Side effects of tramadol include mood alterations, mild headaches, and certain muscle problems.
Evidence Based
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Have you been prescribed tramadol and you’re worried about how it might affect you and what side effects you may have? The good news is that for most people, side effects of tramadol are mild. Still, it’s helpful to know what to expect and what side effects could be cause for concern.
Let’s explore the common and uncommon side effects of tramadol as well as how it interacts with other drugs and the signs that something may be wrong.
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I may have a problem I am concerned for a loved oneTramadol is a prescription pain reliever, used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. You might see it with the brand names Ultram or Conzip. It is in a category of medications called opioids, which means it has ingredients that mimic or are derived from the opium plant.
Opioids are one of the most common types of narcotics, changing the way the brain responds to pain. These drugs have the potential for abuse and can be addictive.
Like with most medications, the side effects of tramadol vary depending on the individual taking it and how much of the drug they’re taking. Here are some side effects you might notice when you take tramadol.
While you should always talk to a doctor about any side effects that seem serious or are impacting your quality of life, some common side effects of tramadol don’t signal anything alarming. These include the following opioid-induced side effects:
Headache
Nervousness
Muscle tightness
Mood changes
Dry mouth
Heartburn or indigestion
Mild shakiness
Mild drowsiness
Outside of the common and expected side effects, there are some side effects of tramadol that are possible but are rare. You might experience these Conzip or Ultram side effects:
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation
Slowed, less effective breathing (which may become dangerous)
Most side effects are more common during a person’s initial treatment, meaning when they first start taking the medication, rather than when taking maintenance doses of the drug.
None of the above symptoms should be long-lasting or severe. If they are, talk to your doctor right away.
Typically, side effects are more common during a person’s initial treatment, meaning when they first start taking the medication. So if you’re going to have side effects from tramadol, they’re most likely to happen in the first days that you’re taking the medication.
Most of tramadol’s drug contraindications (drugs it shouldn’t be taken with) are those that can impact your breathing. Tramadol can make your breathing slower and less effective, so if you’re also taking another medication that does this, your breathing could become dangerously low.
People taking tramadol should not drink alcohol, take benzodiazepines, or take any other drugs that depress the central nervous system (CNS). This can increase the risk of tramadol dangers and serious side effects.
You shouldn’t take tramadol if you’re taking certain types of antidepressants, especially monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), as this can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. This is a potentially life-threatening drug reaction that results from too much serotonin in the body.
Tramadol, like all opioids, is dangerous if abused (whether intentionally or accidentally). Once abuse begins, it’s easy to take too much of the drug, resulting in an overdose.
Signs of an overdose include seizure and respiratory depression, which is when a person’s breathing is so affected by the drug that they can no longer properly take in oxygen. Serious respiratory depression is much more likely if tramadol is taken with certain other drugs, such as alcohol, as noted above.
Any person who experiences seizures or has difficulty breathing while on tramadol is in danger. Contact emergency services immediately if you notice these symptoms. Do not just call a doctor to ask about the next steps you should take.
If available, naloxone can be used to treat a life-threatening opioid overdose, including a tramadol overdose.
In rare cases, a person may have an allergic reaction to tramadol. Signs of an allergic reaction include the following:
Rashes, hives, or blisters
Hoarseness or difficulty speaking
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Swelling anywhere on the body, especially the eyes, face, throat, or tongue
Confusion
Hallucinations
Fever or sweating
Rapid heartbeat
Muscle stiffness or spasms
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Loss of consciousness
As with an overdose, an allergic reaction to tramadol should be treated as life-threatening. If you believe someone on tramadol is having an allergic reaction, call 911 immediately.
While some of these symptoms overlap with those of an overdose, it is largely irrelevant for the purpose of non-expert care. In both cases, call 911, alert them that the individual is on tramadol, and describe their symptoms. Medical professionals can help you determine what to do next.
Side effects are usually not a cause for concern, but how do you know when you need to reach out to your doctor? You should call a doctor if you’re taking tramadol and experience any symptoms that are serious, sudden, worsening, or long-lasting.
If you’re ever unsure whether something warrants calling your doctor or not, it is better to call and make sure. Opioids are serious medications and treating them with caution is the safest option.
If a symptom ever seems very severe or life-threatening, don’t call your doctor. Instead, call 911 and alert them to your location, symptoms, and the medications you’re taking.
Tramadol is usually prescribed for short term pain relief, not for long term use. But if you do take it for an extended amount of time, whether it’s prescribed or not, it can have some lasting side effects. It can cause issues such as:
-Serotonin syndrome
-Seizures
-Alzheimer’s disease
-Parkinson’s disease and tremors
-Liver and kidney damage
-Heart problems
-Chronic gastrointestinal symptoms
Weakened immune system
If your doctor prescribes tramadol initially and they find that you need long term pain management, they may switch you to a different medication to avoid these long term side effects.
Yes, tramadol can be addictive, as can any other opioid. It does have a lower risk of abuse than some other opioids like morphine, but the risk of addiction is still significant, especially if you’re taking it without a prescription or are taking more than your doctor prescribed. If you or someone you love is taking tramadol, keep an eye out for opioid misuse signs like:
-Taking more than prescribed or running out of the prescription too early
-Craving tramadol
-Giving up things you would normally enjoy because of tramadol, like canceling social plans or stopping your hobbies
-Struggling to fulfill responsibilities at home, work, or school because of tramadol use
-Needing more tramadol to get the same effect
There are pros and cons to every medication, including tramadol, even when we compare it to other opioids. On one hand, tramadol has milder side effects than most other opioids. On the other hand, research has found that tramadol has a higher risk of long term use than some other opioids. Your doctor can weigh the benefits and risks based on your specific situation to determine the best and safest option.
If you develop a physical dependence on tramadol, whether you’re misusing it or you’re taking it as prescribed, you will likely have tramadol withdrawal symptoms or side effects when you stop taking it. These can include symptoms like:
-Body aches
-Insomnia
-Sweating
-Chills
-Runny nose and teary eyes
-Stomach cramps and diarrhea
-Nausea
-Psychosis symptoms like paranoia, anxiety and auditory hallucinations
-Confusion
-Panic attacks
Regardless of why you’ve become dependent on tramadol, it’s important to have the help of a medical professional when you withdraw, whether that’s with a supervised withdrawal plan from your doctor or medical detox.
If you’re having side effects from tramadol, they’re likely to be temporary and manageable. But if they’re having a significant impact on you, reach out to your doctor for help. They can determine if your side effects are safe and can offer ways to reduce them if possible.
Side effects can happen to anyone taking tramadol, regardless of the reason and how much you’re taking. But if you’ve abused tramadol and believe you may be addicted, we’re here to help. Boca Recovery Center’s luxury rehab centers are well equipped for medical detox, residential rehab and outpatient treatment to help you overcome your addiction and build a foundation for a better, healthier life in recovery. Reach out to learn more about our process and how we can help.
Dr. Alison Tarlow is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the States of Florida and Pennsylvania, and a Certified Addictions Professional (CAP). She has been a practicing psychologist for over 15 years. Sh... Read More
Evidence Based
9 sources cited
Evidence Based
9 sources cited
