For Tramadol Addiction

Finding a treatment center may be a good option for treating a Tramadol use disorder. A treatment center will allow you to stay in a sober living environment and learn skills to help maintain sobriety. You can speak to a doctor or other health professional for recommendations of treatment centers and resources available in your area.

You can also look for a nearby treatment center using the Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator, a free online tool provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy may also be a good idea for treating Tramadol addiction. Behavioral therapy will help to develop positive thinking patterns, outlets, and stress-reducing techniques that can be used to cope with day to day life. Therapy will allow you to work with someone or a group of people, so you don’t feel like you’re in it alone.

12-Step Programs

Something such as a twelve-step program may also help treat addiction. This is a form of aftercare that could be used to maintain sobriety and connect with a group of people who relate to your struggles and can provide a support system. A twelve-step program can provide you with a structure that will help maintain coping skills learned and manage the stresses of everyday life.

Conclusion

Yes, you can become addicted to Xanax, specifically when it is taken at high dosages for long periods. Xanax has sedative properties that can create a sense of euphoria when abused. This may cause someone to take higher dosages of it or use it regularly for a long time. This is where addiction can occur as this will create a dependence on the drug. Someone who is taking Xanax for a long time may begin to feel as though they can’t function properly without it.

Final Note: Why Are People Talking About Tramadol for Dogs?

Tramadol is a medication that veterinarians prescribe to manage pain in dogs. While Tramadol is a painkiller that was developed for humans, it is safe to give it to dogs under the guidance of a veterinarian.

According to an article from the American Kennel Club (AKC), “The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends using tramadol to treat “acute and chronic pain of moderate to severe intensity,” which could mean anything from helping your dog recover from surgery or as a way to help manage the pain associated with osteoarthritis when taken with other medications.”

If your vet prescribes Tramadol for your dog, make sure you follow recommended doses to ensure safety and health in your pet.

Resources

  1. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-4398-5239/tramadol-oral/tramadol-oral/details
  2. https://www.drugs.com/tramadol.html
  3. https://smw.ch/article/doi/smw.2017.14428#:~:text=Thus%2C%20tramadol%20appears%20to%20be,other%20interventions%2C%20such%20as%20psychotherapy.
  4. https://www.healthline.com/health/addiction/tramadol-addiction#treatment-centers
  5. https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/tramadol-for-dogs/#:~:text=The%20Merck%20Veterinary%20Manual%20recommends,when%20taken%20with%20other%20medications.