Tramadol is an analgesic pain killer that is available in 2 convenient forms, immediate-release and extended-release. These two versions were created to treat different levels/severity of pain. Tramadol immediate release, like the name suggests, shows its effects almost immediately(30-60 minutes) after ingestion. It releases the active ingredient in the tablet faster to provide rapid pain relief thus it is utilised to treat short-term pain. It is usually prescribed to patients who need to take a pain reliever every day.
The extended-release form of the tablets starts to show its effects over a timeframe of 12-24 hours after consumption. This form works slower however it provides a longer timeframe of pain relief. Both forms of the medication are equally as effective and contain the same composition.
A Detailed View of Tramadol’s Mechanism of Action
This anodyne strongly affects how the CNS responds to pain which causes a steady rise in the secretion of endogenous neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and hormones such as endorphins. These chemicals work hand-in-hand to form a major part of the pain-relieving process. Naturally based opioids, such as codeine, strongly attach themselves to opioid receptors in the nervous system.In contrast to this, Tramadol binds weakly to these receptors, making it a unique type of an opioid agonist (no excessive sedation).
The opioid receptors work to decrease pain impulses the body sends to the brain. Tramadol is able to change/alter a patient’s perception of pain and the amount of pain felt which ultimately decreases the level of discomfort one feels. A seamless MOA like this leaves no room for patients to wonder, will the treatment actually work or how long does Tramadol take to work.
Tramadol Can be Used to Treat Post-Anaesthetic Shivering (PAS)
Post-anaesthetic shivering (PAS) is basically shivering after anaesthesia. This could be due to the anaesthesia inhibiting the body’s function to carry out homeostasis of thermoregulation, meaning the body’s temperature becomes too low. Remifentanil, a synthetic opioid, has been reported to cause PAS, but after studying Tramadol’s MOA carefully, it may be an effective treatment. A study was conducted to investigate these findings. One of the lead scientists said, “The study was carried out with scrupulous attention to detail, making results highly reliable.” This study consisted of 63 participants who underwent upper abdominal surgery under general anaesthesia.
Tramadol Generic Brand tablets were given to participants at the introduction of anaesthesia. The participants were separated into four groups:
- Group 1 was given a high-dose of Remifentanil (1 to 1.5kg) with Tramadol.
- Group 2 was given a high-dose Remifentanil without Tramadol.
- Group 3 was given a low-dose remifentanil (0.15 to 0.25kg) with Tramadol.
- Group 4 was given a low-dose Remifentanil without Tramadol.