Can you snort Tramadol?
Snorting any type of substance can be very dangerous and even life-threatening. This is because when snorting, the substance enters the bloodstream much quicker, and has a faster onset of effects. In some cases, it can cause overdose and death. Some of the more commonly snorted substances include meth, cocaine/coke and fentanyl. Those who abuse substances are also known to snort prescription medication pills. Medication pills such as tramadol.
Tramadol is a synthetic opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain with fewer risks and potential for respiratory depression, addiction and overdose. Tramadol was FDA-approved as a pain relief medication and marketed as a safer alternative to other stronger opioids. In 2014, it was classified as a Schedule IV Controlled Substance with certified and beneficial medical use, a lower potential for abuse, but with a risk of misuse that could lead to physiological or physical dependence. However, like other opioids, tramadol played a role in the national opioid crisis that began back in the 1980s with the rise of prescription pain medication.
According to research from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health, an estimated 1.6 – 1.8 million Americans now struggle with tramadol abuse. In 2016, synthetic opioids such as tramadol became the most common drug involved in opioid overdose deaths in the United States. Since then, tramadol and other synthetic prescription opioids have continued to play a major role in the opioid overdose epidemic.
How does Tramadol work?
Tramadol is a synthetic opioid analgesic medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is usually taken as an oral tablet. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system to block feelings of pain. Abusing synthetic opioids such as tramadol can cause permanent damage and alter brain functions impacting the way the brain responds in certain situations. It is less habit-forming than other prescription opioids, but still poses a risk for tolerance, dependence and addiction. If abused, tramadol can lead to opioid addiction. Addiction often occurs in those who abuse the drug.
Abuse of a drug means taking more of the medication than prescribed. Abuse of a drug means taking someone else’s medication. Abuse of a drug can also mean using a medication in a different way than prescribed or intended. A prime example of this is crushing up tablets or pills and snorting them or smoking them instead of orally ingesting them.
How do I know if I have an addiction to Tramadol?
- You need to take tramadol in order to feel like you can function normally
- You need to take larger doses of tramadol and take it more often than prescribed
- You develop a tolerance for the drug
- You experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking tramadol or reduce the dose
- You begin to neglect daily activities and responsibilities due to using tramadol
- Tramadol begins to negatively impact your life personally and professionally
Can you snort Tramadol?
Snorting substances such as tramadol is not as common as snorting coke, fentanyl or meth. But oftentimes, those who abuse prescription opioids will crush up tramadol pills or tablets and snort them. Snorting tramadol, or tramadol insufflation, can result in a faster onset of effects. The mucous membrane in the nose has a strong blood supply and is easily permeable. This means things can easily be absorbed through the mucous membrane. Snorted substances like tramadol will be able to quickly enter the bloodstream and reach the brain at a much faster rate compared to orally ingesting the drug. This method of drug use is often done to help intensify the drug effects.
Tramadol typically comes in tablet form under the brand names Conzip or Ultracet. If a person snorts an extended-release formulation that contains a higher dose of the drug, they could be susceptible to snorting and ingesting a dangerous amount. This can lead to overdose and death. After snorting tramadol, users often feel the effects immediately. In rare cases, users can experience a second wave of effects due to some of the snorted substance accidentally making its way into the oral cavity and being absorbed into the system in the traditional method. The second wave of effects would usually occur about one or two hours later.
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Side Effects of snorting Tramadol include:
- Damage to nasal passageways
- Damage to the mucous lining of the nose
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Aches and pains in muscles and joints
- Skin rash, itchiness and sweating
- Feelings of depression, anxiety and extreme sadness
- Mental confusion and disorientation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Extreme mood changes
- Insomnia
- Hallucinations
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Seizures
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Loss of consciousness
- Overdose
Dangers of Tramadol Insufflation
- Increased risk of overdose and seizure – When tramadol is snorted, it bypasses the digestive system where it is normally metabolized in the liver and goes directly into the bloodstream. This increases the potency effects of the drugs and could potentially lead to overdose. Overdose symptoms include pinpoint pupils, difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, slowed heartbeat and muscle weakness.
- Increased risk of developing serotonin syndrome – A potent dose of the drug can lead to developing high levels of serotonin in the brain. Extreme levels of serotonin can cause a disruption in the brain’s communication pathways which leads to serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include convulsions, uncontrollable shaking, hyperthermia, muscle rigidity and increased muscle pain.
- Increased risk of respiratory depression, coma or breathing problems – Constant snorting of any substance, especially tramadol, can wear down the nose’s filtering capabilities and even cause small amounts of tramadol to enter into the lungs and cause breathing issues. Users are also at risk of developing a respiratory infection.
- Increased risk of a faster rate of tolerance to the drug – Snorting drugs like tramadol also allows for a larger intake of the substance compared to ingesting it orally in a tablet or pill. Snorting more can increase the rate at which a person becomes tolerant of the drug, which eventually leads to dependence and addiction.
- Damage to the nose – Snorting tramadol leads to increased damage to the nose, sinus cavity and throat. Side effects such as nosebleeds, damage to the nose lining and difficulty breathing. All of these can also lead to the development of a hole in the septum of the nose.
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Tramadol is a commonly abused opioid that has been linked to many overdose deaths over the past decades. Those who abuse the drug sometimes crush up the prescription tablets and snort them to achieve a greater or more intense high. This can lead to tolerance, dependence and addiction. In some cases, it can be life-threatening. Behavioral health treatment programs like Hotel California by the Sea, specialize in treating substance use disorders.
We treat clients at all levels of care including detox, inpatient residential, PHP and IOP. Our clients have options for evidence-based treatment methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy and family therapy. Hotel California by the Sea believes in treating all aspects of addiction including the emotional, physical and psychological factors. By addressing these factors, our clients will have a greater chance at recovery and overcoming their addiction.
References:
https://npaddictionclinic.com/blog/dangers-of-snorting-tramadol
https://zinniahealth.com/substance-use/tramadol/ways-to-abuse
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537060
https://vertavahealth.com/tramadol/insufflation/
https://www.rehabcenter.net/tramadol/insufflation/