Explaining the dangers of using alcohol with a wide range of pharmaceutical products is something that doctors deal on a regular basis. Many people seem to be quite careless about the effects of mixing drugs and alcohol, while in certain situations such a mix could be very harmful to health if not lethal. In other cases, the effectiveness of the drug can be altered, or it can cause faster intoxication with alcohol than normally. So what will happen if you take Tramadol with alcohol?

Both alcohol and Tramadol (as well as its generic variations such as Ultram) are acting as central nervous system depressants, which means that both these substances affect the brain and make it work slower. Also, these substances can lead to respiratory depression characterized by shallow breathing. So it's evident that taking Tramadol in conjunction with alcohol isn't a good idea since it will cause serious side effects that you wouldn't expect from these substances if taken separately. Make sure to not consume alcohol before or after taking Tramadol for pain relief.

Certain side effects will occur if you still choose to combine these two substances. So don't be surprised if you experience any of the following after taking Tramadol together with alcohol:

• Seizures

• Strange behavior

• Memory issues

• Drowsiness

• Dizziness

• Coordination problems

• Shallow or infrequent breathing

• Passing out

The effects of alcohol will also get stronger after taking Tramadol. It will be very likely that you will get intoxicated from a smaller amount of alcohol much faster than you normally do. This is why any prescription label will indicate that people who are intoxicated with alcohol at the moment should never use Tramadol until alcohol has cleared off from the body.

Though, it is recommended to avoid combining alcohol with Tramadol, you should also avoid ceasing alcohol or Tramadol consumption in an abrupt manner. Patients who are going through alcohol withdrawal and recovery should also avoid taking Tramadol because it will increase the risk of seizures. Stopping Tramadol use abruptly will also lead to withdrawal symptoms similar to those of alcohol withdrawal. That is why it is not recommended to try to withdraw from alcohol or Tramadol on your own without the help of qualified healthcare specialist.

Discussing alcohol and Tramadol consumption with your healthcare provider isn't anything you should be ashamed of. Especially when it comes to alcohol. If your alcohol consumption interferes with your health conditions you should inform your doctor too. If you tend to consume moderate amounts of alcohol your doctor will help you work out a schedule for different situations when there's a risk of combining alcohol with Tramadol. Keep in mind that Tramadol is a very effective medication for managing acute pain, and shouldn't be used for other purposes unless prescribed by your doctor. Consult with your doctor if it's safe for you to take this drug in general and make sure to avoid alcohol intake while using Tramadol. There's nothing wrong about drinking alcohol in moderate amounts, but doing so in conjunction with Tramadol will harm your health.