Can Tramadol Cause Seizures in Humans? Risks, Symptoms, & safety Tips

One drug that has been trusted as one of the most complete painkillers for many years for humans and even animals is Tramadol. This opioid painkiller works very effectively for chronic pain, yet it comes with some repercussions. Seizures are a serious brain activity that can be caused by many kinds of triggers. But sometimes it can be caused by medication too. Tramadol is one of those drugs that has seizures as one of its dangerous side effects that concerns most of its users. This blog will help people understand how can Tramadol cause seizures. Let us get to the bottom of it. 

Does Tramadol Cause Seizures?

Tramadol’s Role In Pain Relief And The Relation With Seizures

Tramadol is an opioid painkiller that treats chronic forms of pain. which works on μ-opioid receptors, to which they bind to release serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters reach the brain and stop pain signals, which relaxes it and makes one feel calm and relaxed. But sometimes the serotonin levels can rise in the brain, causing seizures. It is a sudden brain activity that is beyond our control. It usually takes place in one side of the brain, but when it happens on both sides, it is called epilepsy. Tramadol-induced seizures should only be a resultof overdose, because it is a good painkiller with lots of benefits.

Benefits Of Tramadol

Tramadol has a lot of benefits, which make it better than many other opioids. It is definitely one of the safer opioids that treats multiple forms of pain. It also has an advantage in mechanism, which very few painkillers have. 

• Tramadol carries the ability to change the pain perception in the brain and nervous system. This makes the drug capable of curing many kinds of pain. 
• The opioid medication has a dual mechanism, in which it primarily binds with dopamine and serotonin receptors, but it also does the same with norepinephrine receptors.
• The best thing about Tramadol is that it is found in a lot of forms, like immediate and extended-release tablets, liquid solutions, capsules, and even rectal suppositories, ensuring pain relief in multiple forms. 
• It can be used in combination with non-opioids like ibuprofen, which has no interactions and gives better relief.
• Tramadol is a long-lasting pain reliever that stays in the body for a long time.

How Does Tramadol Cause Seizures?

Seizures are one of the adverse Tramadol side effectsthat happen to people when they overdose on it. But some patients have also reported getting seizures when they took a normal Tramadol dosage. Well, one of the reasons behind it could be its mechanism. Norepinephrine and serotonin are two of the strongest brain chemicals. When their level rises too much in our brain, we might have seizures. Another very important cause is mixing the drug with other opioids. This is not at all advised by doctors, but if you do it, seizures and other side effects will become dangerously inevitable

What Happens After Seizures?

There are a whole lot of things we need to know about seizures caused by Tramadol. Seizures should start happening within 24 hours of taking the medication. These convulsions should not be long because they must be short and just usual jitters. They can limit themselves eventually, and that should be the only time one must have those seizures. One might feel angry, confused, and too sleepy after the seizure. Headache, fatigue, and vertigo are some common effects you will experience immediately following the convulsions. One will also feel their heart is suddenly beating faster than usual, and they have high blood pressure.

Measures To Take After Seizures

If anybody is taking Tramadol and seizureshappen to them, one must take these steps immediately. This is a short-lived danger but a serious medical emergency that has to be dealt with quickly.

• Call the emergency services immediately.
• If the person is in the middle of their seizure, make them lie down and clear anything that is sharp around them. Put a soft pillow under their head to prevent any brain injury.
• Give them Naloxone, or else just wait for the medics.
• Make them lie down sideways that helps them recover faster after the seizure stops.
• Constantly monitor their vitals and consult the doctor for any further moves.

How to Avoid Seizures From Tramadol

There are ways in which you can avoid having seizures while being on a Tramadol dose. If you follow these simple things when you take the opioid painkiller, you will never have any seizures or other side effects.

• Follow the dosage administered by your doctor and as approved by the FDA.
• Inform your doctor if you are taking any other strong medications like antidepressants or opioids.
• Do not consume alcohol, grapefruit, or any kind of recreational drug when Tramadol is prescribed to you.
• If you have any underlying health issues, let your doctor know about them.
• Do not stop the medication immediately if you are on an overdose,

Medical Alternatives for Seizures

If you are looking for medications that you can switch to for taking care of seizures caused by Tramadol, there are many. Let’s take a look at these alternatives, which are rightfully the first-to-seek medications for the issue.

• Benzodiazepines like Valium, Diazepam, and Lorazepam.
• Naloxone, which acts as the antidote for depression in the respiratory system.
• Acetaminophen drugs like Tylenol and Paracetamol
• Gabapentin and Pregabalin
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like Advil and Ibuprofen.
• Other opioids such as Tapentadol and Morphine.

Conclusion

Tramadol is a great pain remedy trusted by many healthcare professionals around the world. The only way one gets to suffer from seizures while taking this opioid is by overdosing on it or taking other medications with it. No opioids must be misused because if one does, they will suffer a lot of side effects. Seizures are one of those consequences.