GET THE FACTS ABOUT
TRAMADOL
WHAT IS TRAMADOL? EFFECTS OF TRAMADOL
Tramadol is a prescription medicine used to treat immediate WHEN TAKEN ORALLY THE EFFECT WILL BE FELT AFTER 30-60 MINUTES.
and long-term pain of moderate to moderately severe PAIN RELIEF WEARS OFF AFTER 4 – 6 HOURS.
intensity. It is a synthetic (man-made) opioid, which has Some physical » nausea » headaches
actions similar to those of morphine. side-effects » vomiting » itchiness
» dizziness » loss of appetite
Tramadol should be used only when it is prescribed by » sweating » constipation
a medical doctor. Tramadol is legal in Nigeria, but some
people use it without doctors’ instruction and some others Some physical » respiratory depression (slow breathing)
side-effects in » abnormally low blood pressure
use it for non-medical purposes. Tramadol is currently the higher doses » slow heart rate
most common non-medically used opioid in Nigeria. (more than » weak muscles
In Nigeria, tramadol is available in tablet, capsule or liquid recommended » death (rare, usually the result of combination
daily dose and with other drugs)
form. It is mostly taken orally, but sometimes injected. when commonly » convulsions—seizures (mainly associated
Internationally, and in Nigeria, the common medical mixed with with doses exceeding the maximum
dosage of tramadol is 50 mg and 100 mg. When medically other drugs) recommended dose of 400 mg per day)
prescribed, tramadol can be taken every 4 hours, with a —recurrent seizures is possible
medically recommended dose of up to a maximum of
Some » feelings of ‘high’, intense happiness, excitement
400 mg per day.
psychological/ » dependency
Tramadol when used for non-medical purpose or without emotional/ » restlessness, agitation, mood change
a doctor’s prescription, commonly exceeds the medically behavioural » alter feeling of fear and pain
side-effects » increased energy and inability to sleep
recommended dose. In Nigeria, tramadol dosage of 200mg, » hallucinations
225mg, 300mg, 400mg, 500mg and greater can be found » decreased alertness and feel relaxed
in the illegal market. » associated to cases of sexual assaults
DO PEOPLE BECOME CAN PEOPLE EXPERIENCE CAN DEPENDENCE ON
DEPENDENT ON WITHDRAWAL FROM TRAMADOL USE BE
TRAMADOL? TRAMADOL USE? TREATED?
YES. Tramadol dependence may occur YES. As with other opioid withdrawal YES. In-patient or out-patient treatment
when used daily for more than a few symptoms can include restlessness, programs including detoxification may
weeks/months. In many cases of agitation, anxiety, sweating, insomnia, be recommended. Doctors will likely
tramadol dependence, a person has a muscle spasm, tremor, burning or itching prescribe medications that help control
history of using other drugs such as of skin, nausea, strong desire to use and ease the symptoms associated
alcohol, other painkillers, sedatives or the drug, irritability, depression, flu-like with tramadol withdrawal. Outpatient
cough mixtures. Even people who follow symptoms, coughing and sneezing, chills, treatment programs include doctor-
their doctor’s directions can become nervousness or panic. The withdrawal supervised withdrawal from the drug,
dependent on tramadol. symptoms may last for a few days or counselling, mutual help and support
weeks depending upon duration of use. groups, and supportive family and friends.
SOME COMMON NAMES FOR TRAMADOL IN NIGERIA INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
225 200 RED BOY T.M. TRAMOL TRA TH TR GREEN (GREEN CAPSULE) TOMATOE (RED TABLET)
TRAM ULTRAS TRAMMIES BLUETOOTH TRAFFICKING DEVICE PILLS TRACKERCHILL
RESPONSE TO DRUGS AND RELATED ORGANISED CRIME IN NIGERIA
This project is funded by the European Union
POSTER Tramadol A2.indd 1 09/01/20 12:13 PM
