Tramadol

WHAT IS IT?

Tramadol is a weak opioid agonist, and also is a weak serotonin/norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitor (SNRI). It is important to realize that while this medication is technically classified as a SNRI due to its activity on serotonin and norepinephrine, it is NOT an antidepressant.

WHEN DO WE USE IT?

Chronic pain: this medications opioid receptor activity makes it a treatment option for pain.

WHEN DO WE AVOID USING IT?

In combination with other serotonin increasing medications: this medication (due to its inhibition of serotonin re-uptake) can cause serotonin syndrome if combined with other similar medications (such as SSRI meds).

To treat depression: this medication is technically an SSRI but is NOT used as an antidepressant.

HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?

Oral administration

Source
Source
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS/TOXICITY?

Serotonin syndromeespecially when used with other serotonin increasing medications.

Seizures: this medication lowers the seizure threshold.

ANYTHING ELSE TO KEEP IN MIND?
FURTHER READING

DynaMed

UpToDate

 

Page Updated: 08.11.2016