Anybody else noticed that Tramadol also relieves nasal stuffiness?
Question posted by docputer on 13 Feb 2011
Last updated on 24 April 2024 by saz25
As long as I can remember, I have been bothered by a stuffy nose, which causes difficulty breathing. Because I hate taking medicines, I have mostly just tolerated the symptoms. Now that I take a couple of Tramadol tabs every morning for my back and leg pain, I find that both nostrils are wide open and I can breathe freely all day long. I've experimented with this, too, alternating NOT taking the med and noticing stuffiness, then TAKING the tabs and almost immediately noticing my stuffy nose opening up, so I'm sure this is not just coincidental.
NOW --- has anyone else had such an experience, or am I just as weird as some say I am?
Hallelujah!! i'm not crazy ! I absolutely know that Tramadol clears my sinuses better than anything else I've tried, and I've tried just about everything. Sudafed tends to has a negative reaction in that when you stop using it , the sinuses are a lot worse for while. Tramadol does not leave me feeling groggy or stuffy after using it. I mentioned it years ago to my doctor but he said it wasn't possible? I have 2 friends who have also found the same thing regarding stuffy sinuses being cleared after Tramadol use. I just don't understand how this is still not medically recognised?? the likely reason is because the medics don't want us on them really. Im really pleased to have seen this now, it has confirmed what i always knew . Thanks everyone.
Votes: +0
KA
Karcor123
7 Feb 2024
Tramadol definetely opens up my sinuses!!! it works better than any cold medicine out there. I take tramadol for back pain and found this out by chance when I had a bad cold. It works within 20 minutes of taking a 50mg tablet. I thought I was crazy until I found this thread!
Votes: +0
CH
Charlie Shell
17 Jan 2023
Yes I have the same experience, clears my sinuses. Strange as I have no idea why but it definitely does.
Votes: +0
HE
HerbertAlan
21 Oct 2022
It absolutely makes the biggest difference in opening up my sinuses. It makes a remarkable difference only taking one 50mg tramadol per day. Works better for me than anything ever prescribed for my sinus congestion. This so what prompted me to search the internet to see if others had seen the same effect.
Votes: +1
MI
Missy1315
19 May 2022
That’s very interesting. Unfortunately it doesn’t have the same benefit for me. I’m still on 3 different types of allergy meds, even though I’m on Tramadol 24/7 for over a year now. I think you’re very lucky!! :)
Votes: +0
BA
Baileybailey12
18 May 2022
I was so glad to see that people experience this. I am a severe allergy suffer and I 110% agree that tramadol eliminates the constant post nasal and sore throat and cough... I take for chronic pain condition and was curious as to the why so I finally typed the question and am so relieved I'm not exaggerating... no allergy medication has ever alleviated my sinus symptoms this well and I've tried them all... I I'm glad I'm not the only one.
Votes: +1
CJ
CJN
22 March 2021
After suffering with nasal drainage and coughing every night, I would never get a good night's sleep. Would end up sitting up in a recliner using too much cough syrup in desperation. Visited several specialist doctors, but all the meds, whether liquid or inhaler, only lasted 4-5 hours before waking back up choking and coughing (was not sleep apnea) and back to the recliner. It wrecks your schedule and you're dragged out. Accidentally, discovered taking tramadol for my migraine while having a cold miraculously cleared up my sinuses and slept like a baby for the first time in years ALL NIGHT and did not feel "hung over" the next morning as with the other meds prescribed. Now the question remains, "How long before this positive effect is recognized and used as such by the medical community?"
Votes: +1
AN
Andreas Cariolou
30 May 2020
It does that for me too!
Votes: +2
DO
donnalisa777
17 May 2020
Yes! Absolutely... It works better than Mucinex or Sudafed!!! ... if I take a Tramadol for pain, my sinuses clear up within an hour!!! It is Amazing!!! ... and it doesn’t dry you out like sinus meds.
Votes: +1
CH
CheriRN13
28 April 2020
I have chronic sinus infections with chronic nasal congestion. I take tramadol for back pain. I also noticed after taking Tramadol I can actually breath. It works better than anything else I have tried. I just happened to google this cuz I never heard of that, and saw your thread.
Votes: +2
VH
Vhood112
12 Dec 2018
Yes... I’m on Tramadol for back pain but I’m having problems with my sinuses/cold... decided to take half of a Tramadol and now I can breathe... my symptoms are gone, but it has made me dehydrated a little...
Votes: +2
RI
Richard Sande
18 June 2018
Yes it works for me 50mg a day and my head is clear and cough is gone,but I have a hard time finding a doc to give prescribed it. Richard
Votes: +1
FA
fay1965
11 March 2018
hello, yup me too so i guess we're all weirdo's lol i am amazed at how quickly it relieved my sinus after taking for rheumatoid pain...
Votes: +2
CH
chopinryu
13 Feb 2018
The reason it works is because Tramadol also acts as an SNRI. The increased action of norepinephrine likely produces the vasoconstriction in the nasal and sinus passages similar to that of pseudoephedrine.
Votes: +5
DR
Dr-Mom
28 Dec 2017
I took some Tramadol in the wee hours of the morning for a raging headache, and it didn't do so much for the headache, but my sinuses cleared up for the first time in days. It wasn't your imagination.
