Tramadol and Drowsiness: What Users Say

• Whi...
• April 7, 2013

Tramadol for Chronic Pain "I've been taking tramadol for back and knee pain from a motorcycle accident for over a year. It is a great pain reliever that eliminates 90% of my pain issues without making me feel drowsy like hydrocodone or oxycodone. It controls my pain and I can still live my normal life."

• Dee...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 16, 2019

For Chronic Pain "I started taking Tramadol intermittently about 6 years ago because I suffer from chronic sinusitis and have these debilitating headaches. I basically live with a headache - wake up with one and go to sleep with one. Tramadol helped with the headaches but never really went away. I've suffered from panic attacks for 20 years and have been on Zoloft for that. I had to up the dose because, 9 years with life changes, etc., depression set in. I battled with it in silence but then realized when I took Tramadol for my headaches, I felt like myself again, so I stopped the Zoloft and started taking Tramadol daily. At first, I was worried because of the risk of addiction, but I have no problem with not taking it. I stopped drinking alcohol completely because that brings on even worse headaches. Tramadol for me has been a lifesaver. It doesn't make me tired or drowsy, and I'll stay on it as long as the doctor prescribes it for me."

• Elo...
• July 9, 2013

For Anxiety "I have tried EVERYTHING for my anxiety (my symptoms stem from post-traumatic stress disorder, but have also been labeled as generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social anxiety). Nothing has worked (aside from Benzodiazepines, which I avoid because of the sedative effect), other than Tramadol. I take 50 mg a day. Recently, I worried that I would run out, so I tapered off of it, and my anxiety resurged with a vengeance. I never developed any tolerance for this medication - it has worked well for me for a year. The only negative has been when I mix it with alcohol. It didn't have much effect on the social anxiety, but it worked great in general."

• AJA...
• March 23, 2009

For Pain "I didn't know anything about this drug and was on Darvocet when my workman's company suggested I switch to this. It was a little weak at first, but then I got it into my system on a regular basis, and it seemed to dull my pain. Both heels were crushed in a fall, and I had reconstruction surgery. This does make me sleepy and is terrible to get off of. I had every symptom of withdrawal listed. I had to call my doctor back and be put back onto it. BEWARE."

• ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2015

For Anxiety "I was on this medication for about a week, after a minor surgery. I'm not sure how much it did for the pain, although I think it helped. But it REALLY helped with my anxiety. I usually have moderate anxiety, though I haven't gone to a doctor for it. I was also in the middle of a bad breakup and was feeling very on edge. When I took tramadol, it calmed me down and made me think quite clearly. I could think about things I was worried about but not be anxious about it. The heavy gut, on-edge feeling went away and I felt able to confront thoughts without them overwhelming me. It was really awesome! It made me very mildly sleepy sometimes, but not badly. I've taken Xanax before and felt like that made me feel more out of it than tramadol did."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 3, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "This tramadol has been a godsend for my fibro. My doc originally prescribed this to me for bursitis in my hip. To my surprise, it helped more for my fibro symptoms. I'm 40 and have had symptoms since my late teens. My doc was surprised when I told her it's helping more than anything ever has. She said it usually makes fibro worse. As I read some of the positive comments, I can totally relate. It makes me not think about the pain and gives me energy and also helps with my depression sometimes. The only thing I don't like that I have noticed is around 6 hours after taking it, it makes me very drowsy and fuzzy. There are times, though, it keeps me awake too. Some days I only take half. Also, I found that if I have to clean or work on a project, I take it before I start, because I know my body and I will be hurting if I don't."

• Ard...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2017

For Pain "I used tramadol after rotator cuff surgery. I found it to be a very effective pain medication. It did not have the side effects I've experienced with Vicodin and Percocet. No sleepiness or feeling of being high. No dependence. For me, it was the perfect medication. Maybe my review helps somebody!"

• Ste...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 1, 2019

For Pain "I take one every night for shoulder pain. I tore both the left and right rotator cuffs and had a replacement on the left, which no longer hurts. The right shoulder still hurts, mostly at night for some reason. It is something to do with the position, but even doctors are not sure why. Tramadol relieves my pain but has none of the nasty side effects of hydrocodone or other opioids. No constipation, drowsiness, etc. I'd say it's a great drug. Oh, and no trouble with addiction. I have stopped taking it for a day or two, and there are no cravings or any of the other side."

• leg...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 22, 2012

For Fibromyalgia "I am a male, diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. I was prescribed a number of medications, some of which were Cymbalta, Naproxen, and Tramadol, of which only Tramadol seems to take the edge off some of the overall body pain I have. Tramadol makes me very drowsy, but I rarely get a good night's sleep. I'm at my wit's end from this experience and don't know what else to do. I try to exercise when I have the energy and feel okay when I do. But I have to rest, sometimes spending a whole day in bed, trying to recuperate. It's very hard to keep positive, but I try my best."

• MMG...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2013

Tramadol for Pain "I was prescribed tramadol for chronic lower back pain. It makes me drowsy, but the pain is still there. I can't really describe it, it's like a sensation of knowing the pain is there but not letting it affect you."

