{"id":630841,"date":"2024-12-30T13:19:27","date_gmt":"2024-12-30T18:19:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630841"},"modified":"2026-01-28T13:55:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T18:55:16","slug":"tramadol-long-term-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/tramadol-long-term-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Long-term side effects of tramadol"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tramadol<\/span><\/a> (the generic name of brand names like <\/span>Ultram<\/span><\/a>) is an <\/span>opioid<\/span><\/a> and controlled substance that treats moderate to severe pain. A central nervous system depressant, it works by binding to opioid receptors and blocking pain messages.<\/span><\/p>\n

Compared to oxycodone<\/span><\/a>, another opioid analgesic, tramadol is less potent but about as effective. However, be aware it has side effects that can be especially concerning with long-term use.<\/span><\/p>\n

Related: <\/b>Tramadol vs. oxycodone<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Common side effects of tramadol<\/span><\/h2>\n

Experts agree that the most common side effects of tramadol are nausea, dizziness, and constipation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThese happen because tramadol slows things down in the body, like digestion, and makes you drowsy,\u201d explains Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, chief medical advisor for Garage Gym Reviews and a quadruple board-certified physician. \u201cThese side effects are usually manageable, but can get annoying if they don\u2019t go away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Another provider says some symptoms may be more problematic than others. \u201cNausea and dizziness can often diminish with regular use, but constipation tends to persist unless managed with diet or medication,\u201d says Dr. Arthur Shektman, MD, the head plastic surgeon at the Gynecomastia Center of Boston. He often prescribes tramadol for pain post-surgery.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other common side effects, according to the Mayo Clinic, include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n