Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Taking Tramadol? Scientists Warn It May Cause More Harm Than Relief

tramadol side effects

<span>Tramadol</span>: A broad review of previously published studies suggests that tramadol, a powerful opioid often prescribed for long-term pain, provides only modest pain relief for the conditions it is most commonly used to treat. The conclusions come from a combined analysis of existing research, published online in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine.

The review also highlights a greater risk of serious side effects, including heart-related problems. In light of these findings, the researchers say tramadol’s potential harms are likely to outweigh its benefits and advise that its use should be scaled back.

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Tramadol is a dual-mechanism opioid prescribed for moderate to severe pain, both short-term and long-lasting. For this reason, it features in several medical guidelines as an option for pain control, the researchers note. Prescriptions for tramadol have increased sharply over the past few years, making it one of the most widely used opioids in the United States. 

This rise may be linked to the belief that tramadol causes fewer side effects and carries a lower risk of dependence than other fast-acting opioids. Although earlier systematic reviews have looked at tramadol, the researchers point out that no previous review has fully assessed both its effectiveness and safety across a wide range of chronic pain conditions.

<h2>Tramadol: Why Are Scientists Cautioning Against Tramadol Use?</h2>

According to Scitech Daily, the research team searched medical databases for randomized clinical trials published up to February 2025. These studies compared tramadol with a placebo, or dummy treatment, in people living with chronic pain, including cancer-related pain.

Nineteen clinical trials involving 6,506 participants with chronic pain met the criteria for inclusion. Five studies examined tramadol’s effect on nerve pain; nine focused on osteoarthritis; four assessed chronic lower back pain; and one looked at fibromyalgia. Eight trials also reported the rate of serious side effects during follow-up periods ranging from seven to sixteen weeks.

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Statistical analysis showed that tramadol was linked to about twice the risk of harm compared with placebo. This increase was largely driven by a higher number of cardiac events, including chest pain, coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure. Tramadol use was also associated with a greater risk of certain cancers, although the researchers describe this finding as “questionable” due to the short follow-up period.

When all trial data were pooled, tramadol treatment was also tied to a higher likelihood of less severe side effects such as nausea, dizziness, constipation, and drowsiness. The researchers acknowledge that the study outcomes carried a high risk of bias. However, they add that this likely means the benefits of tramadol may be overstated while its risks could be underestimated.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Tramadol Side Effects</span></h2>

According to the NHS, like most medicines, tramadol can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the side effects listed below trouble you or persist.

<ul><li>Very common side effects</li><li>Very common side effects affect more than 1 in 10 people and include:</li><li>feeling sick</li><li>feeling dizzy</li></ul>

These occur in more than 1 in 100 people. There are steps that can help manage them.

<ul><li>headaches</li><li>feeling sleepy, tired, dizzy, or “spaced out”</li><li>nausea or vomiting</li><li>constipation</li><li>dry mouth</li><li>sweating</li><li>low energy</li></ul><h2>Tramadol: Serious Side Effects</h2>

Serious side effects affect fewer than 1 in 100 people.

Call your doctor or contact 111 immediately if you:

<ul><li>feel dizzy, tired, and unusually low on energy, which may signal low blood pressure</li><li>experience hallucinations, such as seeing or hearing things that are not there</li><li>feel confused</li><li>feel extremely sleepy</li><li>have difficulty passing urine or are unable to urinate</li></ul>

<h2>Does Tramadol Lower Blood Pressure?</h2>

Yes, tramadol can cause a drop in blood pressure, known as hypotension, particularly when standing up suddenly. This can lead to dizziness or fainting, although it is not very common. In rare cases, tramadol may also raise blood pressure, and stopping the drug suddenly can trigger a spike in blood pressure. For these reasons, anyone with concerns about blood pressure should discuss them with their doctor, according to the NHS.

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Tramadol: A broad review of previously published studies suggests that tramadol, a powerful opioid often prescribed for long-term pain, provides only modest pain relief for the conditions it is most commonly used to treat. The conclusions come from a combined analysis of existing research, published online in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine.The review also highlights a greater risk of serious side effects, including heart-related problems. In light of these findings, the researchers say tramadol’s potential harms are likely to outweigh its benefits and advise that its use should be scaled back.Don't Miss: Sore Throat Relief At Home: 7 Remedies That Actually HelpWhat Is Tramadol?Tramadol is a dual-mechanism opioid prescribed for moderate to severe pain, both short-term and long-lasting. For this reason, it features in several medical guidelines as an option for pain control, the researchers note. Prescriptions for tramadol have increased sharply over the past few years, making it one of the most widely used opioids in the United States. This rise may be linked to the belief that tramadol causes fewer side effects and carries a lower risk of dependence than other fast-acting opioids. Although earlier systematic reviews have looked at tramadol, the researchers point out that no previous review has fully assessed both its effectiveness and safety across a wide range of chronic pain conditions.Tramadol: Why Are Scientists Cautioning Against Tramadol Use?According to Scitech Daily, the research team searched medical databases for randomized clinical trials published up to February 2025. These studies compared tramadol with a placebo, or dummy treatment, in people living with chronic pain, including cancer-related pain.Nineteen clinical trials involving 6,506 participants with chronic pain met the criteria for inclusion. Five studies examined tramadol’s effect on nerve pain; nine focused on osteoarthritis; four assessed chronic lower back pain; and one looked at fibromyalgia. Eight trials also reported the rate of serious side effects during follow-up periods ranging from seven to sixteen weeks.Don't Miss: Flu Shot: Will Getting Vaccinated Twice This Year Boost Immunity?Statistical analysis showed that tramadol was linked to about twice the risk of harm compared with placebo. This increase was largely driven by a higher number of cardiac events, including chest pain, coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure. Tramadol use was also associated with a greater risk of certain cancers, although the researchers describe this finding as “questionable” due to the short follow-up period.When all trial data were pooled, tramadol treatment was also tied to a higher likelihood of less severe side effects such as nausea, dizziness, constipation, and drowsiness. The researchers acknowledge that the study outcomes carried a high risk of bias. However, they add that this likely means the benefits of tramadol may be overstated while its risks could be underestimated.Tramadol Side EffectsAccording to the NHS, like most medicines, tramadol can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the side effects listed below trouble you or persist.Very common side effectsVery common side effects affect more than 1 in 10 people and include:feeling sickfeeling dizzyTramadol: Common Side EffectsThese occur in more than 1 in 100 people. There are steps that can help manage them.headachesfeeling sleepy, tired, dizzy, or “spaced out”nausea or vomitingconstipationdry mouthsweatinglow energyTramadol: Serious Side EffectsSerious side effects affect fewer than 1 in 100 people.Call your doctor or contact 111 immediately if you:feel dizzy, tired, and unusually low on energy, which may signal low blood pressureexperience hallucinations, such as seeing or hearing things that are not therefeel confusedfeel extremely sleepyhave difficulty passing urine or are unable to urinateDoes Tramadol Lower Blood Pressure?Yes, tramadol can cause a drop in blood pressure, known as hypotension, particularly when standing up suddenly. This can lead to dizziness or fainting, although it is not very common. In rare cases, tramadol may also raise blood pressure, and stopping the drug suddenly can trigger a spike in blood pressure. For these reasons, anyone with concerns about blood pressure should discuss them with their doctor, according to the NHS.