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Tramadol

  • Tramadol is used to treat pain.
  • Nausea, vomiting or constipation may occur with this medicine. Your doctor may be able to prescribe medicines to take with tramadol to help with these side effects.
  • 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.

About tramadol

Type of medicine Analgesic
Used for Pain
Also called Zamadol, Zydol, Dromadol SR, Larapam SR, Mabron, Zamadol 24hr, Zamadol SR, Zydrol SR, Zydol XL
Available as Capsule, tablet, soluble tablet, orodispersible tablet, injection

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 suffer from liver problems
  • If you suffer from kidney problems
  • If you suffer from respiratory (breathing) problems
  • If you suffer from prostate problems
  • If you suffer from thyroid problems
  • If you suffer from epilepsy
  • If you suffer from blood pressure problems
  • If you have recently suffered a serious head injury
  • If you have been constipated for more than a week, with or without tummy pain and bloatedness
  • If you have a problem with drug or alcohol addiction
  • If you suffer from phaeochromocytoma (a tumour near the adrenal glands)
  • If you are taking or have recently stopped taking antidepressants

How to take tramadol

  • Take Tramadol exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Soluble tablets should be dissolved in water before taking as directed.
  • The orodispersible (melt in the mouth) tablets will dissolve quickly in the mouth or can be dissolved in half a glass of water, stirred and drunk immediately
  • Modified release forms that release drug slowly over time to give a more even effect 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

  • Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Can tramadol cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick Drink plenty of liquid. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. If vomiting continues to be a problem speak to your doctor.
Constipation Try 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.
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. If diarrhoea continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Dry mouth Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets. If this becomes troublesome speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Headache, dizziness, a fast or fluttering heartbeat, seeing or hearing things that aren't real, mood changes, confusion, pins and needles, sexual problems or skin rashes, difficulty urinating (passing water) Speak with your doctor.

How to store tramadol

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach 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.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
4027		 DocRef:
dils2834		 Last Updated:
7 Feb 2007		 Date of Next Review:
6 Feb 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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