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Description Pain reliever. The search for the relief of pain has existed for centuries if not millennia. It has long been known that the opiates are able to produce excellent analgesia as well as feelings of euphoria. Unfortunately, they are also habit forming, cause respiratory depression, sedation, and hallucinations. As science has examined the brain, several types of opiate receptors have been found such that stimulation of different receptors is responsible for the different effects of the opiates. For example, the "mu" and "delta" receptors account for analgesia (pain relief), euphoria, addiction, dropped heart rate and respiratory depression. The "kappa" receptors cause dysphoria (unpleasant feelings), constricted pupils, and sedation. The "sigma" receptors account for hallucinations. In the laboratory, it is possible to create opiates that stimulate only some receptors and not others. With delicacy it is possible to create a drug that creates analgesia and euphoria without being addictive or sedating. Tramadol represents such a drug. In veterinary medicine there has been a recent explosion in the development of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications for the control of animal pain, particularly canine arthritis. These medications act by inhibiting cyclo-oxygenase, an enzyme that creates assorted inflammatory biochemicals. Unfortunately, cyclo-oxygenase with different functions. These medications are virtually never safe for feline use (except in as one-time doses as in the control of pain associated with surgery). Further, occasionally, a dog will develop a reaction to one of the so-called COX-inhibiting anti-inflammatories. For these patients, a "mu" agonist like tramadol may be just the ticket. What is this Medication used for?Tramadol can be used for pain relief in both dogs and cats. (Most non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are dangerous for feline use so this provides a nice choice for cats with chronic pain issues). Tramadol is given two to three times a daily. What are the side effects?If a pet develops apparent sedation or bizarre behavior, the tramadol dose should be reduced. Upset stomach is occasionally observed with tramadol. Pupil constriction and panting may occur with this medication. Decreased heart rate may result but should not be problematic. Constipation may be a side effect. Overdose may manifest as seizures, pinpoint pupils, and mental alterations. Seek veterinary assistance at once should this occur. Side effects are generally considered rare. What special Precautions are there? The beauty of this pain reliever is that it is compatible with all the COX inhibiting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is also compatible with all the joint pain nutriceuticals such as glucosamine, MSM, etc. Tramadol is NOT compatible with Deprenyl. Animals taking deprenyl either to control Cushing's Syndrome or to control senility may not take nay sort of narcotic agonist medication including tramadol. Similarly, tramadol is not compatible with other psychoactive drugs such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors. If you are not sure if your pet is on one of these medications, check with your veterinarian. Tramadol is not passed to nursing young and should be acceptable pain reliever for a lactating mother. Tramadol is removed from he body by the liver (70%) as well as via kidney excretion (30%). Should disease be present in either of these systems, a dose reduction may be necessary. This information is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advise concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for service provided by your veterinarian.
You may request a refill of your pet's prescription; however, submitting this form does not guarantee that the medicine will be refilled. All refills are reviewed by a doctor before being filled. If there is an issue, one of our staff members will contact you. When your prescription is ready for pick up we will contact you at your preferred method of contact.
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