Tramadol, a synthetic opioid analgesic with brand names including Ultram and Ryzolt, is commonly known by various street names such as “ultras,” “trammies,” and “chill pills.”
Developed in the late 1970s by the German pharmaceutical company Grünenthal, tramadol was introduced with the intention of providing a less addictive alternative to traditional opioids.
This prescription medication gained popularity due to its dual mechanism of action, combining weak mu-opioid receptor binding with the inhibition of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake.
Despite its initial classification as a less addictive opioid to manage moderate to severe pain symptoms, tramadol does have high substance abuse potential and dependence is likely.
Street Value Of Tramadol
Tramadol is a Schedule IV controlled substance that is only legally acquired through a prescription written by a doctor or other medical professional.
| Dosage | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 mg | $1 |
Because of the obstacle of having to divert tramadol illegally from medical offices or pharmacies, tramadol is typically more expensive to acquire on the street.
What Drives The Price Of Tramadol Sold On The Street?
There are several factors that can influence the street prices of tramadol.
Typically, it’s easier to find tramadol in cities and urban environments in comparison to more rural or suburban regions of the American black market.
Availability of other similar opioids and synthetic opiates can also drive the street prices of tramadol, as this can affect demand for the drug in the region.
Comparing Tramadol To The Street Cost Of Other Prescription Opioids
As an opioid-related drug, abusing tramadol produces similar side effects to other prescription opioids sold illicitly on the streets.
Depending on the availability of tramadol on the black market, as well as other extenuating factors affecting its price, people may choose to use other opioid drugs.
Related opioid medications that can affect the price of tramadol include:
Because these drugs may be more likely to be found locally in America, with less risk of having to divert from pharmacies, people who abuse drugs may choose these over tramadol.
Dangers Of Tramadol Abuse
Tramadol is medically used to treat chronic pain symptoms. Abusing tramadol can lead to serious health risks, including respiratory depression, seizures, and serotonin syndrome.
The drug’s serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition properties, when pushed beyond therapeutic levels, can result in a dangerous increase in serotonin levels.
This can cause symptoms like agitation, rapid heartbeat, and elevated body temperature. Developing tramadol addiction can be extremely detrimental to a person’s physical and mental health.
Moreover, on the illicit market, there’s a concerning trend in which drug traffickers cut tramadol or other drugs with more potent opioids like fentanyl.
This poses a significant risk of overdose, as fentanyl is much more potent than tramadol. People may unwittingly consume lethal doses, heightening the danger associated with buying pills on the streets.
Addiction Treatment For Prescription Drug Abuse
If you or a loved one is seeking care to address tramadol or other prescription drug abuse, there are several treatment programs available to help.
Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs are available at rehab centers to guide people facing a substance use disorder through behavioral therapy, drug detox, and other evidence-based approaches.
Group and individual therapy by licensed therapists or clinicians can also support people by providing a listening ear on the road to recovery.
Find Addiction Treatment Today
Help is available for those who need it. Contact DetoxRehabs.net today for more information, and start your journey toward mental and physical well-being.
Article Sources- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Diversion Control Division — Tramadol
https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/tramadol.pdf
