I have used 25 mg tramadol (with Tylenol) at night only for about 2 months and on some days 25 mg doesn't help me sleep well and sleep is not a deep sleep but helps my neck pain. Is it common to experience sleeping problems with tramadol?
The doctor prescribed 50 mg (immediate release tablet), but 25 mg works well for my pain and have been cutting 50 mg pill into half and using it. A 50 mg dose, I find too strong. If I switch to a 50 mg dose at night, will I experience the same issue of sleeping problems as 25 mg? Thanks!
Tramadol and sleeping issues?
Question posted by Amerihealth1 on 29 May 2023
Last updated on 30 May 2023 by jammark
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Answers
I take 100 to 150 mg of tramadol per day for fibromyalgia. When I started taking tramadol, I did not notice any changes in my sleep, although insomnia can be a side effect for some.
Antidepressants, which I have taken previously, do have a profound adverse side effect on my sleep. I only mention this in case you are also taking an antidepressant or, for that matter, any other CNS drugs.
My issue with sleep is not from tramadol but rather from waking up too early due to pain. I reiterate that tramadol can cause sleep problems in some people, but not everyone. It is among a long list of potential side effects. As far as it's a commonality among users, you can find that here on Drugs.com under tramadol side effects.
Most likely, you will be more sedated and sleep better if you take what was initially prescribed to you, your organism has built up tolerance to the dose you are on now, 25mgs, so by doubling the dose you should sleep better in theory, you will only know when you try the prescribed dose, 50 mgs.
I advice you to inform your DR. if you experience potential side effects or any strange feeling and if you decide to add OTC medications, first run it by your Dr. before you take anything that was not prescribed to you or initially informed to your Dr. when you first were prescribed Tramadol, remember, never self medicate, there are always risks involved and potential interactions that your Dr. must be aware of.
The following is not to scare you, they are possible side effects, this is so you are well informed:
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to tramadol (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).
Tramadol can slow or stop your breathing, and death may occur. A person caring for you should give naloxone and/or seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.
Tramadol may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
noisy breathing, sighing, shallow breathing, breathing that stops during sleep;
a slow heart rate or weak pulse;
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
seizure (convulsions); or
low cortisol levels - nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, worsening tiredness or weakness.
Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Serious breathing problems may be more likely in older adults and people who are debilitated or have wasting syndrome or chronic breathing disorders.
Common side effects of tramadol may include:
constipation;
nausea and vomiting;
stomach pain;
dizziness;
drowsiness;
tiredness;
headache;
itching.
Related topics
Further information
- Tramadol uses and safety info
- Tramadol prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Tramadol (detailed)
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