My doctor has prescribed 150mg of tramadol a day for arthitis and chonic neck pain?
I have been free of pain since I started taking it. The only thing I am worried about is my drug test at work. Can you tell me if tramadol will show up in a urine drug test, and if so what will it show up as?? Opiate???
Will tramadol test positive in a urine drug test as an opiate?
Question posted by Gator2010 on 3 July 2010
Last updated on 13 October 2023
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.
28 Answers Page 2
drobrts
8 Jan 2013
It will most definately show up in urine. It will test positive for Tramadol.
Rootyluvr
15 Aug 2013
Only if a very expansive test is run including the specific test for tramadol is given would it show up. And you don't know how rare that is; almost no one tests for it.
onthevraydar
30 Nov 2012
Tramadol most definitely will show up on a drug screen. It was the only thing I had been taking and I tested positive for opiates {I was fine since I had a prescription}. Once I quit taking it, my drug screen came back negative.
teabag88
6 Jan 2013
Was wondering what kind of drug screen you took: 5 Panel, 10 panel, blood? And if the tramadol was time released, miligrams and how long you were on the drug. Thanks!
billdanz
26 Nov 2012
I went to the Dr today for a back injury and was prescribed Tramadol. The Dr told me it would show up on a drug screen. He said if I had to take a drug screen, while on this med, tell them at the time of the drug screen.
kalakai
26 Sep 2012
just an fyi, tramadol is scheduled to be reclassified as a narcotic this month-September. I could be wrong because I am not too knowledgable about the classes, but I think it's going to be a class 2 , basically a very low level narcotic, but it will be considered a narcotic. I too wish I knew if it will now show up on drug testing because I just got hired pending the drug test. I have fibromyalgia and have a script from my md so I don't think it will be a problem, BUT occasionally when my fibro is really bad I take a 10 mg Percocet or 2 from a script I got last yr when I had a slip and fall and hurt my back really bad. I know that will show up and I need to know how or what to do to stop that-any ideas? thanks
kaismama
26 Sep 2012
Who is reclassifying it? The day they make it a 2 in Virginia is the day I have to stop it. My doc won't write for a scheduled drug.
Vegas_Made_7oh2
15 Oct 2012
I honestly have no idea where you guys are getting that tramadol will be classified as a class 2 . I too have been on roxicodone as well as tramadol for breakthrough pain . 400mg a day . In nevada I do not need an ID nor do I need to sign for this drug . Roxicodone / percocet / dilauted . Etc is a scheduled 2 narcotic . Hydrocodone is a scheduled 3 . Higher the schedule the less intense it is . There is no way tramadol could be classified as a 2 . Even ambien is like a scheduled 4 I believe . So whoever is saying that is on one . No disrespect . But I do also have the same question as to on a simple 5 panel test will tramadol show up ? My pain management doctor can test for every drug . Literally they give me a 5 panal then when something shows up positive they will test the chemical in my urine which breaks it down to the exact molecular structure and turn certain colors for certain drugs .
Literally anything is tested for because my ambien shows up on tge second test but not the 5 panel obviously but ive never been confirmed of tramadol so I am very confused . Tramadol is a life savor but I will say being on it for years I do experience horrible withdrawals very similiar to my roxi withdrawals . Be careful with this medication ! if anyone has personal experience with the tests please comment or post . Thanks ! -Andrea
tracynyjetsrock
21 Oct 2012
I have been on drug court for 3 years. Because of drug court I cannot take any narcotic pain medicine. I have a broken collar bone and have pain here and there. I can assure you Tramadol/Ultram DOES NOT show up on urines, swabs or patch drug tests!
Sharebear360
7 Dec 2012
I have been on Tamadol for a year now for fibromyalgia and it is considered a "narcotic like non-narcotic" because it is synthetic opiod. Although it does help a little with my pain, it doesn't work as well as I'd like it to. Unfortunately my insurance doesn't cover the regular fibromyalgia drugs. As of yet, they have not classified it as a narcotic but some doctors will argue that it is.
Ilovelucy814
22 April 2017
You are correct. I live in Colorado and tramadol here now needs a written, non-refillable prescription to get. I was surprised, tramadol always seemed like a glorified Excedrin sans caffeine. Oh well
woody56
2 May 2017
Tramadol is now a schedule 4, I had a hip replacement done this year and my doctor informed me that tramadol is now classified as a schedule 4.
diiiane
11 July 2012
No, it will not show up in a urine drug test. The reason it won't is because it is not a true opiate - it's a synthetic opiate.
bdbecky
2 July 2012
I'm on Tramadol, 300mg daily (I get the withdrawals if I haven't refilled my Rx in time, and they are UGLY for me).
It will not show up as an opiate. But if the screen is specific (because it 'can' be addictive, though there are conflicting study results as to *why* it's addictive) then tramadol may show up as an "analgesic" (aka - pain killer).
