Tramadol

What is tramadol?

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

• Extended-release forms of tramadol may be used in adults who require around-the-clock treatment of their pain for an extended period.

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

Taking tramadol in combination with other pain-relieving medicines such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin can provide better pain relief than just taking one pain-relieving medicine by itself (see Can you take tramadol in combination with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin?)

Tramadol first gained FDA approval 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 is an opioid (see Is tramadol an opioid?).

A person’s genetics can affect the pain-relieving properties of tramadol (see How do genetics affect tramadol?).

Tramadol uses

Tramadol is used for the management of moderate to moderately severe pain in adults, including postoperative pain (pain after surgery).

Tramadol treats pain severe enough to require opioids and may be used as an alternative to other forms of pain relief that did not relieve pain well enough or were not tolerated.

Tramadol extended-release capsules may be used by adults who require around-the-clock treatment of their moderate to moderately severe chronic pain for an extended time.

Tramadol should not be used in children younger than 12 years old, or anyone younger than 18 years old with other risk factors (such as breathing problems), or who have recently had surgery to remove their tonsils or adenoids.

• Extended-release tramadol (Ultram ER) should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years.

Is Tramadol an opioid?

Yes, tramadol is an opioid. The opioid activity of tramadol is due to its binding to mu-opioid receptors.

Tramadol side effects

Common side effects

The most common side effects of tramadol are:

• nausea
• constipation
• dry mouth
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• vomiting.

A person’s genetics can affect their response to tramadol, including their risk of side effects (see How do genetics affect tramadol?).