Tramadol
On this page
- About tramadol
- Key facts
- Who can and can’t take tramadol
- How and when to take it
- Taking tramadol with other painkillers
- Side effects
- How to cope with side effects
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Cautions with other medicines
- Common questions
1. About tramadol
Tramadol is a strong painkiller. It’s used to treat moderate to severe pain, for example after an operation or a serious injury.
It’s also used to treat long-standing pain when weaker painkillers no longer work.
Tramadol is available only on prescription. It comes as tablets, capsules and liquid drops that you swallow. It can also be given by injection but this is usually only done in hospital.
2. Key facts
- The most common side effects of tramadol are feeling sick and dizzy.
- It’s possible to become addicted to tramadol, but your doctor will explain how to reduce the risks of becoming addicted.
- If you need to take tramadol for more than a few weeks, your treatment plan may include details of how and when to stop taking this medicine.
- It’s best not to drink alcohol with tramadol as you’re more likely to get side effects like feeling sleepy.
- Tramadol is also called by the brand names Invodol, Larapam, Mabron, Maneo, Marol, Maxitram, Oldaram, Tilodol, Tradorec, Tramquel, Tramulief, Zamadol, Zeridame and Zydol.
