Although rare, some people who take Toradol experience euphoria (intense joy) and relaxation.
Toradol is the brand name for a prescription drug called ketorolac tromethamine. It belongs to a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Toradol in the following forms: tablet, intravenous injection, intramuscular injection, and nasal spray.
All of these forms provide acute pain relief by blocking your body’s production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormones that cause pain, fever, and inflammation.
As an analgesic (painkiller), Toradol treats moderate to severe pain. Some people wonder whether it can get you high like opioid painkillers do.
Getting High On Toradol
The effects of Toradol are much milder than the high caused by opioids. That’s why Toradol is less likely to be abused than opioids. Still, some people abuse Toradol by using it in a manner not prescribed by their healthcare providers.
Risks Of Toradol Abuse
To abuse Toradol, some people might take it for a longer period of time than prescribed. Most doctors only prescribe Toradol for short-term use (5 days or less) to reduce the risk of side effects.
Other people may abuse Toradol by taking higher doses than prescribed or mixing it with alcohol or other drugs.
All forms of Toradol abuse pose the following health risks:
Increased Side Effects
People who abuse Toradol face an increased risk of side effects. The drug’s most common side effects include:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- headache
- sweating
- gas
- diarrhea
- constipation
- mouth sores
Rarer, more serious side effects may include:
- fever
- severe fatigue
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- unexplained weight gain
- fast heartbeat
- shortness of breath
- abdominal pain
- swelling of the abdomen, legs, ankles, or feet
- allergic reactions, such as skin rash, hives, facial swelling, or trouble breathing
If you or someone you know experiences these more serious side effects, seek medical advice right away.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Toradol abuse can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, especially if you mix the drug with alcohol or have preexisting gastrointestinal problems, such as peptic ulcer disease or stomach perforations.
Common signs of gastrointestinal bleeding include:
- paleness
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- bloody vomit
- bloody, black, or tarry stools
- abdominal cramps
- shortness of breath
Kidney Problems
Long-term Toradol use can damage your kidney function, especially if you already have kidney disease or kidney failure. The most common symptoms of kidney damage include:
- nausea and vomiting
- loss of appetite
- muscle cramps
- drowsiness
- weakness
- trouble sleeping
Cardiovascular Problems
Taking high doses of Toradol can raise your risk of cardiovascular problems (including high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke), especially if you have congestive heart failure or other types of heart disease.
Liver Disease
Abusing Toradol can lead to liver disease, which is life-threatening in some cases. Common signs of liver disease include:
- abdominal pain
- itchy skin
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- pale stool
- dark urine
- swollen legs and ankles
Pregnancy Issues
If you abuse Toradol while pregnant, you may experience low amniotic fluid levels or kidney problems. Your baby may also develop kidney failure.
In addition, if you use Toradol while breastfeeding, the drug may pass into your breast milk and cause side effects in your baby.
Drug Interactions
Toradol can have adverse effects (such as increased side effects) when mixed with various prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including:
- other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, and meloxicam
- diuretics, such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide
- certain blood pressure medications, including losartan and lisinopril
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zolot)
- lithium, a drug used to treat bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder
- methotrexate, a drug used to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases
- pentoxifylline (Pentoxil, Trental), a drug used to treat muscle pain caused by peripheral artery disease
- probenecid (Probalan), a drug used to treat gout and gouty arthritis
- warfarin (Coumadin), a blood thinner
If you take Toradol as prescribed and don’t abuse it, you may be able to take some of these drugs. Just ask your doctor first.
Overdose
If you take more Toradol than prescribed, you may overdose. The most common symptoms of a Toradol overdose include:
- drowsiness
- nausea and vomiting
- vomit that’s bloody or looks like coffee grounds
- stomach pain
- bloody, black, or tarry stools
- breathing changes, including slowed breathing or fast, shallow breathing
- loss of consciousness
Seek medical attention right away if you or someone you know experiences these symptoms. When left untreated, a Toradol overdose may be life-threatening.
If you or someone you love struggles with Toradol abuse, please reach out to a Recovering Champions specialist. Our substance abuse treatment programs offer personalized, evidence-based care to help you or your loved one thrive.
