Tramadol is a pain reliever used to treat moderate or severe pain. It affects how your body experiences and reacts to pain. Like all prescription and over-the-counter medications, people who use Tramadol may experience side effects ranging from mild to severe.

More common side effects may include headache, dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness. Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or constipation, blurred vision, flushed skin, and insomnia are considered less serious side effects.

Serious side effects include vomiting and diarrhea, fever, fast heart rate, shallow breathing, weak pulse, and mood changes or hallucinations. A seizure or red, blistering rash may also be considered serious side effects.

Immediate medical attention is advised if you experience fainting or seizure, have difficulty waking, or experience shallow or slow breathing. Difficulty urination, agitation, confusion, and severe abdominal pain also warrant an immediate call to your doctor or health care professional.

Tramadol may rarely cause a serious allergic reaction. Emergency medical treatment is advised when the patient experiences swelling of the face or oral cavity, hives, and difficulty breathing.

A condition called serotonin syndrome has been associated with the use of Tramadol, particularly when it is used in connection with SSRI antidepressants and certain other medications. Serotonin syndrome is characterized by dizziness, restlessness, fast heartbeat, fever, hallucinations, twitching, and severe nausea or vomiting.

Other side effects may occur. Questions about these or other side effects of Tramadol should be directed towards your health care provider or pharmacist. If you suffer side effects and would like to report them, you may contact the Food and Drug Administration by calling 1-917-633-1326.