Tramadol is a prescription opioid pain reliever used to reduce moderate to severe pain. Sleepiness is one of the most commonly reported side effects of this medication.
Tramadol can cause multiple side effects related to tiredness, such as sleepiness, body weakness, and insomnia.
Side effects of tramadol generally become more common at higher doses. Taking too much tramadol or mixing it with alcohol or certain other medications can lead to life threatening complications. These include extreme drowsiness that can progress to stupor or coma.
Read on to learn more about the connection between tramadol and sleepiness.
Sleepiness is one of the most commonly reported side effects of tramadol tablets and extended-release tablets.
Among 427 people taking tramadol tablets in studies for non-cancer-related pain, researchers reported sleepiness in the following number of people:
| Duration of tramadol treatment | Percentage of people |
|---|---|
| 7 days | 16% |
| 30 days | 23% |
| 90 days | 25% |
Note: Some people in these studies may have developed side effects due to underlying conditions or other medications they may have been taking.
In studies, researchers examined the use of tramadol extended-release tablets in various milligrams (mg) versus placebo over the course of 12 weeks. The following rates of sleepiness as a side effect were reported among 1,811 people with moderate to moderately severe pain:
| Daily dose | 100 mg | 200 mg | 300 mg | 400 mg | Placebo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| People taking that dose | 403 | 400 | 400 | 202 | 406 |
| Percentage reporting sleepiness | 8% | 11% | 7% | 20% | 2% |
Other common side effects
The most common side effects of Tramadol reported in double-blind, placebo-controlled studies were as follows:
- dizziness
- nausea
- constipation
- headache
- sleepiness
- vomiting
- itchiness
- central nervous system (CNS) activation, with symptoms such as:
- joint stiffness
- sweating
- dry mouth
- diarrhea
Tramadol can cause insomnia in some people. Studies suggest that insomnia is more than twice as common in people taking extended-release tramadol than a placebo.
Insomnia is a potential withdrawal symptom of tramadol. Insomnia can cause excessive daytime sleepiness and other cognitive symptoms.
Tramadol is known to interact with many other medications. Some interactions can be life threatening.
Tramadol can cause serious sedation, coma, or death when mixed with alcohol or other medications, such as:
- certain sleep aids, such as benzodiazepines
- opioids
- psychotropic drugs
It’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking tramadol and any other medications along with it. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions regarding tramadol’s potential interactions with other drugs.
Here are some frequently asked questions people have about sleepiness from tramadol.
Is a higher tramadol dosage more likely to cause sleepiness?
Higher dosages of tramadol are generally more likely to cause side effects, including sleepiness.
Will 100 mg of tramadol make me sleepy?
Some people may develop sleepiness while taking 100 milligrams (mg) of tramadol. In studies, sleepiness was reported in 8% of people who took 100 mg of extended-release tramadol for moderate to moderately severe pain. This was compared to 2% of people who took a placebo.
How long does tramadol make you drowsy for?
Many people experience improvements in their sleepiness or drowsiness as their body adjusts to tramadol. This typically occurs after a week or two of taking the medication.
Tramadol’s side effects generally become more common with increasing doses. It’s important to avoid exceeding your doctor’s dosage instructions to minimize side effects.
And it’s generally a good idea to take opioid pain medications, such as tramadol, for as short a period of time as needed since they have the potential for addiction. (This is when a drug is taken even if it’s causing harmful effects.)
You can also take your doses later in the day or at bedtime to help avoid daytime sleepiness.
You should never take tramadol with alcohol or other drugs known to interact with it. This can cause sedation that can progress to coma or death.
Tramadol tends to work quickly, usually taking action in under
Most side effects last less than a day or only slightly longer.
Tramadol is a medication prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. It’s known to cause many side effects, including sleepiness and insomnia. Extreme sleepiness can also be a side effect of tramadol overdose.
It’s important that you do not mix tramadol with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other medications known to interact with tramadol. Mixing it with these drugs can lead to life threatening sedation or other serious side effects.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.