Tramadol is a centrally acting opioid analgesic with a multimode of action. It acts on serotonergic and noradrenergic nociception, while its metabolite O-desmethyl tramadol acts on the µ-opioid receptor. Its analgesic potency is claimed to be about one-tenth that of morphine.
Tramadol is used to treat both acute and chronic pain of moderate to (moderately) severe intensity. Tramadol monotherapy does not usually provide adequate analgesia. In chronic non-cancer pain, there is little evidence for the use of tramadol for more than three months. Tramadol is considered to be a relatively safe analgesic.
What is Impotence?
Impotence is a common problem among men and is characterized by the consistent inability to sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse or the inability to achieve ejaculation or both. Erectile dysfunction can vary. It can involve a total inability to achieve an erection or ejaculation, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only very brief erections.
The risk of impotence increases with age. It is much more frequent in men in their 60s compared with those in their 40s. Men with less education are also more likely to experience impotence, perhaps because they tend to have less healthy lifestyles, eat a less healthy diet, drink more, and exercise less.
Causes of impotence are many and include heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, metabolic syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, Peyronie’s disease, substance abuse, sleep disorders, BPH treatments, relationship problems, blood vessel diseases (such as peripheral vascular disease and others), systemic disease, hormonal imbalance, and medications (such as blood pressure and heart medications).
Does Tramadol Cause Impotence?
Even though tramadol can make you last longer in bed it can also cause impotence. According to a new study, the administration of tramadol 60 mg/kg, three times per week for 45 days statistically reduced the serum testosterone level accompanied by an increase in the serum prolactin level. Excess prolactin interferes with the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, resulting in decreased testosterone and erectile dysfunction.
Testosterone is the hormone most responsible for sex drives and high libidos in men. A decrease in testosterone can mean a decrease in libido. One of the biggest worries faced by men with declining testosterone levels is the chance that their sexual desire and performance will be affected. According to Web MD, low testosterone can reduce your ability to have satisfying sex. Lack of sex drive and erectile dysfunction are sexual problems that can result from low testosterone. If low testosterone is the cause, treating it can help.
Tramadol side effects
Tramadol oral tablet may cause drowsiness. You should not drive, use heavy machinery, or perform any dangerous activities until you know how this drug affects you. Tramadol may also cause other side effects.
More common side effects
The more common side effects of tramadol can include:
- dizziness
- headache
- drowsiness
- nausea and vomiting
- constipation
- lack of energy
- sweating
- dry mouth
If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
- Serotonin syndrome. Symptoms can include:
- fast heart rate
- high blood pressure
- body temperature that’s higher than normal
- reflexes that are stronger than normal
- lack of coordination (control of your movements)
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea
- agitation
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
- coma
- Serious breathing problems. Symptoms can include:
- slowed breathing rate
- very shallow breathing (little chest movement with breathing)
- fainting, dizziness, or confusion
- Physical dependence and withdrawal when stopping the drug. Symptoms can include:
- feeling irritable, anxious, or restless
- trouble sleeping
- increased blood pressure
- fast breathing rate
- fast heart rate
- dilated (large) pupils
- teary eyes
- runny nose
- yawning
- nausea, vomiting, and a loss of appetite
- diarrhea and stomach cramps
- sweating
- chills
- muscle aches, back pain, or joint pain
- Adrenal insufficiency. Symptoms can include:
- long-lasting tiredness
- muscle weakness
- pain in your abdomen
- Androgen deficiency. Symptoms can include:
- tiredness
- trouble sleeping
- decreased energy
- Seizures
- Addiction or misuse of this drug
SEE: How long does a Tramadol Rash Last