But unless you're taking more than you're prescribed, and as long as you have a legal prescription (aka - got it from your doc and filled at a pharmacy), then you'll be fine. If you're getting tested for a job, and they see tramadol in the Urine Analysis (UA), make sure you've told either the testing company, or the person managing the testing that you're on a prescribed drug. You have every right to ask for a re-test, and to offer you a second chance.
kaismama
12 April 2012
Since tramadol is not a narcotic it is not on the routine screen done by most employers. I have been on tramadol for years, and the only reason I don't want to stop it is the pain comes back with a vengence, I have no withdrawal from stopping it otherwise. There is something like a 2% incidence of a high with it.
rockgal81
2 March 2012
I think it actually depends on if it's included on the test panel. A lot of places only test for the regular drugs, opiates, barbs, amphetamines, etc. Since tramadol isn't an opiate, it doesn't come up. But... I talked to a drug counselor and he said more and more places are testing for it, so it just depends on what kind of drug test you're having. Good luck!
oneinamillion92
23 Jan 2012
YES it will show up on a drug screen. I asked my DR but if you have a valid script you have no worries. It is an opiate dirivative, and will test as so.
medaddictw/oknowledge
30 July 2010
Nope it will not show up on an urine drug screen. I know first hand because my hubby was given tramadol as well as Vicodin-ES and when given a drug test it came back positive only for the Vicodin-ES although both were Rx'ed to him at the time so no problem. This also could be due to the short duration of tramadol in the system too (depending on your dosage should I clarify) compared to the Vicodin-ES unless you routinely are taking the tramadol and they were checking only for tramadol which would be very very unlikely that one would do such. Good luck and if you don't have a Rx for tramadol but are taking it get off of it while you can! I feel in my experience, as well as others I have known taking it, have a hard time getting off it and also causes withdrawal regardless of having an "addictive personality" or NOT.
I have never had any type of addictions but with tramadol it has been very hard for me to get off of and yes have w/d's for the third time going off it (cold turkey twice now tapering). To the person that had stated that until they can decipher who would have an "addictive personalitity" should be watched with tramadol/meds, etc., I feel is very untrue. I have never had any type of addiction (besides tramadol via prescription) so please don't classify/catorgorize people until there are studies to back-up this theory. No pun intended but just speaking the truth regarding tramadol and my experience. In addition, my spine specialist, family doctor, as well as many other physicians kept putting me back on the tramadol for pain control due to an MVA and yes it does help I learned twice but also wanted off the med so did it twice and now again. You would think one time was enough of w/d's but with pain it is hard not to get back on a med to get some relief. Hopefully this time off tramadol for good and will try another only one week at a time and then take a drug holiday so that I never have to depend on a med and go through this nightmare of w/d's so very very hard and sick!! Good luck all that have been there, done that, and trying... :).
Unknown 25
19 April 2013
I have a question. My doctor does a monthly drug test on me for my perscription of Norco. I only took Norco until I ran out one day and I desided to take Tramadol. I took the test and I failed it. The doc said there was PCP showing in my urine. I never did anything else other than Vicodin(Norco) and Tramadol. Why did PCP show up on my drug test
jee1335
2 Dec 2016
Benadryl will sometimes cause a positive for PCP
Inactive
4 July 2010
With your name on prescription there should be no worry about test
Lil Stevie
4 July 2010
If it isnt a scheduled drug why would they even test for it?
Inactive
4 July 2010
He works where they drug test.
I work for a company who did the same thing.
christineATU
4 July 2010
Please explain this if tramadol is not a narcotic. tramadol with acetaminophen is Ultracet. What (if anything) changes tramadol in to a non narcotic, chemically speaking? Does the tylenol render it a non narcotic? It's also addicting.
"Ultracet is used to treat moderate to severe pain for a period of five days or less. It contains two pain-relieving agents. Tramadol, known technically as an opioid analgesic, is a narcotic pain reliever. Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in the over-the-counter pain remedy Tylenol".
Read more: https://www.drugs.com/ultracet.html
Lil Stevie
4 July 2010
Here is the definition of opiod--- An opioid is a chemical that works by binding to opioid receptors, which are found principally in the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. The receptors in these organ systems mediate both the beneficial effects and the side effects of opioids. I think we are getting hung up on terminology. So in that respect it would be an "opioid" because it does bind to the "mu" opioid receptors.
Here is more info that you will ever want to know about this drug. Now let me say this, I have tried it before and I would compare it to Darvon, I didn't like that drug much either! In this persons case it appears to be working so all is well. My real reason for responding to this post to begin with was to warn him that because of the way it works if you come off the drug it has the same withdrawal effects as methadone. . This is sure to make your head hurt:
Tramadol is a synthetic analog of the phenanthrene alkaloid codeine and, as such, is an opioid and also a prodrug (codeine is metabolized to morphine, tramadol is converted to M-1 aka O-desmethyltramadol). Opioids are chemical compounds which act upon one or more of the human opiate receptors. The euphoria, addictive nature and respiratory depression are mainly caused by the Mu(μ) 1 and 2 receptor. The opioid agonistic effect of tramadol and its major metabolite(s) are almost exclusively mediated by the substance's action at the μ-opioid receptor. This characteristic distinguishes tramadol from many other substances (including morphine) of the opioid drug class, which generally do not possess tramadol's degree of subtype selectivity.
