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Tramadol

Brand names: Ultram, ConZip

Tramadol is an opioid pain medicine for pain that's severe enough to need an opioid when other treatments aren't enough.

Brand namesUltram, ConZip
Type of medicineOpioid pain medicine
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It acts on opioid receptors and also raises serotonin and norepinephrine. It's a controlled substance and can be habit-forming.

What it's used for

  • Moderate to severe pain when other pain relievers don't work

How to take it

  • Take it exactly as prescribed. Never take more or more often.
  • Swallow extended-release tablets whole.
  • Don't stop suddenly after regular use. Your provider will lower the dose slowly.
  • Keep naloxone (Narcan) at home and show family where it is. It can reverse an opioid overdose.
  • Keep it locked up and dispose of leftovers at a take-back site.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Constipation
  • Headache
  • Sleepiness
Call 911Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing, blue lips, or can't be woken up
Call 911A seizure
Call 911Agitation, fever, sweating, muscle twitching or stiffness, fast heartbeat, and confusion (possible serotonin syndrome)
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Call or text 988 any time.

Warnings

  • Boxed warnings: addiction and misuse, slowed breathing, accidental swallowing by children, and serious breathing problems in some children.
  • Not for children under 12, or teens after tonsil or adenoid surgery.
  • Seizure risk is higher at high doses and with some antidepressants.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Taking it with alcohol, benzodiazepines (like alprazolam or lorazepam), sleep medicines, gabapentin, or other opioids can slow breathing and cause death.
  • Antidepressants, triptans, and other serotonin medicines raise the risk of serotonin syndrome and seizures.
  • Never take within 14 days of an MAOI.
  • Some medicines (like fluoxetine, paroxetine, bupropion, and certain antifungals) change how it works.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Long-term use in pregnancy can cause withdrawal in the newborn. Talk with your provider. Avoid while breastfeeding.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

This medicine is often taken only when needed. If you take it on a schedule, take a missed dose when you remember, unless it's almost time for the next one. Don't double up.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.