Tramadol is a strong painkiller from a group of medicines called opiates, or narcotics. It's used to treat moderate to severe pain, for example after an operation or a serious injury. If you have long term pain, your doctor may also prescribe it if weaker painkillers no longer work.
Tramadol does not stop the pain completely, but you will not be able to feel it as much.
Tramadol is available only on prescription. It comes as tablets, capsules and liquid drops that you swallow. It can also be given by injection, but this is usually only done in hospital.
Key facts
- It's possible to become addicted to tramadol, but your doctor will explain how to reduce those risks.
- 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.
- Do not drive a car, ride a bike or use tools or machinery if tramadol makes you sleepy, dizzy, or clumsy or you have blurred vision or are unable to concentrate or make decisions.
- Tramadol is also called by the brand names Invodol, Larapam, Mabron, Maneo, Oldaram, Tilodol, Tradorec and Zeridame.
Page last reviewed: 19 January 2022
Next review due: 19 January 2025
