Options for Tramadol Dosage

Tramadol is a type of prescription pain medication available in several different forms. For instance, there are regular and extended release tablets and capsules, injections and IV, suppositories, and more. However, the two most common delivery methods are tablets and capsules in doses of 50 and 100 milligrams. Because of this, we wanted to use this form and Tramadol dosage as the focus of this article.

Determining Proper Dose

Obviously, every patient is going to be unique. Therefore, no reputable doctor is going to prescribe the exact Tramadol dosage across the board. Instead, a doctor will look at a person's past and current health condition, lifestyle as far as alcohol and illicit drugs, other prescription medications, type and intensity of pain, and several other factors to determine the most effective but also safest dose.

Unfortunately, there is one mistake commonly seen with patients. Typically, people believe the effects of prescription medications are separated into therapeutic and side effect groups, with doctors looking more at the therapeutic aspect than potential risks. In truth, a well-informed physician will consider both groups when determining an appropriate dosage of Tramadol. Of course, the goal is to alleviate pain but in addition, keep the dose at a level that would not produce unpleasant side effects.

Keep in mind that Tramadol dosage can be modified as needed. For instance, if someone is started at a low dose but not getting the relief needed, a doctor might decide to increase it. However, this decision would be based in part on the time between the doses, as well as the duration of treatment. In addition, someone being on an additional medication such as ibuprofen would also be considered.

No matter the initial or modified Tramadol dosage, this is a very serious decision and one that takes time. Again, a reputable medical professional will consider every factor before making any change since increasing dose could also increase the risk for side effects but also intensify certain health problems. The same would be true if decreasing dosage since this should be gradual.

Typical Dosage

According to the manufacturers of Tramadol, a patient should start with 25 milligrams a day. After a period of time and taking all facts into consideration, tablet or capsule dose could be increased, going up to 50 and even 100 milligrams daily. No matter the actual dose, a patient would take Tramadol every four to six hours.

Now, there are some differences between the 50 and 100 milligram dose of Tramadol with the main one being the way in which tablets are used. In addition, most people tolerate the 25 to 50 milligram dose easier than the higher Tramadol dosage. Now, the same dose would be prescribed for most people regardless of age although after the age of 75, special precautions are taken.

In addition, if someone has a hepatic or renal disorder or is on dialysis, periodic adjustments might be required. Because there are so many dynamics involved, decisions would be made on a person by person basis according to all medications prescribed. While additional information is needed, recent studies suggest that a Tramadol dosage between 500 and 1,000 milligrams in women could be life-threatening.

Sadly, there have been reported cases of overdose, which usually leads to seizures, respiratory depression, and other serious risks. This is why it is so important to be under the care of a qualified doctor and for a patient to follow the prescribed dose exactly as instructed. Something else to understand is that if an individual were to accidentally miss a scheduled dose, the medication should be taken as quick as possible. However, if the time is close to the next scheduled dose, the person should wait and take the second dose to avoid doubling up.

Conclusion

To determine the most effective but also safest Tramadol dosage, a number of titration trials are usually conducted. With this a method is used to establish the correct dose according to each patient's need. To determine this, the dose would be adjusted gradually until the desired effect is achieved. Often, it takes several titration trials before a doctor can confirm the best Tramadol dosage to prescribe.