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Tramadol Side Effects

Brand name Ultram. Tramadol is available as 50 and 100 mg dose tablets. There are also sustained release formulations, and formulations that also contain acetaminophen.   Tramadol is a synthetic opioid-like drug that has its effects primarily as an agonist (stimulator) of the  mu opioid receptor site.  Tramadol is used primarily for moderate to severe pain control.  It has many properties in common with other opioid medications, but is different in that it acts more specifically on the opioid mu receptor than most other opioids. (there are other opioid receptors)  Like other opioids is potentially habit forming, although some experts feel this is a less severe and common problem with tramadol than with other opioids.  Tramadol is also used for treatment of restless legs syndrome and fibromyalgia, and has additional properties that affect neurotransmitter release and reuptake.

Common Tramadol Side Effects

  Tramadol side effects include many of the gastrointestinal side effects of opioid agonists including constipation, nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia and occasionally diarrhea.  These are due to the opioid mu receptors in the GI tract that lead to increased stimulation of the circular muscles and decreased stimulation of the longitudinal muscles of the colon wall.  This leads to poor propulsive effect of the bowel content and increased churning of the bowel content, and caused dryer and firmer stool, and slower transit time.  It can also lead to decreased feeling of fullness in the distal colon and reduced urge to defecate. Non GI tramadol side effects that are common include somnolence, itching, dizziness, sweating and flushing.

Life Threatening Tramadol Side Effects

  Seizures are the most important tramadol side effect to consider. They are more common in people with a history of seizures, and if you have a history of seizures you should be sure your physician knows about this history, and if used tramadol dosing should be minimized.  The other serious side effects can be primarily grouped into the allergic side effects including angioedema, anaphylaxis, severe rashes including the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, and those side effects shared with most opioids including withdrawal syndrome if discontinued suddenly, dependency and abuse, respiratory depression, and depression/suicide  Other serious tramadol side effects can be the serotonin syndrome, and orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure on sitting or standing)

Unusual Tramadol Side Effects

  Seizures are the most unusual tramadol side effect that is occasionally seen.

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