What Is Tramadol?

Tramadol is a strong opioid pain reliever. It is subject to prescription throughout Germany and is used to treat moderate to severe pain in children over the age of 12 and adults, for example after an operation or a serious injury.

The painkiller tramadol is available under various the trade names Tramal, Amadol, Jutadol, Tramal-long, Tramagit, Tramundin, Ultram and Travex.

Tramadol is commercially available in various dosage forms, namely:

• film-coated tablets of 50 mg;
• prolonged-release tablets of 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg or 400 mg;
• 50 mg hard capsules;
• prolonged-release capsules of 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg or 200 mg;
• oral drops (100 mg/ml);
• effervescent tablets of 50 mg or 100 mg;
• orodispersible tablets of 50 mg or 100 mg;
• suppositories;
• solution for injection.

The onset of action differs depending on the dosage form. The oral drops, solution for injection and some tablets and capsules start working within 30 to 60 minutes.

How to take tramadol?

The film- coated tablets and hard capsules should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. If you take the painkiller tramadol in the form of drops, you can dilute the drops with water or tea.

The effervescent tablets tramadol are suitable for oral use. Dissolve one effervescent tablet in a glass of water before taking. Tramadol can be taken with or without food.

If you have chosen tramadol in orodispersible form, then place an orodispersible tablet on your tongue and wait for it to dissolve there. Do not swallow or suck the orodispersible tablets. If necessary, the orodispersible tablet can also be dissolved in half a glass of water and drunk immediately after stirring.

The prolonged- release tablets and the prolonged -release capsules should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. The suppositories should be inserted into the rectum. You should empty your bowels beforehand. The solution is injected intravenously, intramuscularly or subcutaneously.

When should you use tramadol?

When you should take the pain reliever tramadol depends on the dosage form. The film-coated tablets and the hard capsules should generally be taken 3 to 4 times a day. The drops are usually taken 3 to 4 times a day. The prolonged-release tablets and the prolonged-release capsules should normally be taken once or twice a day.

If you are 65 years or older or have liver or kidney problems, tramadol can be taken less frequently.

You can use the drug tramadol at any time of the day, but try to take it at the same time each day and spread out your doses evenly. For example, if you take tramadol twice a day and your first dose is at 8am, take your second dose at 8pm.

How long can tramadol be taken?

Depending on why you are using the pain reliever tramadol, you may only want to take it for a short time. For example, if you are experiencing the pain after an injury or surgery, you may only need to take tramadol for a few days or at most weeks.

You might want to take it longer if you have a long-term medical condition. Talk to your doctor if you're not sure how long to take tramadol for.

When not to take tramadol? Contraindications

Before you start taking this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have:

• ever had an allergic reaction to tramadol or any other medicine;
• a condition that causes the seizures;
• a head injury;
• an alcohol addiction;
• an addiction to strong painkillers;
• the difficulty in breathing;
• the kidney or liver problems;
• have ever had a reaction to other strong painkillers.

Possible side effects of tramadol

Like all medicines, the painkiller tramadol can also lead to side effects, but these do not occur in every patient. Very common side effects of tramadol include dizziness and nausea. Commonly, taking tramadol can cause headaches, drowsiness, tiredness, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, lightheadedness, fatigue, and excessive sweating.

Serious side effects of tramadol such are hallucinations, confusion, drowsiness and severe allergic reaction. If any of these effects occur, you should consult a doctor immediately.

Can you take tramadol during pregnancy?

There is little information about the safety of this drug during pregnancy. Therefore, tramadol is not usually recommended during pregnancy. If you take the painkiller tramadol in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, there is a risk that your baby will have gotten used to tramadol. This means that the newborn could have the withdrawal symptoms in the first few days of life.

Taking tramadol while breastfeeding

If your baby is healthy, you can take tramadol while breastfeeding. However, it is best to take tramadol only once if possible. On the other hand, if you take this drug more than once, you should stop breastfeeding. Please note that small amounts of tramadol can pass into breast milk. See a doctor right away if your baby is unusually sleepy or has trouble breathing.

Tramadol and fertility

There is no clear evidence that taking tramadol reduces male fertility. However, in women, it can interfere with the menstrual cycle.

Tramadol and drug interactions

Some antihistamines, antidepressants, antibiotics, pain relievers, sleeping pills and medicines for mental health problems, anxiety disorders and medicines to prevent blood clots (such as warfarin) are able to affect how tramadol works and increase the risk of side effects. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines.

The antiepileptic drug carbamazepine, the pain reliever buprenorphine, the antibiotic rifampicin, and the antiemetic ondansetron can weaken or shorten the effects of tramadol.

Simultaneous administration with MAO inhibitors is not recommended, otherwise side effects such as anxiety, confusion and hallucinations can occur.

Tramadol does not interact with the painkillers paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin , so you can safely combine these drugs.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins, or dietary supplements.