Tramadol for pain relief

About tramadol

Tramadol is a stark opioid smärtstillande 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:

• Känner dig yr.

• Feeling tired or sleepy.

• Illamående.

• Kräkningar.

• Förstoppning.

• Torr mun.

Less common side effects of include:

• Headache.

• Diarré.

• Itchy rash.

• Svettas.

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

De oönskade effekterna förbättras ofta när din kropp anpassar sig till den nya medicinen, men prata med din läkare eller apotekare om några biverkningar fortsätter eller blir besvärliga.

Om du upplever några andra symtom som du tror kan bero på denna medicin, tala med din läkare eller apotekare.

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

• Om du är gravid, försöker bli gravid eller ammar.

• Om du har lever- eller njurproblem.

• Om du har prostataproblem eller några svårigheter med att kissa.

• If you have any breathing problems, such as astma or kroniskt obstruktiv lungsjukdom (KOL), or a sleep-related breathing problem.

• If you have been told you have lågt blodtryck (hypotoni).

• Om du har några problem med din sköldkörtel eller dina binjurar.

• If you have epilepsi.

• Om du har problem med din gallgång.

• Om du har varit förstoppad i mer än en vecka eller har ett inflammatoriskt tarmproblem.

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

• Om du nyligen har haft en allvarlig huvudskada.

• Om du någonsin har varit beroende av droger eller alkohol.

• Om du någonsin har haft en allergisk reaktion mot en medicin.

• Om du tar några andra läkemedel. Detta inkluderar alla läkemedel du tar som finns att köpa utan recept, samt växtbaserade och komplementära läkemedel.

• 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. Ta inte två doser samtidigt 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.

• Förvara alla läkemedel utom räckhåll och synhåll för barn.

• Förvara på en sval, torr plats, borta från direkt värme och ljus.

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.