Part Two of Tramadol Information, Focusing on Side Effects, Discontinuation or Withdrawal Effects, and Additional Information

This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.

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What are the possible side effects of tramadol?

  • If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking tramadol and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
    • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
    • seizures.
  • Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take tramadol and talk to your doctor if you experience
    • dizziness, drowsiness, or headache;
    • nervousness, tremor, or anxiety;
    • nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea; or
    • itching, dry mouth, or sweating.
  • Tramadol is habit forming. Physical and/or psychological dependence can occur, and withdrawal effects are possible if the medication is stopped suddenly after prolonged or high-dose treatment.
  • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect tramadol?

  • Tramadol may increase the risk of seizures especially in patients who have epilepsy or another seizure disorder. Also, tramadol may increase the risk of seizures if you are taking any of the following drugs:
    • a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), clomipramine (Anafranil), and others;
    • a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);
    • an antipsychotic medication such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), haloperidol (Haldol), loxapine (Loxitane), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), thioridazine (Mellaril), thiothixene (Navane), and others;
    • a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), or citalopram (Celexa);
    • a narcotic pain reliever such as codeine, fentanyl (Duragesic), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), meperidine (Demerol), hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab, others), morphine (MS Contin, MSIR, RMS, Roxanol, others), oxycodone (Roxicodone, Percocet, Percodan, others), propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet, others), and others;
    • promethazine (Phenergan) or prochlorperazine (Compazine);
    • bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban); or
    • cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril).
  • Do not take tramadol without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
  • Before taking tramadol, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
    • carbamazepine (Tegretol);
    • quinidine (Quinaglute Dura-Tabs, Cardioquin, Quinora, others);
    • warfarin (Coumadin); or
    • digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps).
  • You may not be able to take tramadol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
  • Tramadol may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), other pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, without first talking to your doctor during treatment with tramadol.
  • Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with tramadol. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

  • Your pharmacist has more information about tramadol written for health professionals that you may read.
  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Limitations and the Source of Our Online Medication Information Database

Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.

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Version: 7.03. Revision Date: 2/14/03.

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