Tramadol is a prescription medication that works on moderate to severe pain. While not an opioid, it works like morphine because it binds to the same receptors in the brain that opiates do. As with all medications, there is the chance of becoming addicted to this medication if taken in excess or for long periods of time. Your doctor may want to wean you off the medication to reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms. This is done by reducing your medication by 1 pill every 3 days until off the drug.

Although side effects to tramadol are usually minimal, you should be aware of possible side effects while taking this drug. You should always consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

Common side effects can include constipation, diarrhea, dizzy, drowsy, unusual amount of sweating, lack of appetite, nausea, dry mouth and inability to sleep.

If you experience severe side effects, seek medical attention immediately. Those symptoms can include allergic reactions like rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in your chest, swelling around the mouth, face, lips or tongue. Excessive sweating, fainting, fast or even an irregular heartbeat, any fever or hallucinations, mental or mood changes like agitation or depression and pain while urinating should be reported. If you notice red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin, contact your doctor. If you experience seizures, extreme nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, severe or persistent headaches or dizziness, contact your doctor. If you have slow breathing or shallow breathing, thoughts of suicide or other behaviors, tremors, extreme tiredness or weakness and changes in your vision should also be reported promptly to your doctor.

Tramadol is a very safe and effective medication. Most patients rarely experience any side effects to this medication. This is one of the reasons that tramadol is prescribed more often today.