Canine tramadol (November 05th 2010) - Web Document shared at Box.net Tramadol - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia-2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]- 1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexanolInChI=1S/C16H25NO2/c1-17(2)12-14-7-4-5-10-16(14,18)13-8-6-9-15(11-13)19-3/h6,8-9,11,14,18H,4-5,7,10,12H2,1-3H3/t14-,16+/m1/s1 others below) is a centrally acting opioid analgesic, used in treating moderate to severe pain. The drug has a wide range of applications, including treatment for restless leg syndrome, acid reflux, and fibromyalgia. It was developed by the pharmaceutical company Grunenthal GmbH in the late 1970s. Tramadol is somewhat pharmacologically similar to levorphanol (albeit with much lower ?-agonism), as both opioids are also NMDA-antagonists which also have SNRI activity (other such opioids to do the same are dextropropoxyphene (Darvon) M1-like molecule tapentadol (Nucynta, a new synthetic atypical opioid made to mimic the agonistic properties of tramadol's metabolite, M1(O-Desmethyltramadol). Tramadol is also molecularly similar to Effexor and has similar SNRI effects, with antinociceptive effects also observed. It has been suggested that tramadol could be effective for alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and phobiasThe most commonly reported adverse drug reactions are nausea, vomiting, sweating and constipation. Drowsiness is reported, although it is less of an issue than for non-synthetic opioids. Patients prescribed tramadol for general pain relief with or without other agents have reported withdrawal symptoms including uncontrollable nervous tremors, muscle contracture, and 'thrashing' in bed (similar to restless leg syndrome) if weaning off the medication happens too quickly. Anxiety, 'buzzing', 'electrical shock' and other sensations may also be present, similar to those noted in Effexor withdrawal. Anecdotally, tramadol is widely regarded by chronic pain sufferers as being among the most difficult of the pain medications to stop after prolonged administration, as withdrawal from both the serotonergic/noradrenergic and the mu-opioid effects is present. Respiratory depression, a common side-effect of most opioids, is not clinically significant in normal doses. By itself, it can decrease the seizure threshold. When combined with SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, or in patients with epilepsy, the seizure threshold is further decreased. Seizures have been reported in humans receiving excessive single oral doses (700 mg) or large intravenous doses (300 mg). However, there have been several rare cases of people having grand-mal seizures at doses as low as 100–400 mg orally.Treatment of Pain in Dogs and CatsPain Control In Dogs And Catsyou can read an article about long term pain control in arthritic dogs hereWhen I was a young veterinarian, I was involved in a bad accident that left me partially paralyzed. I slowly adapted to my disabilities and continued to practice. But the experience left me with a special interest and understands of pain-relieving medications and more time than most vets have to write about them. Although these type of problems are rare, they do occur and they are never rare when they occur in your pet. It is nearly impossible to predict which pet might experience these severe side effects.