One last comment and I will shut up LOL As someone said here this drug is not a scheduled drug. Any narcotic that I know of is a scheduled drug of one sort or another. I believe the reason for that is what is said above . It doesn't work on the receptors that cause euphoria so there is no need to schedule it. I have no problem with that and if they could make a pain reliever that works for those of us that need 24/7/365 relief that stayed the heck away from those receptors that produce euphoria , most of us here would be tickled pink. Unfortunatly for most of us there is nothing on the market yet.
The fact of the matter is that slightly under 10% of the people that take narcotics for pain control become pyscologically addicted. Typically they are the same kind of people that tend to get addicted to other things as well,like cigaretts, alcohol... hopefully at some point we will be able to identfiy those people before they get started on narcotics and resolve a lot of the issues surrounding taking narcotics for chronic pain.
Sorry for the novel
Steve.
Inactive
4 July 2010
I am impressed
Candyazz
21 April 2012
Steve I am impressed too! I am so interested in how medications work. I have always heard tramadol may show up as opiate on a drug test. I didn't think it would. I was just on here cause my fiancé was thinking about asking the dr to let him try it. He has very bad back pain that is getting worse. If u have other ideas plz let me know. Thanks
reesenerik
26 Feb 2013
He didn't ask what it chemically was. Thanks for answering though with all your wealth of knowledge captain obvious.
reesenerik
26 Feb 2013
BTW my earlier comment was directed towards the original post christineatu
mfpdfibro
8 Nov 2017
Excellent description of the drug and I really appreciate you adding that if it worked we would take it and that 10% of the people taking narcotics for chronic pain do not end up psychologically addicted. However. You did fail to mention that tramadol would definitely show up as an opioid and I took some of my own prescription of it while being under medicated at a clinic and they almost threw me out over it. All doctors look at it differently But as mentioned before if you have a script for it it shouldn’t be a problem. This drug is also harder to get off of because it also contains an SSRI and an NRPRI ( Not sure if right acromen but the noripenephrim re-uptake inhibitors make it that much harder to detox from. It took me over a month to get off of Effexor and headache, eye twitching/jittering was god awful. I was detoxing off of Fentynal at same time and the Effexor was way worse.
Inactive
4 July 2010
Currently, tramadol is not considered a controlled substance or a narcotic by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
Tramadol is an opioid, the chemical structure of tramadol (ultram) differs significantly from that of morphine. And so, tramadol alone will not show positive for opiates on a urine drug test.
Best wishes.
Lil Stevie
4 July 2010
I think thes confusion is that although ultram is not an opiod it attaches itself to the opiod receptors in your body. I don't think it would show but if it is leagly prescribed you should be OK. If it isn't leagly prescribed why would anyone take it, LOL The real problem is trying to get off the stuff. because of how it acts, the w/d symptoms are the same as trying to get off oxys or any narcotic.
My personal view is that there are better choices for pain control w/o all the baggage that Ultram carries.
Steve
Inactive
4 July 2010
good comment
michmarcchap
15 Nov 2011
Hi Steve,
I was wondering if you have names of these non narcotic drugs that take care of chronic pain, caused from a protruding hernia, inoperable. I need relief and the 12 Tylenol that I am taking isn't working and is probably causing havoc on my liver. Thanks.
Michele
pittsburghguy15202
8 Dec 2011
it doesnt show up in urine tests i got some off an relative because i was out of percs because i only get 2 an day when i went to get an refill i got pissed tested and it was clean
bucsfan2012
27 Aug 2012
That's what I told my pain management doctor because the paperwork from the pharmacy said it was a non narcotic pain reliever. He than pulled out his PDR and showed me it is listed as a schedule II narcotic. What is the real truth!!
kaismama
26 Sep 2012
tramadol is not a schedule 2 narcotic. In 2 states it is controlled, but according to the DEA its not controlled. I don't know that the PDR would be different in those 2 states.
tracynyjetsrock
21 Oct 2012
I have been on drug court for three years and I occassionally have pain. Ultram DOES NOT show up on a urine, swab or patch drug test!
kimstern
17 May 2013
It is now considered a controlled substance effective March of 2013.
mholmes5663
19 Aug 2013
Is Tramadol considered any type of "synthetic" drug? One that might b tested in a sober home urine drug test?
jinxblu
29 Nov 2016
Yes... It does show up and it is a scheduled narcotic now
Ginger baby
17 Aug 2017
So just curious... whats the extra baggage your talking about in tramadol??
Bludworm
5 Nov 2017
Tramadol is now a controlled substance in all 50 U.S. states. On July 7, 2014 the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced that tramadol has been placed into schedule IV of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) effective August 18, 2014.
Related topics
pain, neck pain, tramadol, drug test
Further information
- Tramadol uses and safety info
- Tramadol prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Tramadol (detailed)
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