About tramadol

Tramadol is a strong opioid painkiller that is used to treat severe pain. It works on your nervous system and brain to reduce the amount of pain you feel.

Types of tramadol

Tramadol comes in different forms, strengths, and brands. Some types work quickly to relieve pain. Others release the medicine slowly over several hours to give more even, long-lasting pain relief.

Slow-release tramadol is often called modified-release and may have 'XL', 'SR', or '24-hour' in the name.

Common side effects of tramadol include:

• Schwindelgefühl.

• Feeling tired or sleepy.

• Übelkeit.

• Erbrechen.

• Verstopfung.

• Trockener Mund.

Less common side effects of include:

• Kopfschmerzen.

• Durchfall.

• Itchy rash.

• Schwitzen.

You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

Die unerwünschten Wirkungen bessern sich oft, wenn sich Ihr Körper an das neue Medikament gewöhnt, aber sprechen Sie mit Ihrem Arzt oder Apotheker, wenn Nebenwirkungen anhalten oder problematisch werden.

Wenn Sie andere Symptome bemerken, die Ihrer Meinung nach auf dieses Medikament zurückzuführen sind, sprechen Sie mit Ihrem Arzt oder Apotheker.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions. Before taking tramadol it is important that your doctor knows:

• Wenn Sie schwanger sind, versuchen, schwanger zu werden oder stillen.

• Wenn Sie Leber- oder Nierenprobleme haben.

• Wenn Sie Prostataprobleme oder Schwierigkeiten beim Wasserlassen haben.

• If you have any breathing problems, such as Asthma oder chronisch obstruktive Lungenerkrankung (COPD), or a sleep-related breathing problem.

• If you have been told you have niedriger Blutdruck (Hypotonie).

• Wenn Sie Probleme mit Ihrer Schilddrüse oder Ihren Nebennieren haben.

• Wenn Sie Epilepsie.

• Wenn Sie ein Problem mit Ihrem Gallengang haben.

• Wenn Sie länger als eine Woche unter Verstopfung leiden oder ein entzündliches Darmproblem haben.

• If you have a condition causing muscle weakness, called Myasthenia gravis.

• Wenn Sie kürzlich eine schwere Kopfverletzung erlitten haben.

• Wenn Sie jemals von Drogen oder Alkohol abhängig waren.

• Wenn Sie jemals eine allergische Reaktion auf ein Medikament hatten.

• Wenn Sie andere Medikamente einnehmen. Dazu gehören alle Medikamente, die Sie einnehmen und die ohne Rezept erhältlich sind, sowie pflanzliche und ergänzende Medikamente.

• Take tramadol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. You may be told to take it regularly or only when needed.

  • Quick-acting tablets or capsules are usually taken every 4-6 hours.

  • Modified-release tramadol is taken once daily or twice daily (12 hours apart), depending on the product.

  • Do not take more than 400 mg in 24 hours.

• Swallow modified-release tablets or capsules whole with water. Do not break, crush, or chew them unless the label says otherwise.

• You can take tramadol with or without food.

• If you miss a dose, check the leaflet for advice. Nehmen Sie nicht zwei Dosen zusammen ein to make up for a missed dose.

• Ask your doctor about alcohol. You may be advised not to drink while taking tramadol, as alcohol can increase side effects like dizziness and sleepiness.

• Tramadol can affect driving. Do not drive if you feel drowsy, dizzy, or your reactions are slowed. It is an offence to drive if your ability is impaired.

• If you do drive, carry proof that tramadol has been prescribed for you, such as a prescription slip or patient leaflet.

• Tramadol comes in different brands and strengths. Check each prescription to make sure it is what you expect, and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.

• Tell healthcare professionals, including dentists, that you are taking tramadol before any treatment or surgery.

• Check with a pharmacist before taking any other medicines, including those bought without a prescription. Some medicines can increase tramadol’s side effects.

• If travelling abroad, carry a letter from your doctor, as tramadol is a controlled medicine and may be restricted in some countries.

• Only take tramadol for as long as prescribed. Taking it for longer can lead to dependence.

• Stopping tramadol suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as restlessness or irritability. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.

• Bewahren Sie alle Medikamente außerhalb der Reichweite und Sicht von Kindern auf.

• An einem kühlen, trockenen Ort aufbewahren, fern von direkter Hitze und Licht.

How long does it take for tramadol to work?

Quick-acting tramadol usually starts to work within 30 to 60 minutes, with pain relief typically lasting 4-6 hours. Modified-release tramadol may take 1-2 days to work but provides longer-lasting pain relief when taken regularly.

Can you drink alcohol with tramadol?

No, you should not drink alcohol while taking tramadol. Alcohol increases the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, slowed breathing, and reduced alertness, which can be dangerous.

Is it safe to take tramadol during pregnancy?

Tramadol is not usually recommended during pregnancy as regular use may affect the baby and can cause withdrawal symptoms after birth.

Always let your doctor or midwife know if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy before taking tramadol.

Can you take tramadol with paracetamol?

Yes, tramadol can be taken with paracetamol. They are often prescribed together to improve pain relief. Always follow dosing instructions and do not exceed the recommended dose of either medicine.

Is tramadol addictive?

Yes, tramadol can be addictive if taken regularly or for long periods. Your body can become dependent on it, and stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness or irritability.

For this reason, tramadol is usually prescribed at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible.