How does tramadol work?
Tramadol is from a group of medicines called opioids, or narcotics.
It acts on pain receptors in the central nervous system and the brain to block pain signals to the rest of the body. It also works in your brain to stop it receiving pain messages.
When will I feel better?
You will feel less pain around 30 to 60 minutes after taking standard tramadol. The pain relief wears off after 4 to 6 hours.
Slow-release tramadol tablets and capsules can take up to 24 hours to start working but the pain relief will last for longer.
Are there any long-term side effects?
Some people with conditions that need relief from severe pain may need to take tramadol for a long time.
If you take it for a long time, your body can become used to it (known as tolerance). That means you gradually need higher doses to control your pain.
Some people can become more sensitive to pain (hyperalgesia). If this happens, your doctor will reduce your dose gradually to help these symptoms.
It's possible to become addicted to tramadol. For this reason, your dose will be reviewed to make sure you're only having the amount you need to control your pain.
Your treatment plan may include details of how and when to stop taking tramadol.
If you're having treatment for cancer pain or other severe pain, your pain control will be carefully monitored. Speak to your doctor if you're worried about tolerance, hyperalgesia or becoming addicted.
How will I know if I'm addicted to tramadol?
If you're addicted to tramadol, you may find it difficult to stop taking it or feel you need to take it more often than necessary.
If you stop taking tramadol you may get withdrawal symptoms.
These can include:
- feeling agitated or anxious
- panic attacks
- feeling your heart beat (palpitations)
- difficulty sleeping
- shaking
- sweating
- body aches
- feeling restless
Talk to your doctor if you:
- are worried about addiction
- need help with addiction
- want to stop taking tramadol
Are there other painkillers I can try?
The best type of painkiller depends on what type of pain you have and the cause of your pain.
If tramadol does not get rid of your pain, or it's not helping as well as it used to, talk to your doctor.
Will it affect my contraception?
Tramadol does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.
However, if tramadol makes you (sick) vomit your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet to find out what to do.
Find out more:
Can I drink alcohol while taking tramadol?
Drinking alcohol while you're taking tramadol can make you feel more sleepy or increase the risk of serious side effects. Try to not have any alcohol during the first few days of treatment until you see how the medicine affects you.
If you feel sleepy with tramadol, it's best to stop drinking alcohol while you're taking it.
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Do not drive a car, ride a bike or use heavy tools or machinery if tramadol makes you sleepy, gives you blurred vision or makes you feel dizzy, clumsy or unable to concentrate or make decisions.
This may be more likely when you first start taking tramadol but it could happen at any time, for example when starting another medicine while taking tramadol.
It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking tramadol.
Will using recreational drugs affect how tramadol works?
Yes, using recreational drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin, with tramadol, increases the chance of serious side effects. These include:
- breathing difficulties
- heart problems
- having a fit or seizure
Some recreational drugs, such as cannabis, also increase tramadol side effects such as feeling sleepy and dizzy.
Using MDMA (ecstasy), cocaine, amphetamines or LSD with tramadol can cause serotonin syndrome. This is when the levels of a brain chemical called serotonin become too high.
Symptoms of severe serotonin syndrome can include:
- a very high temperature
- seizure or fit
- irregular heartbeat
- losing consciousness (pass out)
Tell your doctor if you think you may take recreational drugs while you're on tramadol.