The term ‘red’ has become common lately, with some videos highlighting the negative impacts it has had on its abusers.
While the name ‘red’ sounds weird, the key question is: what kind of opioid is it, and what exactly is it used for?
Overview
‘Red’ is an opioid that has become a new craze among young people. Opioids, as people may be aware, are a class of drugs that are commonly used to treat pain but have also become a major public health concern due to their high potential for addiction and overdose.
Tramadol, commonly known as ‘Red’ due to its distinctive red colour, is a type of opioid medication.
The 225mg tablet is a specific dosage of tramadol that has gained ill fame due to its widespread misuse and addiction.
What is tramadol 225mg ‘red’
It is a synthetic opioid medication used to treat moderate severe pain. It works by binding to opioid receptors responsible for the detection and response to opioid substances in the brain and spinal cord, altering the way the body perceives pain.
They are prescribed by doctors to treat moderate to severe pain.
Some of the medical uses of tramadol include:
Pain relief: Tramadol 225mg is used to treat pain caused by various conditions, such as back pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain.
Post-operative pain: Tramadol 225mg is often prescribed to manage pain after surgery.
Chronic pain: Tramadol 225mg is used to treat chronic pain conditions, such as chronic lower back pain.
Cancer pain: Tramadol 225mg is sometimes used to treat pain associated with cancer.
Neuropathic pain: Tramadol 225mg is used to treat neuropathic pain conditions such as diabetic neuropathy.
Misuse of Tramadol 225mg
Tramadol, especially the 225mg ‘red’ tablet, has become a popular target for misuse and addiction. Some common ways tramadol is misused include:
Taking more than prescribed: Users may take more than prescribed to achieve a stronger high or to feed their addiction.
Combining with other substances: It is often combined with other substances such as alcohol or other opioids, to enhance its effects. This can lead to serious health risks, including death.
The dangers of tramadol
Addiction: Tramadol can be highly addictive, leading to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop.
Overdose: Taking too much tramadol can lead to respiratory depression, coma, and even death.
Seizures: Tramadol can cause seizures, especially when combined with other substances or taken in large doses.
Serotonin syndrome: Tramadol can interact with other medications such as antidepressants to cause serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Types of Tramadol
Tramadol is available in various forms and strengths, including:
Immediate-release tablets: 50mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg, and 225mg
Extended-release tablets: 100mg, 150mg, 200mg, and 300mg
Capsules: 50mg, 100mg, 150mg, and 200mg
Oral solutions: 5mg/mL and 10mg/mL
Injectable solutions: 50mg/mL and 100mg/mL
Transdermal patches: 12.5mg/h, 25mg/h, and 50mg/h
In Ghana, the widespread availability of tramadol 225mg contributes significantly to addiction and overdose cases.
What can be done?
Education and awareness: Raising awareness about the dangers of opioid addiction can help prevent misuse.
Prescription regulations: Strict prescription regulations can help reduce the availability of opioids.
Conclusion
By understanding the dangers of opioid drugs(Tramadol ‘red’) and taking collective actions, authorities can work towards mitigating the opioid crisis in Ghana.
MRA/EK
Source: Ghanaweb
