Can you Snort Tramadol? Risks Behind Truth

Tramadol is a centrally-acting opioid analgesic used to treat moderate to severe pain. It works by binding to the μ-opioid receptor and inhibiting serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. Tramadol is available in various formulations, including immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and capsules.

Can you snort tramadol? There have been reports of individuals snorting tramadol to achieve a faster onset of action and a more intense high. However, snorting tramadol can be dangerous and can lead to serious health consequences.

Is it Safe to Snort Tramadol?

Snorting tramadol is not safe and can lead to various health complications. When tramadol is taken orally, it is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and metabolized in the liver. However, when tramadol is snorted, it bypasses the liver and goes directly into the bloodstream, leading to a rapid onset of action and an intense high.

The rapid absorption of tramadol when snorted can cause respiratory depression, seizures, and other serious side effects. In addition, snorting tramadol can lead to damage to the nasal tissues and the development of chronic nasal problems, such as rhinitis and sinusitis.

Moreover, snorting tramadol can increase the risk of addiction and dependence. When tramadol is snorted, it produces a faster and more intense high, which can lead to psychological dependence and addiction. In addition, snorting tramadol can increase the risk of overdose and death.

Therefore, it is not safe to snort tramadol and individuals should only take tramadol as prescribed by their healthcare provider.

What are the Side Effects of Snorting Tramadol?

Snorting tramadol can cause various side effects, including:

Respiratory depression: Snorting tramadol can lead to respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening. Respiratory depression is a condition where breathing becomes shallow and slow, leading to a decrease in oxygen supply to the body’s organs.
Seizures: Snorting tramadol can increase the risk of seizures, especially in individuals with a history of seizures or epilepsy.
Nausea and vomiting: Snorting tramadol can cause nausea and vomiting, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Nasal problems: Snorting tramadol can cause damage to the nasal tissues and the development of chronic nasal problems, such as rhinitis and sinusitis.
Addiction and dependence: Snorting tramadol can increase the risk of addiction and dependence, leading to long-term health consequences.

What is the Recommended Dose of Tramadol?

The recommended dose of tramadol depends on the patient’s age, medical condition, and pain severity. The maximum daily dose of tramadol is 400 mg, and it should not be exceeded. Tramadol is available in various formulations, including immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and capsules. The extended-release formulations of tramadol should not be crushed or snorted, as it can lead to rapid drug release, leading to serious health consequences.

Moreover, individuals should only take tramadol as prescribed by their healthcare provider and should not share their medication with others. Tramadol should not be used for recreational purposes, and individuals should not snort tramadol to achieve a faster onset of action or a more intense high.

Conclusion

In conclusion, snorting tramadol is not safe and can lead to serious health consequences. When tramadol is snorted, it can lead to respiratory depression, seizures, and other serious side effects. Moreover, snorting tramadol can increase the risk of addiction and dependence, leading to long-term health consequences. Therefore, individuals should only take tramadol as prescribed by their healthcare provider and should not snort tramadol to achieve a faster onset of action or a more intense high.

References:

Drug Enforcement Administration. (2019). Drug Fact Sheet: Tramadol. Retrieved from https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/Drugs%20of%20Abuse%202020-Web%20Version-508%20compliant-4-24-20_0.pdf
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Prescription Opioids Drug Facts. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/opioids/prescription-opioids
Noble, M., Tregear, S. J., Treadwell, J. R., & Schoelles, K. M. (2008). Long-term opioid therapy for chronic noncancer pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of efficacy and safety. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 35(2), 214-228.
Tramadol Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing. (n.d.). WebMD. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-4398/tramadol-oral/details
Webster, L. R., & Fine, P. G. (2012). Overdose deaths demand a new paradigm for opioid rotation. Pain Medicine, 13(7), 929-941.

Related Article: Shocking truth of Snorting Ativan