Although there is no medically proven cure for tramadol addiction, patients can still return to their everyday lives with effective treatment. These treatments may include cognitive therapy, 12-step programs, and individual and group therapy. In addition, family treatment may also be beneficial in some cases.
Respiratory depression
Respiratory depression occurs when a person experiences slow, shallow breathing. It can be life-threatening and may require medical attention. It can also be dangerous, especially if a person is already suffering from a drug addiction. When it is not treated, respiratory depression can cause damage to the brain.
Respiratory depression can be a complication of tramadol addiction. This condition occurs when the drug is taken in excess, especially in the presence of other CNS depressants or alcohol. In severe cases, it may lead to apnea. In addition, respiratory depression can lead to pulmonary edema.
The combination of diazepam and naloxone was found to reverse tramadol-induced CNS toxicity. The two drugs reduced seizures and improved ventilation. Together, the two agents were more effective than either alone.
Central apnea
People who take opioids are more prone to develop Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). This sleep disorder occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that keep the airways open during sleep. Some studies have found that about 50% of chronic opioid users experience this condition. Others have reported a much higher rate of the disorder, with as many as 90 percent of people experiencing it. While each type of apnea has its own set of risks, patients with either type of apnea tend to experience more apnea episodes per hour.
One of the first signs that a person may be suffering from this sleep disorder is snoring. In addition to snoring, patients with this condition may experience sudden interruptions of breathing during sleep. These interruptions may lead to potentially life-threatening cardiac and seizure events.
Cardiac complications
Cardiac complications from tramadol abuse can be potentially fatal. This painkiller causes increased levels of troponin and creatine phosphokinase. However, it is not known why this drug leads to cardiac complications. A larger study is needed to determine its exact mechanisms.
Researchers have shown that tramadol reduces VEGF expression in the heart. Mice lacking the VEGF gene have abnormally small hearts and a disorganized coronary vascular system. Moreover, the researchers found that direct transfer of the VEGF gene to mice improved cardiac function and angiogenesis.
Cardiac complications from tramadol abuse can lead to irregular heartbeat and abnormal heart rhythms. Moreover, tramadol abuse can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is important for tramadol users to be aware of the potential for addiction to this painkiller.
Adrenal insufficiency
Chronic tramadol use can cause adrenal insufficiency, which interferes with various organ functions. It also decreases the production of hormones, such as cortisol, that help the body metabolize nutrients and maintain a healthy immune system. People who are addicted to tramadol have a deficiency in these hormones, which can lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, and low appetite.
Patients with chronic opioid use may experience opioid-induced adrenal insufficiency (OIAI), which is a potentially life-threatening condition. Since chronic opioid use is an epidemic, the prevalence of OIAI is expected to rise. Researchers from the Mayo Clinic, for example, have published a retrospective case series of 40 patients with this condition.
