How does tramadol work?
Tramadol is from a group of medicines called opiates, 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 you feeling 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 a day or two to start working but the pain relief will last for longer.
Are there any long-term side effects?
Some people with conditions that need long-term pain relief 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 need higher doses to control your pain over time.
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 suddenly 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 starts to work less well, 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 or have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet to find out what to do.
Find out more about what to do if you're on the pill and you're being sick or have diarrhoea.
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 may be 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 could happen at any time, for example when starting another medicine.
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.
GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking tramadol.
Will recreational drugs affect taking tramadol?
If you take recreational drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin, while you are taking tramadol, you're more likely to get serious side effects. These include:
- breathing difficulties
- heart problems
- having a fit or seizure
Some recreational drugs, such as cannabis, will also increase tramadol side effects such as feeling sleepy and dizzy.
If you take MDMA (ecstasy), cocaine, amphetamines or LSD while taking tramadol, you may develop a condition called serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome occurs when the levels of a chemical in your brain called serotonin become too high.
Symptoms of severe serotonin syndrome can include:
- a very high temperature
- a seizure or fit
- an irregular heartbeat
- losing consciousness
Tell your doctor if you think you may take recreational drugs while you're on tramadol.
Find out more about the side effects of recreational drugs and how they can affect you, on the Frank website.