Tramadol

Usually white pills, tablets or coloured capsules, although liquid forms are produced.

Desired Effects:

Relaxation, sleepiness, pain relief, mild euphoria, warmth & well-being.

Side Effects:

Dizziness, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, headaches, sleepiness, sweating, tiredness, vomiting.

Long term risks:

Tolerance, physical and psychological dependence, withdrawal symptoms, increased risk of adverse effects in overdose due to its anti-depressant elements.

Short term risks:

Interaction with other medicines such as anti-depressants and other pain killers - get medical advice if you have taken this drug with other medicines. Risks also include respiratory depression, convulsions, accidents, confusion and overdose. There has been an increase in Tramadol related deaths.

Synthetic opioid chemically similar to codeine, and anti-depressant. Central nervous system Depressant, Analgesic, cough suppressant, sedative.

Prescription only medicine. However, The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs advises that tramadol should be controlled as a class C substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Tablets and capsules are swallowed orally.

None

Prescribed by a doctor to treat moderate to severe pain.

This is a pharmaceutical drug which is sometimes diverted from manufacturers, pharmacies or GPs prescriptions.

Tramadol users can access support from 'street agencies' or projects, sometimes called community drug services or community drug teams, which offer a range of services including information and advice, counselling, detoxification and prescribing for opiate users, needle exchanges and sometimes support groups and other services such as acupuncture. Some may have extended opening hours and may be open at weekends. GPs and hospitals can make referrals to specialist drug services like Drug Dependency Units (DDUs). These are usually located in or adjacent to a hospital and specialise in helping problem drug users, especially people who are physically dependent. They provide counselling, detoxification, substitute prescribing and other treatments. Residential services offer treatment programmes for heavily dependent drug users who are trying to give up. Residents must usually be drug free on admission which means they usually have to undergo detoxification before entry. Programmes usually last 3-6 months, but some 12 steps programmes last longer. The types of programmes vary. Self help groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) co-ordinate local support groups for problem drug users around the country. Families Anonymous run similar groups for the families of drug users.

Parents & other relatives

Drug agencies also provide lots of advice and support to parents of young people using these drugs. Many street agencies can provide relative support groups or counselling for family members, partners etc.