Tramadol is used for pain relief. Find out how to take it safely and the possible side effects.
On this page, you can find the following information:
- What is tramadol?
- In what forms is tramadol available?
- Dose
- How to take tramadol
- Taking other medicines with tramadol
- Precautions before starting tramadol
- Possible side effects
Type of medicine | Also called |
---|---|
|
|
What is tramadol?
Tramadol is used for the relief of moderate to severe pain (eg, after a serious injury or operation) or for pain caused by a terminal illness such as cancer. It is usually used when other milder painkillers such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) don’t work well enough.
- Tramadol belongs to a group of medicines called opioid painkillers. They act on your brain and nervous system to lessen the way you feel pain.
- Other non-opioid pain relievers such as paracetamol and NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen) may also be used with tramadol.
- Tramadol is not very effective for nerve pain.
- It is not safe in children under 12 years old.
- Read more about pain, pain-relief medication and opioid painkillers.
In what forms is tramadol available?
In Aotearoa New Zealand tramadol is available on prescription as:
- capsules (50 mg)
- modified release tablets (50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg)
- liquid (10 mg per mL).
Dose
- The dose of tramadol will be different for different people.
- Take as prescribed: Always take your tramadol exactly as your doctor has told you. Depending on the reason you are taking it, your doctor may advise that you take regular doses or take tramadol only when you need it for pain relief. Make sure you know which is right for you.
- Maximum dose: Do not take more than a total of 400 mg of tramadol in any 24-hour period. Older adults over 75 years should not take more than 300 mg of tramadol in any 24 hour period.
- If your pain is not reducing: Do not increase the dose or take an extra dose. See your doctor for advice.
- The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much tramadol to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.
How to take tramadol
- Timing: You can take tramadol with or without food.
- Capsules: These are usually taken every 4–6 hours when needed. The capsules start working quickly to ease pain. Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water (200–250 mLs).
- Tablets: The tablets work slowly over several hours to give a constant and more even pain control – these are called 'modified-release' and often have 'SR' after their brand name. These are usually taken twice daily (12 hours apart) or once daily (at the same time each day). Swallow the tablets whole – do not break or chew them; otherwise they may release the medicine too quickly and cause side-effects.
- Liquid: Measure your dose carefully with an oral syringe or a measuring spoon.
- Duration: If you need to take tramadol for more than a few weeks, make a treatment plan with your doctor. Your plan may include details of how and when to stop taking this medicine.
- Alcohol: Limit or avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking tramadol. Combining tramadol with alcohol can make you more sleepy, drowsy or dizzy. More serious effects include coma and death.
- Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But, if it is close to the time of your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Do not take double the dose.
- Do not share: Tramadol is prescribed only for you. If shared, it can cause harm.
Taking other medicines with tramadol
Your doctor may recommend taking non-opioid pain relievers such as paracetamol and NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen) as well. If taken regularly, they can reduce how much tramadol you need to take and also reduce any side effects of tramadol.
Do not take other opioid medicines without checking with your doctor.
If you are taking any other medicines or starting a new medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure they are safe to take with tramadol. This includes any medicines you buy without a prescription (over the counter), such as herbal and complementary medicines or recreational drugs.
Precautions before starting tramadol
- Have you ever had a seizure (fits)?
- Do you have liver or kidney problems?
- Do you have breathing problems such as asthma, COPD or sleep apnoea?
- Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Do you have problems with your bowel such as constipation?
If you answered yes to any of these questions it’s important that you tell your doctor or pharmacist before you start tramadol. Sometimes a medicine isn’t suitable for a person with certain conditions, or it can only be used with extra care.
Tramadol is addictive |
|
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, tramadol can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.
Side effects | What should I do? |
---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Did you know that you can report a side effect to a medicine to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)? Report a side effect to a product. |
Learn more
The following links have more information on tramadol.
Tramadol Patient Information NZ Formulary, NZ
Arrow-Tramadol capsules, Medsafe Consumer Information sheet, NZ
Tramal SR modified release tablets, Medsafe Consumer Information sheet, NZ
Risks of opioid medicines Medsafe, NZ
Tramadol Talk to Frank, UK
References
- Prescribing tramadol appropriately BPAC, NZ, 2018
- Tramadol hydrochloride NZ Formulary, 2022
Useful resources for healthcare professionals
Arrow tramadol Medsafe, NZ
Tramal SR Medsafe, NZ
Spotlight on tramadol Medsafe, NZ
Tramadol - the Highs and Lows Medsafe, NZ
Tramadol – safe prescribing – consider the risks SafeRx, Waitematā DHB, 2019
Making strong opioids safer for patients Health Quality & Safety Commission, NZ, 2016