Unlike over-the-counter medicines, tramadol is a prescription pain reliever that is similar to codeine and works around the clock to ease moderate and severe pain. While it is used primarily for people suffering from neuralgia and trigeminal neuralgia, it can also be administered to people with fibromyalgia, migraines, restless leg syndrome and diabetic neuropathy.

Facts about Tramadol

Because you can order tramadol online with relative ease, it is important to note both the risks and benefits of this medication. While tramadol is controlled in only a few states by prescription, it is still attainable through internet pharmacies. Some countries, such as the Philippines and Mexico, sell tramadol under another name and it is available without a prescription.

Tramadol comes in a pill form and should not be broken or crushed before swallowing. The whole pill should be taken in its entirety and should never be inhaled, diluted or injected. Two types of tramadol pills are available: dissolving tablets and extended-release capsules. Both should be stored at room temperature and be kept out of the reach of children.

Dissolving Tablets versus Extended-release Capsules

Before you order tramadol, you should be aware of the difference between these two varieties of the same medication. They both act in the same way; however, they should be treated very differently.

• Dissolving tablets

With dissolving tablets, they should be handled with dry hands and placed in your mouth. It should dissolve quickly -- although it is okay to drink liquid to dissolve the tablet faster. Swallow a few times to ensure that all of the medicine is ingested, and drink a glass of water to rinse your mouth of any remaining medication.

• Extended-release capsules

The extended-release capsules are meant to be swallowed with water. Once ingested, the capsule will release the medication over a period of time. The shell of the capsule may be present in the bowels after digestion; this is perfectly normal and means that all of the medication was released.

Side Effects of Tramadol

As with any drug, there may be potential side effects. Do not take tramadol if you have a history of drug abuse or have addictive behavior. Side effects with tramadol vary, but some common symptoms include:

• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fainting
• Blisters
• Slow heart rate

While not life-threatening, other side effects may occur, including:

• Constipation
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Anxiety
• Dizziness

Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking tramadol as it may impair your judgment. Be sure to take each dose as scheduled -- never take an extra tablet to make up for missing a dose. If an overdose occurs, call 911 or Poison Control and get help immediately.

Although you can order tramadol online, you should consult a doctor before actually taking the drug. Other medications can affect tramadol in a negative way, so your doctor will be able to tell you if tramadol is right for you and your type of pain.

Pregnancy Information

While the Philippines sell tramadol as a way to treat labor pains, the Food and Drug Administration have deemed it a category C drug. Because of this, it is uncertain if it will affect an unborn baby; however, taking tramadol while pregnant may cause serious side effects. Tramadol may pass through breast milk and harm a baby, so it is advised to discontinue taking tramadol while nursing.

Dosing Information

Tramadol has addictive potential; therefore, it is important not to exceed the recommended dosage. Some online pharmaceutical companies may not give you 100% of the information you need after you order tramadol, so it’s a good idea to continue reading to learn more about dosage amounts.

• If you suffer from mild chronic pain, it is recommended to take 25 milligrams each morning. If more is needed, you should slowly increase the amount to 100 milligrams per day by taking 25 milligram increments every three days. Increasing the dosage should never exceed 400 milligrams in a day -- 100 milligrams every four to six hours is common.

• Extended-release tablets should be administered if you have moderate to severe chronic pain; however, the dosage should not exceed 300 milligrams per day.
• Patients 65 or older should be cautious when taking tramadol and not exceed a maximum dosage of 300 milligrams per day. This amount should be divided in half and given one in the morning and one at night.

• Young adults or children over 16 years of age should not exceed a maximum dosage of 300 milligrams per day. Never give tramadol to a child under 16 years of age without first consulting a physician.

Final Note

Check with the online pharmacy before you order tramadol to ensure the company has a good track record. Ordering online comes with its own risks, so be sure to do a thorough investigation before purchasing their product.

Brandon Hall has created several reports on the advantages and risks of buying pharmaceuticals online, as well reporting important side effects of tramadol and other medications.