Tramadol 50mg causing gaseous abdominal and stomach pain, bad enough to send me to hospital?
Question posted by Sylenced_1 on 10 April 2013
Last updated on 1 September 2024 by ameobin
I've been taking this medication for over 6 months, never had this issue before. I had noticed the pain started when I started taking one from Amneal pharmaceuticals, but switching back to Teva has not changed the pain. Also, I had taken an a month's dosing without this problem with Amneal before. It's very strange.
My question is, what can I do about this? The pain is so bad I wake up passing gas, throughout the day, and the stomach pain is almost constant. It's just taking over my life at this point, despite my efforts to control it. I make ginger tea from fresh ginger to help ease it, take hot showers, and use digestive enzymes. It's all temporary relief. I went to the hospital this weekend because I got fed up (I have no healthcare as I cannot afford it.) They did some bloodwork as well as an ultrasound of my abdomen. Unfortunately they could not find anything or help me, so I was sent on my way.
I'm hoping perhaps somebody has dealt with this before and has some suggestions. Obviously the best solution would be to stop taking the medication and see if that's the problem, but after being on it for so long I would suffer terrible withdrawals (I've come off it before.) I'm at a bit of a crossroads here and would appreciate any advice or ideas!
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9 Answers
AM
ameobin
31 Aug 2024
In case someone is still looking at this post, note several research studies done on Tramadol showing that it can cause an elevated pH of gastric juices:
I see this is an old thread but I have been taking tramadol off and on for a month. I’m feeling awful. Thought was constipation but now have severe pain in upper right abdomen. Relieved with a hot pack and laying down but then starts again. Could this be the tramadol??
Votes: +0
CH
Charmk56
2 May 2020
Many medications can cause this problem whether it starts right away or after awhile. Many medications should be taken with food to help alleviate the problem. And some foods, like broccoli can aggravate the problem. My doctor gave me bentyl to help and also told me to take a good probiotic. Both have helped tremendously.
Votes: +0
DO
Dooliownins
2 May 2020
Hello all. I have been on Tramadol for many years now for a leg injury. I know I have abused the drug sometimes taking upwards of 10 over the course of a day. However since the lockdown and a slower pace of life I have managed to cut down to 6 a day without finding it too difficult so am feeling quite proud of myself! I also take Esomeprazole for gastric reflux but despite taking this daily I still often have unpleasant indigestion particularly in the afternoon/late evening. Reading other comments here makes me wonder if there could be a link with the Tramadol even though I am now managing to take less. I take Laxido for constipation which works pretty well so I don't think it's that. I have also tried changing my diet over the last few years but that hasn't really helped with the gastric problem either Certainly seems to be a pattern here with a few of us!
Votes: +0
KI
Kirsty80_0
1 May 2020
I have exactly the same problem been on buprenorphine patch for 2yrs. and oramorph with no relief just gives me constipation and a sore anus just been given tramadol and diazepam sometimes tramadol works but also gives constipation this has been going on for five years now doctors saying I need psychiatrist but I know it’s not going to do any good as I’m convinced it’s a bowel problem but no one listens. got to stage now when eating gives me stomach pains so I’m thinking of ending it all just can’t go on and at 83 yrs old they just seem to ignore you hope you find something that helps good luck
Votes: +0
AN
Angamie
18 Jan 2019
THANK YOU!!! I’ve been suffering with horrible bouts of abdominal pain for 4 years. Never got an explanation other than the ridiculous “constipation” crap! Constipation doesn’t occur after the pain of said constipation! I just lie around for two or three days with no ability to eat because of the pain! I’m going to discontinue and see what happens! Has yours stopped since you stopped taking tramadol?
Votes: +0
DZ
DzooBaby
10 April 2013
Do you think it could be constipation? Most opioids (and Tramadol, while not a true opioid, is considered "opioid like" and does cause constipation) You might want to increase your water intake and perhaps take a stool softener on a regular basis with an occasional laxative to keep things moving. It may help to take something like omeprazole if it is a stomach issue but it sounds more like an intestinal issue. Constipation, in some people, doesnt manifest quickly. Some people have problems within days and in others, it can take a month or two before their system gets backed up. Are your stools hard and dry? If yes, then try treating constipation more often.
Votes: +0
ME
Medic22sm
10 Aug 2015
No. Most onsets occur between 4-6 hours of taking meds. For example.. I just took two 50mg tramadol and have an upset stomach from hell. I don't take it usually but when I do -- seems like an allergic / hypersensitive reaction to opiaye type drugs.
RO
robyn259
20 Nov 2017
I take tramadol 300mg ER over a day and oxycodone 5-325mg twice a day for chronic back pain. The omeprazole helps stomach acid heartburn but wonder if extended yrly use could damage kidneys/liver, anyone know? Been on continuously 3yrs for digenerative spinal stenosis
Hi, have you had any lifestyle changes recently that could contribute to the stomach problems you are experiencing? Dietary changes, new medications, a stressful time in your life? Have you considered asking your doctor to prescribe another medication alongside the Tramadol to ease your stomach related symptoms, such as Omeprazole? I think it would be worth a try? If however this continues you really need to think seriously about discontinuing the Tramadol. Believe me, i know how hard it is! I've done it twice. I can offer you advice to get you through it, things i've learned from experience. But take Pledge's comment to heart also, a medication can be used to protect you from the withdrawals if you decide to stop. What dose are you currently taking?
Votes: +0
DA
Dazedd
6 Oct 2017
Ive been on tramadol for years as ave bad back pains. Ive recently bin gettin bad stomach pains lasting 2 to 3 days. Thought it was crappy food ive bin eating n not tramadol that can cause it.
IN
Inactive
10 April 2013
Hello Sylenced__1 Your doctor might be able to prescribe another drug along with the Tramadol if you decide to stop the Tramadol. This might help ease the withdrawl which I know are and can be extremely harsh. Regards pledge
Votes: +1
SY
Sylenced_1
10 April 2013
Thanks for the advice. I have Clonidine, the medication that's helpful for withdrawals, but I don't want to have to come off it. I deal with chronic pain, and it's rather helpful for it. If I have to to help this stomach problem, then I believe the route you suggested would help. It's a very hard drug to taper off of though! Somehow the more hard hitting pain relievers like Oxycodone are easier to come off of then this one, which is a big reason I'm scared to. The withdrawals are just a nightmare.
BR
Brisky123
28 Sep 2017
I was so glad I found your post on Tramadol. I thought it was just in my head. I had all the side effects you had but also I haven't slept at night in three days because of the pain. I am so glad I found the culprit. I will ask for a new pain pill. Personally, I'd rather just take an Aleve if I feel bad. Thanks!
TR
Trammj
18 Jan 2019
Did the clonidine help at all with withdrawal? I’ve never had stomach issues with tramadol.
