Tramadol: uses, side effects and safety
Tramadol (Ultram, Tramadol) is a opioid analgesic. It is a US Schedule IV controlled substance. It is prescription only (rx) and remains on the US market.
What is Tramadol?
Tramadol is the generic name for Ultram, Tramadol, and belongs to the Opioid analgesic class.
| Generic name | Tramadol HCl (immediate-release tablet) |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Ultram, Tramadol |
| Drug class | Opioid analgesic |
| US legal status | US Schedule IV ยท Prescription only (Rx) |
| Route | Oral |
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Elimination half-life | 6.7 |
How does Tramadol work?
Opioid agonist..
The elimination half-life is roughly 6.7. Longer half-lives mean the drug and its active metabolites persist in the body for longer after the last dose.
Common side effects of Tramadol
These are the side effects people report most often. Many diminish after the body adjusts, usually within one to two weeks.
- dizziness/vertigo
- nausea
- constipation
- headache
- somnolence
- vomiting
- pruritus
Serious side effects and warning signs
Seek emergency care for any of these
- life-threatening respiratory depression
- ultra-rapid metabolism leading to life-threatening respiratory depression in children
- neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome
- serotonin syndrome
- seizures
- suicide risk
- adrenal insufficiency
- severe hypotension
- addiction/abuse/misuse
Suspected overdose or a bad reaction should be reported to Poison Control on 1-800-222-1222. That is staffed around the clock and is free.
Legal status of Tramadol
Tramadol is a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States. That placement is set out in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1308, and enforced by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It carries restrictions on prescribing, storage, record-keeping and transfer.
Statutory reference: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=8ec4e4e5-a56e-4198-8428-6b770b9bf27d.
Can you get Tramadol without a prescription?
Short answer: no. Tramadol is a prescription medication. Sites advertising it without one are either operating illegally or selling something other than what they claim. We explain the legal routes, the counterfeit problem and how to check a source in detail.
Read the full answer: Tramadol without a prescription →
Related medications
Propoxyphene
Narcotic (opioid) analgesic combination productMedication information page.
Read more →Frequently asked questions
What is Tramadol used for?
See the approved uses section below.
What schedule is Tramadol in the United States?
Tramadol is a Schedule IV controlled substance in the US, listed at 21 CFR Part 1308. Schedule IV means the drug has a defined potential for abuse and is subject to federal record-keeping, storage and prescribing restrictions.
What are the common side effects of Tramadol?
The most frequently reported side effects are dizziness/vertigo, nausea, constipation, headache, somnolence, vomiting. Many lessen over the first week or two of treatment.
Sources & references
Important
This site provides educational information only and does not sell, prescribe or dispense medications. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider. This page is not medical advice.