Why do tramadol make me itch

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This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. If you're in any doubt, do not drive. UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking tramadol.

If you take recreational drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin, while you are taking tramadol, you're more likely to get serious side effects. These include breathing difficulties, heart problems, seizures fits and even going into a coma.

Some recreational drugs, such as cannabis, will also increase tramadol side effects such as sleepiness and dizziness. Serotonin syndrome occurs when the levels of a chemical in your brain called serotonin become too high. Tell your doctor if you think you may take recreational drugs while you're on tramadol.

Page last reviewed: 26 November Next review due: 26 November 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. About tramadol Tramadol is a strong painkiller.

Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today? 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 can be taken by adults and children aged 12 and over. Tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting the medicine if you have: had an allergic reaction to tramadol or any other medicines in the past an illness which causes seizures a head injury an addiction to alcohol, strong painkillers or recreational drugs breathing difficulties kidney or liver problems had a reaction to other strong painkillers in the past.

The dose can vary but you should not normally take more than mg a day. Different types of tramadol Tramadol comes as: fast-acting tablets — these contain 50mg of tramadol slow-acting tablets — these contain 50mg, 75mg, mg, mg, mg, mg or mg of tramadol fast-acting capsules — these contain 50mg of tramadol slow-acting capsules — these contain 50mg, mg, mg or mg of tramadol drops that you swallow — these contain mg of tramadol in 1ml of liquid an injection usually given in hospital soluble tablets — these contain 50mg of tramadol tablets that dissolve in the mouth — these contain 50mg of tramadol an injection usually given in hospital Tramadol drops, injections and some tablets and capsules are fast-acting.

How much to take Dosages vary from person to person. Take the tablet out of the blister pack and put it on your tongue. Suck the tablet, do not chew it. After it has melted, swallow or have a drink of water. You can also dissolve the tablet in a glass of water if you prefer. Important Do not break, crush, chew or suck slow-release tablets and capsules. When to take it When to take it depends on the type of tramadol that you have been prescribed: fast-acting tablets and capsules — usually 3 to 4 times a day drops — usually 3 to 4 times a day slow-release tablets and capsules — usually 1 or 2 times a day If you're 65 and over, or you have liver or kidney problems, you may be asked by your doctor to take tramadol less often.

What if I forget to take it? This will vary depending on which type of tramadol you are taking. Never take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten one. What will happen if I stop taking it? Tramadol can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you come off it suddenly, such as: feeling agitated feeling anxious shaking sweating.

Important If you have been taking tramadol for more than a few weeks do not stop taking it without speaking to your doctor first. What if I take too much? Taking too much tramadol can be dangerous. Urgent advice: Contact for advice now if:. Very common side effects Very common side effects of tramadol happen in more than 1 in 10 people and include: feeling sick feeling dizzy Common side effects Common side effects of tramadol happen in more than 1 in people. They include: headaches feeling sleepy, tired, dizzy or "spaced out" feeling or being sick vomiting constipation dry mouth sweating low energy Serious side effects Serious side effects are rare.

Serious allergic reaction In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to tramadol. Information: You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme. Visit Yellow Card for further information.

What to do about: headaches — make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. Headaches should usually go away after the first week of taking tramadol. Talk to your doctor if they last longer than a week or are severe. Talk to your doctor if they carry on for longer. Do not drink any alcohol as this will make you feel more tired. It might help to take your tramadol after you've eaten a meal or snack.

If you're being sick, try small frequent sips of water. If it carries on, tell your doctor. They may be able to prescribe an extra medicine to protect your stomach.

Also try to drink several glasses of water or another non-alcoholic drink every day. If you can, it may also help to do some gentle exercise like swimming or going for a short walk.

Speak to your doctor about medicine to help prevent or treat constipation caused by tramadol if your symptoms don't go away. Your doctor may also prescribe an artificial saliva substitute to keep your mouth moist. This comes as a spray, gel or lozenge. If this doesn't help and you find it unbearable, speak to your doctor as you may need to be treated with a different type of painkiller.

Tramadol is not thought to be completely safe to take during pregnancy. Breastfeeding and tramadol It's safe to breastfeed while taking tramadol. Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:. Tell your doctor if you're taking: carbamazepine to treat epilepsy buprenorphine a painkiller ondansetron to stop you feeling sick rifampicin an antibiotic. Important Do not take medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs which are used to treat depression with tramadol.

Mixing tramadol with herbal remedies and supplements It's not known if complementary medicines and herbal teas are safe to take with tramadol. Important: Medicine safety Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements.

How does tramadol work? Tramadol is from a group of medicines called opiates, or narcotics. See Subscription Options. Go Paperless with Digital. This article was published in print as "Defeating Pain without the Itch. Get smart. Sign up for our email newsletter. Sign Up. Support science journalism. Knowledge awaits.