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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Tramadol

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Tramadol

  • Tramadol is used to treat severe pain.
  • Tramadol may cause drowsiness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
  • Do not drink alcohol while you are being treated with tramadol.

About tramadol

Type of medicineAnalgesic
Used forPain
Also calledLarapam® SR, Mabron®, Marol®, Maxitram® SR, Tradorec® XL, Tramquel® SR, Tramulief® SR, Zamadol®, Zamadol® Melt, Zamadol® 24hr, Zamadol® SR, Zeridame® SR, Zydol®, Zydol® SR, Zydol® XL
Available asCapsule, soluble tablet, orodispersible tablet (dissolves in the mouth), oral drops, injection, modified-release capsule and modified-release tablet

Tramadol is used to relieve severe pain. It works on the nerves and brain to reduce the pain you feel.

Before taking tramadol

Before taking tramadol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have liver, kidney or prostate problems.
  • If you have bile duct problems.
  • If you have respiratory (breathing) problems, such as asthma.
  • If you have thyroid problems.
  • If you have a convulsive disorder such as epilepsy.
  • If you have low blood pressure.
  • If you have been constipated for more than a week, with or without tummy pain and bloatedness.
  • If you have any inflammatory bowel problems.
  • If you have an adrenal gland problem.
  • If you have myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disorder).
  • If you have porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
  • If you have recently suffered a serious head injury.
  • If you have ever had a problem with drug addiction.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take tramadol

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take tramadol exactly as you have been directed by your doctor. Never take more than the prescribed dose.
  • If you have been given soluble tablets or the oral drops, these should be dissolved in a small glass of water before taking as directed.
  • If you have been given orodispersible (melt-in-the-mouth) tablets, these will dissolve quickly in your mouth when sucked, or they can be dissolved in half a glass of water before taking.
  • Modified-release tablets and capsules release tramadol slowly over time to give a more prolonged and even effect. These must be swallowed whole and should not be broken, crushed or chewed, otherwise they may release the drug too quickly and cause side-effects.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Do not drink alcohol with tramadol. This is because taking tramadol and alcohol will increase the chance you experience the side-effects of dizziness and drowsiness.

Can tramadol cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common tramadol side-effectsWhat can I do if I experience this?
Feeling or being sickStick to simple foods. Eat little and often
ConstipationTry to eat a well-balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. If constipation continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. If diarrhoea continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor
Dry mouthTry chewing sugar-free gum or sugar-free sweets
Tiredness, palpitations, light-headedness, dizziness, confusion, headache, and drowsinessIf any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store tramadol

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 59th Edition (March 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
The pharmacists and clinicians responsible for the production of this document are:
Original Author: Helen Allen
Last Checked: 1 Sep 2010		Current Version: Helen Allen
Document ID: 4027  Version: 25		Peer Reviewer: Dr Adrian Bonsall
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