Tramadol is a prescription medication that is typically used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by a doctor. Taking more than the prescribed dose could lead to a potentially life-threatening Tramadol overdose. Some possible signs of a Tramadol overdose include drowsiness, seizures, or a slowed heartbeat. Emergency medical assistance should be obtained any time that a Tramadol overdose is suspected.
Extreme drowsiness may be one of the first signs that a Tramadol overdose has occurred. Mild drowsiness is a common side effect of this medication when taken at prescribed doses. When too much of this drug is taken, the level of drowsiness becomes severe. The patient may become so sleepy that it is impossible to perform even simple tasks in a normal fashion.
Seizures are common side effects of a Tramadol overdose. The development of seizures is a possible side effect of normal doses of Tramadol, so this risk is greatly intensified when too much of this drug is taken. If a seizure occurs after taking this medication, a doctor should be consulted right away.
Other possible signs of a Tramadol overdose include cold or clammy skin, a feeling of intense weakness, or even fainting. The heart rate may slow, or the patient may suffer a heart attack, known as cardiac arrest. Breathing may become labored, or the patient may stop being able to breath at all without assistance. Some patients may completely lose consciousness.
A Tramadol overdose requires immediate medical attention. A small tube, known as an IV, may be inserted into a vein so that medications and fluids can be delivered into the bloodstream. The contents of the stomach may need to be pumped out in order to quickly remove some of the medication from the body. If breathing is difficult, oxygen therapy may need to be used. The patient's vital signs will be monitored closely until the condition has been stabilized.
Depending on the extent of the complications stemming from a Tramadol overdose, the patient may need to spend a few days in the hospital. If the overdose is thought to be intentional, a psychological profile will probably be ordered. In some cases, the patient may be relocated to a psychological ward or a mental facility for more intensive evaluations and treatment. This treatment could last from a few hours to a few months, depending on the individual situation.