Tramadol Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures ... - WebMD

Who should not use tramadol?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take tramadol.

• Tramadol
• Conzip
• Qdolo
• Ultram 
• Any other medicine known as an opioid 
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific tramadol products they stock.

Drug Interactions. Tramadol should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking tramadol, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using or have used recently.  See the Interactions section for more details.

Children. Tramadol should not be used in any child younger than 12 years of age or in a child younger than 18 years of age after a surgery to remove their tonsils or adenoids (tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy). Slow or shallow breathing that can lead to death may occur. 

Gut Blockage. Tramadol should not be used if you have a blockage of your gut (bowel obstruction) or a narrowing of the stomach or intestines. Tramadol can make these conditions worse. 

Slowed Gut Movement. Paralytic ileus is a type of ileus where your intestines are unable to move food through them. Tramadol can make this condition worse.

Lung problems. Tramadol should not be used if you have severe asthma, trouble breathing, or other lung problems. Tramadol can make these conditions worse.

What should I know about tramadol before using it?

Do not take tramadol unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share tramadol with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose if you are using a liquid formulation. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.

Keep tramadol out of the reach of children. Tramadol is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store tramadol in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.

Do not stop taking tramadol without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping tramadol too quickly can cause serious withdrawal effects. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

• Feeling restless
• Watery eyes or runny nose
• Yawning
• Sweating or chills
• Muscle, joint, or back pain
• Dilated pupils 
• Irritability, anxiety, or trouble sleeping
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite
• Increase in blood pressure, breathing rate, or heart rate

Tramadol can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how tramadol affects you.

People who are 65 years and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from tramadol. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Do not chew, cut, or crush tramadol extended-release tablets. This can cause you to overdose and die.

Do not take tramadol extended-release tablets on an “as needed” basis. Taking too much tramadol can lead to breathing problems, seizures, and death. 

Dispose of expired, unwanted, or unused tramadol right away by taking your medicine to an authorized DEA-registered collector or drug take back program. If one is not available, you can mix medicine with dirt, coffee grounds, or cat litter, then place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag and throw the bag in the trash. 

Long-term use of tramadol may affect your ability to become pregnant or get a partner pregnant. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using tramadol?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if tramadol is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following. 

• Brain tumor or head injury
• Seizures
• Liver problems
• Kidney problems
• Thyroid problems
• Pancreas or gallbladder problems
• Breathing problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Problems peeing 
• Diabetes
• Abuse of street drugs or prescription medicines or living with someone who has this problem
• Alcohol addiction
• Opioid overdose
• Mental health problems
• Recent or upcoming surgery to remove your tonsils or adenoids   

Pregnancy. Tramadol may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take tramadol while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you take tramadol on a regular basis during pregnancy, your baby may have withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening. Tell your healthcare provider if you took tramadol during your pregnancy, especially near the end of your pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. Tramadol passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended while you are taking tramadol. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take tramadol while breastfeeding.