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Tramadol

Pronunciation: TRAM-a-dol
Generic name: tramadol
Brand names: ConZip, Qdolo, Ultram, Ultram ER
Dosage form: oral tablets, oral capsules, extended-release tablets, extended-release capsules
Drug class: Opioids (narcotic analgesics)

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Jul 29, 2024.

What is tramadol?

Tramadol is an opioid agonist that may be used to treat moderate to moderately severe chronic pain in adults.

Brands of tramadol include ConZip, Qdolo, Ultram, and Ultram ER. Generic tramadol is available.

Tramadol was first FDA-approved on March 3, 1995. Originally it was classified as a non-controlled substance but it was reclassified in 2014 to Schedule IV of the Controlled Substances Act with restrictions on its prescribing.

Tramadol side effects

Common side effects

Common side effects of tramadol affecting 10% of people who take it include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Serious side effects and warnings

Tramadol may cause serious side effects, some of which may be fatal.

Tramadol can slow or stop your breathing and may be habit-forming. MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription. Keep this medicine where others cannot get to it. Do not take more tramadol than prescribed as an overdosage can be fatal. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Seizures have been reported in patients taking tramadol. Your risk of seizures is higher if you are taking higher doses than recommended. Seizure risk is also higher in those with a seizure disorder or those taking certain antidepressants or opioid medications.

You should not take tramadol if you have severe breathing problems, a head injury or increased pressure inside your skull, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, or if you have recently used alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, narcotic medication, or an MAO inhibitor (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others). Tramadol should not be used if you are suicidal or prone to addiction.

Fatal side effects can occur if you use this medicine with alcohol, or with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing. People taking extended-release forms of tramadol should not consume alcohol-containing beverages at the same time. Alcohol is also not advised with immediate-release forms of tramadol.

Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have occurred with tramadol, some of which caused death. People who are allergic to other opioids are at higher risk. Other hypersensitivity reactions include itching, hives, narrowing of the airways, swelling of the face and airways (angioedema), and serious skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to tramadol (symptoms include hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, a red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Tramadol hydrochloride extended-release capsules/tablets may complicate a healthcare provider’s clinical assessment of an acute abdominal condition. They should also not be used by people with liver or kidney disease.

Taking tramadol during pregnancy may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.

Tramadol should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old, or anyone younger than 18 years old who recently had surgery to remove the tonsils or adenoids. Extended-release tramadol (Ultram ER) should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years.

Tramadol may cause drowsiness or affect your ability to drive or perform hazardous tasks. Do not perform these tasks if tramadol causes confusion, mental impairment, or drowsiness.

Is tramadol an opioid?

Tramadol is an opioid pain-relieving medicine that also has nonopioid effects. It differs from other opioids in that it is a prodrug and requires metabolism in the body before it is active. Tramadol itself has very little activity at the mu opioid receptor (MOR) but its M1 metabolite (O-desmethyl-tramadol) has an affinity only 10 times less than morphine. Binding to the mu-opioid receptor triggers intracellular events that diminish the transmission of pain signals, which blunts the emotional response to pain, providing pain relief.  

The nonopioid effects of tramadol are due to its ability to block the reuptake of monoamines, such as norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5HT). Increases in NE are known to mediate the body's natural pain-relief systems. Some of its pain-relieving effects are due to increased levels of NE that act on alpha2 adrenergic receptors and are completely independent of its effects on opioid receptors.

How do genetics affect tramadol?

The opioid effects of tramadol are greatly affected by a person’s genetics, particularly their capacity for tramadol metabolism through a liver enzyme system called cytochrome P450 2D6. 20% of African Americans, 10% of Caucasians, and 2% of Asians have genetic polymorphisms that reduce the activity of this enzyme, which decreases how much tramadol is metabolized. People who are poor metabolizers at CYP 2D6 may find tramadol ineffective.

Individuals who are CYP2D6 ultra-rapid metabolizers (about 3% of the population) are at risk of life-threatening or fatal breathing side effects from tramadol (respiratory depression) even at regular dosages because they convert tramadol into its active metabolite more rapidly than other people. These people should not use tramadol.

Genetic testing is available through hospitals, specialized clinics, and doctor's clinics. Blood is the preferred specimen type. About 21% of currently approved drugs are processed through CYP 2D6 including opioids, antidepressants, antipsychotics, β-blockers, antiemetics, and tamoxifen, and it is helpful for you and your healthcare provider to know if you are a:

Before taking this medicine

You should not take tramadol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

Tramadol should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old. Ultram ER should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years old. Do not give tramadol to anyone younger than 18 years old who recently had surgery to remove the tonsils or adenoids.

