Description

What is tramadol?

Tramadol oral tablet is a prescription drug that’s available as an immediate-release and extended-release tablet. Tramadol also comes as an extended-release oral capsule. Immediate-release drugs are released into the body right away. Extended-release drugs are released into the body slowly over time.

Both tramadol oral tablets are also available as generic drugs. The immediate-release tablet is also available as the brand-name drug Ultram. Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, they may not be available in all strengths or forms as the brand-name drug.

Tramadol is a controlled substance. This means it can only be used with a doctor’s close supervision. These types of drugs require a doctor’s close supervision based on their medical use in treatment, potential for misuse, and potential for dependence if misused.

Dosage and strength

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

Immediate-release tablet:

• Typical daily dosage: Total daily dosage may be increased by 50 mg as tolerated every 3 days to reach 200 mg/day (50 mg 4 times a day).
• Maintenance dosage: 50–100 mg every 4–6 hours as needed.
• Maximum dosage: 400 mg per day.

Extended-release tablet:

• If you’re not currently taking tramadol immediate-release tablets:
  • Typical starting dosage: 100 mg once per day.
  • Dosage increases: Your doctor may slowly increase your dose by 100 mg every 5 days.
  • Maximum dosage: 300 mg per day.
  • If you’re currently taking tramadol immediate-release tablets:
    • Typical starting dosage: Your doctor will determine your new dosage based on your previous immediate-release dosage.
    • Maximum dosage: 300 mg per day.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

Immediate-release tablet:

• Child dosage (age 17 years):
  • Typical daily dosage: Total daily dosage may be increased by 50 mg as tolerated every 3 days to reach 200 mg/day (50 mg 4 times a day).
  • Maintenance dosage: 50–100 mg every 4–6 hours as needed.
  • Maximum dosage: 400 mg per day.
  • Child dosage (ages 0–16 years):
    • It’s not known if this form of tramadol is safe and effective for children younger than 17 years old. It should not be used in children of this age group.

Extended-release tablet:

• Child dosage (ages 0–17 years):
  • It’s not known if these forms of tramadol are safe and effective for children. They should not be used in people younger than 18 years.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

• The liver and kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.
• Your doctor may start you on a lowered dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.
• If you’re older than 75 years, your maximum dosage of the immediate-release tablet is 300 mg per day.

 

Tramadol side effects

Tramadol oral tablet may cause drowsiness. You should not drive, use heavy machinery, or perform any dangerous activities until you know how this drug affects you. Tramadol may also cause other side effects.

More common side effects

The more common side effects of tramadol can include:

• dizziness
• headache
• drowsiness
• nausea and vomiting
• constipation
• lack of energy
• sweating
• dry mouth
• itching

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.