Tolerance and dependence,
which aren’t the same as addiction,
are more likely to occur with
long-term use. Nurses should
teach patients taking the drug
about the risks posed by tramadol
overdose, which include CNS depression,
respiratory depression,
and death. They should also stress
the importance of not exceeding
the prescribed dosage and to avoid
taking tramadol with other CNS
depressants, including alcohol.