Tramadol Addiction

What Is Tramadol?

Tramadol is a prescription painkiller known as an opioid analgesic. Tramadol is used to treat moderate to severe pain by working in the central nervous system (CNS) and binding to opioid receptors to change how the body recognizes and responds to chronic pain.

Tramadol was widely prescribed as a “safer” opioid, but in 2014, the FDA classified it as a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for dependence and addiction.

Tramadol is also sometimes used to treat premature ejaculation and restless leg syndrome. Due to its potential for addiction, this off-label use is not recommended as a daily prescription.

Common brand names for tramadol include:

• Ultram®
• ConZip®

Other prescription opioids include: 

• Fentanyl
• Hydrocodone
• Oxymorphone
• Codeine
• Morphine

Tramadol Abuse

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), prescriptions for Tramadol increased 88% from 2008 to 2013.

While Tramadol is less potent and considered to be less addictive than other opioids, it still carries the potential for addiction—especially when taken in higher doses, used for long periods, or abused.

Being aware of the signs of dependence can help stop an addiction from forming.

List of signs someone is abusing tramadol

• Misusing prescription or taking more than prescribed
• “Doctor shopping” to obtain multiple prescriptions at the same time
• Irritability
• Emotional instability
• Drowsiness
• Slurred speech
• Neglecting responsibilities
• Social isolation
• Difficulty concentrating

Side Effects of Tramadol

Abusing Tramadol can negatively affect individuals physically and psychologically. Tramadol abuse may present differently, and it is important to be aware of the signs.

Physical Side Effects

• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Sweating
• Headaches
• Muscle weakness
• Dry mouth

Psychological Side Effects

• Euphoria
• Agitation or restlessness
• Mood swings
• Paranoia or anxiety
• Depression
• Confusion

Tramadol Overdose

Although Tramadol is less commonly abused than other opioids, overdose is still an emergency and should be recognized and addressed as quickly as possible.

Here are signs to look out for if you suspect a Tramadol overdose.

• Excessive sleepiness or the person is unable to be awoken
• Pinpoint pupils
• Vomiting
• Cold, clammy skin
• Slow heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• Shallow breathing, sometimes with a rasping or gurgling noise (i.e., the death rattle)
• Unconsciousness

If you suspect someone is experiencing a Tramadol overdose:

1. Call 911 immediately to report the incident.
2. Check their responsiveness; one way is by rubbing your knuckles over the victim’s chest bone (i.e., sternum rub).
3. Administer Naloxone (Narcan) to reverse the toxicity of the overdose. It can be in the form of an injection or intranasal spray.
4. Stay with the victim until help arrives.

Tramadol Addiction Treatment

If a Tramadol addiction develops, varying levels of treatment programs exist to assist individuals as they detox, recover, and build a healthier lifestyle.

Medical Detoxification for Tramadol

Medical detoxification, or “detox,” is the process of eliminating Tramadol from the body under medical supervision. Healthcare providers and medical staff oversee the detox process and can intervene to treat symptoms when necessary to keep it as safe and comfortable as possible.

While symptoms of opioid withdrawal (like Tramadol) are not usually life-threatening, medical detox is especially helpful in preventing relapse—which itself could be dangerous or deadly.

Withdrawal symptoms that may arise during Tramadol detox include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal cramping and diarrhea
• Sweating and chills
• Headaches
• Muscle or joint pain
• Rapid heart rate or palpitations
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Tremors
• Seizures

Serotonin syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when Tramadol is combined with medications that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Examples include certain antidepressants, MAOIs, and other pain medications.

Excessive serotonin in the brain can cause a toxic reaction, including seizures and other complications.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

The Food and Drug Administration has approved three medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder:

• Methadone
• Buprenorphine
• Naltrexone

Methadone and Buprenorphine prevent cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while Naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids in the body. These drugs can work together to minimize withdrawal symptoms while the body detoxes and learns to function without Tramadol.

Another drug formulation used to treat Tramadol withdrawal is the combination of lorazepam and clonidine. These drugs work together to decrease anxiety and restlessness during the slow tapering process of detox and withdrawal.

Tramadol Rehab Programs

Rehab for Tramadol exists at varying levels to meet individual needs during the detox, withdrawal, and recovery phases of treatment.

Inpatient rehab consists of individuals staying in a facility (usually for 30-90 days) with medical supervision, possible medication-assisted treatment (MAT), counseling, accountability, and support.

Outpatient treatment is more flexible, with individuals staying in their own homes while regularly meeting with a medical professional or substance use disorder (addiction) specialist, possible MAT, and support groups.

Detox programs usually include a short-term stay at a facility during the worst of the detox process for medical support and drug abuse treatment.

Tramadol Statistics

Tramadol and other opioids pose a significant threat to addiction and overdose. According to the CDC, opioid-related overdose deaths increased from 49,860 in 2019 to 81,806 in 2022.

• Between 2021 and 2022, the rate of synthetic opioid overdose deaths increased by 4.1%
• From 2015 to 2017, 4% of Tramadol users admitted to misusing their prescription
• The mortality rate is lower in Tramadol overdose cases compared to other opioids
• 12.2 million prescriptions were written for Tramadol in 2022, which is the lowest since 2006

Get Help for Tramadol Addiction

While considered a “safer” opioid, Tramadol still poses a risk for dependence and addiction and should never be taken outside of medical guidance. If you or a loved one have found yourselves trapped in a Tramadol addiction, help is available.

You can use SAMHSA’s online treatment locator or call 1-800-662-4357 to get confidential help for a Tramadol addiction today.