Seizures have occurred in some people taking tramadol. Your seizure risk may be higher if you have ever had:

To make sure tramadol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Pregnancy

If you take tramadol during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms or seizures and may need medical treatment for several weeks. Fetal death and miscarriage have also been reported. Should not be used in pregnant women unless the benefits outweigh the risks.

Breastfeeding

It is not known if tramadol passes into human milk. Ask a doctor before using tramadol if you are breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you notice severe drowsiness or slow breathing in the nursing baby.

How should I take tramadol?

Take tramadol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Never use tramadol in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to take more of this medicine.

You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop using tramadol suddenly. Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.

Do not keep leftover tramadol. Just one dose can cause death if someone uses it accidentally or improperly. Ask your pharmacist where to locate a drug take-back disposal program. If there is no take-back program, mix the leftover medicine with cat litter or coffee grounds in a sealed plastic bag and throw the bag in the trash.

Usual adult tramadol dosage

Immediate-release formulations (tablets/capsules/liquid)

Extended-release capsules/tablets

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since tramadol is used for pain, you are unlikely to miss a dose. Skip any missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose can be fatal, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription. Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, slow breathing, or no breathing.

Your doctor may recommend you get naloxone (a medicine to reverse an opioid overdose) and keep it with you at all times. A person caring for you can give naloxone if you stop breathing or don't wake up. Your caregiver must still get emergency medical help and may need to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on you while waiting for help to arrive.

Anyone can buy naloxone from a pharmacy or local health department. Make sure any person caring for you knows where you keep naloxone and how to use it.

What should I avoid while taking tramadol?

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how tramadol will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

What other drugs will affect tramadol?

You may have breathing problems or withdrawal symptoms if you start or stop taking certain other medicines. Tell your doctor if you also use an antibiotic, antifungal medication, heart or blood pressure medication, seizure medication, or medicine to treat HIV or hepatitis C.

Many other drugs can be dangerous when used with tramadol. Tell your doctor if you also use:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with tramadol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

gabapentin, acetaminophen, tramadol, cyclobenzaprine, naproxen, oxycodone, Tylenol, Cymbalta

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat and out of reach of children. Do not share with others.

Popular FAQ

Can you take tramadol with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin?

Yes, it is safe for most people to take tramadol with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin if they are old enough (aspirin is not recommended for children less than 16 years and tramadol should not be taken by children under the age of 12). Continue reading

How much tramadol should I give my dog?

How much tramadol you give your dog depends on the size of your dog. Smaller dogs do not need as much tramadol as larger dogs need to relieve pain. If you give too much tramadol your dog is likely to have more severe side effects. The tramadol dosage for dogs is usually between 0.45 to 1.8 mg per pound of body weight (1mg to 5 mg/kg). The frequency varies depending on what you are giving it for. For general pain, it is given every 8 to 12 hours, but for cancer-related pain, it can be administered every 6 hours. Continue reading

How long does withdrawal last?

Symptoms of tramadol withdrawal can start 8-24 hours after the last dose. Untreated, withdrawal symptoms usually last for 4-10 days. Withdrawal is caused by stopping the drug suddenly. Continue reading

Is tramadol stronger than codeine?

Both tramadol and codeine are prescription opioid painkillers, and they seem to be equally effective in terms of pain relief. There is no evidence that tramadol is any stronger than codeine at relieving pain. Continue reading

How long does it take to start working?

Tramadol generally starts to relieve pain within an hour in its fast-acting forms, which are used for short-term pain management. With slow-release or extended-release (ER) forms, the drug may take longer to start because it’s gradually released over 12 or 24 hours, but pain relief lasts longer. Continue reading

How long does it stay in your system?

Tramadol is eliminated from your system within roughly 2 days of taking the drug, but this does not mean that it can no longer be detected by certain drug tests. Continue reading

Can you take 800mg ibuprofen with 50mg tramadol?

Yes, you can take these medications together. Tramadol is safe to take with ibuprofen and may be used to provide additional pain relief. But be aware 800mg ibuprofen is a high dose of ibuprofen that may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as abdominal pain or reflux if taken long term. Continue reading

Which drugs cause opioid-induced constipation?

Any drug that is classified as an "opioid" can cause constipation. Examples of commonly prescribed opioids that may cause this side effect include morphine, tramadol, fentanyl, methadone, hydrocodone, codeine and oxycodone. Continue reading

Is it an anti-inflammatory drug?

No, Tramadol is not an anti-inflammatory drug or muscle relaxer. Because it’s not an anti-inflammatory drug, it likely won’t reduce any swelling you have when taken alone. Continue reading

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.