I have been battling shortness of breath for several years. Doctors tell me to exercise, which doesn't help. I took tramadol for back pain and after a few days noticed my breathing was much better. After a few months my breathing became labored so I weaned myself off of tramadol, then started again and my breathing is again better. Can I keep doing this? What is the ingredient in tramadol that causes this?
Can tramadol help my breathing problem?
Question posted by floridaek on 15 April 2021
Last updated on 15 April 2021
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
Answers
Like you I take Tramadol for back pain. Often I’m short of breath but I attributed it to my COPD, not Tramadol.
It really helps with my terrible back pain. What meds, if any, have you replaced it with?
Sorry I misread your message. So, you are STILL taking Tramadol?
"Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression
Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of traMADol hydrochloride. Monitor for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of traMADol hydrochloride or following a dose increase."
To make sure tramadol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
breathing problems, sleep apnea;
liver or kidney disease;
urination problems;
problems with your gallbladder, pancreas, or thyroid;
a stomach disorder; or
mental illness, or suicide attempt.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
noisy breathing, sighing, shallow breathing, breathing that stops during sleep;
a slow heart rate or weak pulse;
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
seizure (convulsions);
missed menstrual periods;
impotence, sexual problems, loss of interest in sex; or
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, worsening tiredness or weakness.
Did you ever discuss with your doctor about inhalers? More specifically rescue inhalers? Or try an over the counter (OTC) inhaler like primatene mist? These work great for me but they are costly.
I know that a side effect of Tramadol could be breathing problems, but my previous to Tramadol breathing problems are helped with Tramadol, but only temporarily. I wish someone would read every sentence in my question.
If you know so much, do your own research. I regret wasting my time with this question.
Related topics
atrial fibrillation, tramadol, breathing, dyspnea
Further information
- Tramadol uses and safety info
- Tramadol prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Tramadol (detailed)
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.