Tramadol side effects range from relatively common symptoms such as nausea, dizziness and constipation to serious reactions that can require urgent care. Individual risk is influenced by dose, other medicines, health conditions, age and how the body processes the drug.
Key Takeaways
- Nausea, dizziness, constipation and drowsiness are among reported adverse effects.
- Tramadol can cause serious respiratory depression, seizures and serotonin-related toxicity.
- Sedation can impair driving and increase falls.
- Severe breathing problems, seizure or suspected overdose require urgent care.
Commonly reported Tramadol side effects
Current prescribing information lists adverse effects including dizziness, nausea, constipation, headache, drowsiness, vomiting and itching, among others. These symptoms can affect daily activities and may be more problematic when treatment begins or when other sedating medicines are used.
Breathing-related risk
Like other opioids, Tramadol can slow breathing. The risk can be higher with excessive exposure, respiratory disease, older age, or combinations with benzodiazepines, alcohol and other central nervous system depressants.
Slow or difficult breathing, extreme sleepiness, blue or gray lips, or inability to wake are emergency warning signs.
Seizures and serotonin syndrome
Tramadol can increase seizure risk, especially in certain people or when combined with medicines that also lower seizure threshold. Because Tramadol affects serotonin signaling, it can also contribute to serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs.
Serotonin syndrome can involve agitation, confusion, sweating, fever, fast heart rate, muscle rigidity or abnormal reflexes. It requires prompt medical assessment.
Dizziness, drowsiness and falls
Dizziness and sleepiness can impair driving and increase fall risk. Do not assume that you are safe to drive simply because you have taken the medicine before; effects can change with dose, illness, sleep deprivation or interacting substances.
What to do about side effects
Contact the prescriber or pharmacist about persistent or troubling effects. Do not abruptly stop regular opioid treatment solely because of an online side-effect list, because sudden discontinuation can trigger withdrawal in a physically dependent person.
For severe symptoms, suspected overdose, breathing problems, seizure, severe allergic reaction or loss of consciousness, seek urgent or emergency medical care.
Related Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Is constipation common with Tramadol?
Constipation is a known opioid-related adverse effect and is reported with Tramadol.
Can Tramadol make me sleepy?
Yes. Drowsiness and dizziness can occur and may impair driving or other activities.
What side effects are emergencies?
Severe breathing difficulty, inability to wake, seizure, severe allergic symptoms or suspected overdose require urgent medical attention.