The opioid epidemic is a big problem for Big Pharma.
Not only are they being (rightfully) blamed for the thousands of addicts and overdoses caused by their pursuit of profits, but now they are being hit with a blizzard of lawsuits seeking damages.
Drug companies have another problem: After promoting opioids as the go-to pain medication for years, what can they offer instead?
In many cases, the answer has been tramadol. This drug is touted as being less addictive with fewer side effects than the opioids that have caused so much suffering. Tramadol (Ultram, ConZip, Rybix) is now among the top-selling drugs in the U.S.[1] [2]
But here’s some information that Big Pharma doesn’t want you to know…
Even though they are promoting tramadol as a safer alternative to opioids, tramadol IS an opioid.[3]
While it may not be as addictive as OxyContin, Vicodin, or the other notoriously dangerous painkillers, there have been many cases of tramadol abuse and overdose. One study found it was linked to 20,000 emergency room visits in just one year.[4] [5]
And now a new study shows that tramadol is dangerous in another way.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego noticed the recent surge in tramadol prescriptions. They decided to look into the drug’s possible side effects by collecting information from FDA databases.
The scientists analyzed millions of patient reports of adverse reactions. They found that in addition to the usual side effects associated with opioids…dizziness, nausea, constipation, increased seizure risk…tramadol was also strongly linked to hypoglycemia.[6]
Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar. If untreated, it can cause vision loss, fainting, falls, irregular heartbeat, and mental confusion.[7]
The researchers found that, compared to other opioids and similar-acting drugs, tramadol posed a ten-fold higher risk of hypoglycemia.[8]
Dr. Ruben Abagyan led the research team. He said the takeaway message was to “warn physicians about the likelihood of low blood sugar” from tramadol use.[9]
6 Safe, Natural Painkillers
Natural painkillers can be just as effective as drugs. And they’re safer. These alternatives are widely available at health food stores and online:
- CBD (cannabidiol). One study evaluated responses from 1,000 patients with chronic pain. Eighty percent rated CBD as “very or extremely helpful.” And 88% were able to stop taking opioid painkillers.[10]
- Willow bark contains salicin. It’s chemically related to aspirin. It treats headache, back pain, menstrual cramps, fever, and joint pain.
- Capsaicin is the compound in hot peppers that makes them spicy. It is applied to the skin as a topical treatment for arthritis and other joint pain.
- Bromelain is a compound extracted from pineapple. It reduces inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis.
- Turmeric reduces pain from muscle pulls and other injuries.
- Magnesium can be extremely effective for migraines and other headaches.
If your doctor suggests that you take tramadol, tell him or her that you’d first like to try one of these natural solutions. They take away the pain without causing your blood sugar to crash.
Editor’s Note: How else can CBD help your health?
You won’t get the answers in the mainstream media… Read Independent Healing’s exclusive Cannabis Cure Protocol. It tells you how to use CBD or medical marijuana to feel better than you have in years.
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[1]https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-tramadol-a-risky-pain-medication-2019061416844
[2]https://www.pharmacy-tech-test.com/top-200-drugs.html
[3]https://www.drugs.com/article/tramadol-need-to-know.html
[4]https://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/tramadol
[5]https://www.drugs.com/article/tramadol-need-to-know.html
[6]https://www.drugs.com/article/tramadol-need-to-know.html
[7]https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypoglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373685
[8]https://medicalxpress.com/news/2019-08-popular-pain-medication-greater-hypoglycemia.html
[9]https://medicalxpress.com/news/2019-08-popular-pain-medication-greater-hypoglycemia.html
[10]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31264536