• Auz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 8, 2013

For Back Pain "I started taking Tramadol 50 mg twice daily due to disc extrusion and severe leg pain. I am now on 200 mg in the morning and another 200 mg at dinner time. I would not be able to get out of bed if I did not take Tramadol, it's an amazing difference it made also on my leg pain. Some side effects are headaches and drowsiness."

• Rai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2019

For Pain "My doctor prescribed Tramadol for my endometriosis pain. Typically, I use NSAIDs, but they've damaged the lining of my stomach, so while I'm waiting for that to heal, Tramadol is my painkiller. Overall, I have found it effective at decreasing pain levels, often to the point where I don't feel any pain at all. It's also fairly fast-acting, usually feel a difference between 30-60 minutes. However, I have also experienced blurred vision, brain fog, headache, severe sedation, slurred speech, nausea, and fainting while using this drug. (This last seems to settle if I eat something.) On the plus side, there's no itchiness, which I usually experience while taking a narcotic."

• myg...
• May 25, 2010

Tramadol for Fibromyalgia "I have had fibromyalgia for 17 years, just diagnosed this year. I was prescribed Ultram for worst pain days. It almost completely takes the pain away with 100 mg. There are little to no side effects. The first couple of times I took it, I felt a little drowsy. I am very happy that my rheumatologist recommended this medication. To get some pain relief and still feel like myself is all I could have hoped for! I would recommend it."

• Gui...
• December 21, 2014

For Restless Legs Syndrome "I've suffered from restless leg syndrome since 2nd grade. It is a miserable affliction. I am now 51, and I experience it in my legs, arms, and back as restlessness and pain starting after 7 pm. Initially, I was on ropinirole and pramipexole for a few years. Those pills made me feel sleepy until 3 am, at which time I'd wake up. A sleep specialist now has me on 1200 mg of gabapentin and 50 mg of tramadol. For me, this combination works great. It relieves 100% of the restlessness and 90% of the pain and other uncomfortable sensations. I've been able to fall asleep with this medicine combination. Glad it's available!"

• Anonymous
• July 23, 2009

Tramadol for Pain "This medication worked very well to ease my ankle pain. However, it left me feeling a little forgetful after taking it for a few days. It also made me very drowsy. But I was not in the severe pain that I had been. The most negative reaction was when I stopped taking the medication. The following day, I felt nauseous, shaky, dizzy, and had cold sweats. The withdrawal symptoms were very unpleasant."

• ACE...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 1, 2012

For Pain "I have been on numerous pain medicines due to a severe case of Crohn's disease. At first, I wasn't sure about this medicine, but after taking it for a while, it has truly been a lifesaver for me. I like the fact it's a non-narcotic medicine. I also suffer from problems with my sciatic nerve, and it has made all the difference in the world. Very inexpensive with my insurance, and even very affordable without insurance. The only thing I don't care about is the drowsiness, but you have to consider all the pain I have been through, a little drowsiness is something I can handle. I am so glad that the doctor gave me this to try."

• Pol...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 2, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "Tramadol seems to be the only medication so far that helps with my fibro pain. I do get side effects (feeling 'dopey', difficulties concentrating, and difficulties with sleeping), but through trial and error, I have worked out that a daily dose of 50 mg taken in the evening (often combined with paracetamol) works reasonably well and keeps side effects to a minimum. When I have a serious flare, I go up to 3 x 50 mg per day, but then I cannot work as I feel too stoned. I am reluctant to take it permanently due to the risk of dependency, but for the moment, I am just glad that it exists. I do not want to take duloxetine due to the common withdrawal problems and problematic long-term effects, and unfortunately, I cannot tolerate pregabalin; I will try amitriptyline soon. Lidocaine patches seem to help only with superficial pain. I find alternative treatments (supplements, TENS, acupuncture, massages, yoga, and mindfulness) helpful, but they are just not effective enough."

• Tif...
• February 13, 2017

For Pain "Been on Tramadol off and on for minor headaches and issues with iliotibial band syndrome and arthritis. Basically, since it is controlled, it is a lot harder to obtain from a doctor and is also considered the new 'painkiller' in ERs or doctor's offices unless you have a broken bone. In all honesty, it helps my leg and lets me focus at work. I've tried Norco and Vicodin ES, also Lyrica and gabapentin, but I'm not a fan. I dislike the nausea feeling and the grogginess. But at the same time, everyone is different, some people can stand this medication, and some people cannot. I would recommend it to those who have less major pain and don't need it all the time."

• Ibz...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 7, 2016

Tramadol for Chronic Pain "I use Ultram/Tramadol 50 mg for breakthrough pain usually. Normally in that capacity, they work okay. Prefer them to having to use a second opioid that makes me drowsy or more constipated. Right now, it has become my only pain med, and taking max dose of 150/8 hrs is a joke. If you have real pain long term, I find a common opinion among chronic pain sufferers that this is true."

• Tre...
• November 4, 2016

For Pain "I broke my nose and was prescribed tramadol by the doctor after whatever shot they gave me in the hospital did not take away the pain. Took 2, and the pain went away. It worked great for me and made me feel really good and drowsy. This definitely worked for me, and I was able to sleep at night. Was able to go off it, no problem, and weaned myself down by not taking it so often."

• Tim...
• August 25, 2015

For Pain "I've been taking tramadol for a few months because of pain in my thumb joints. The recommended dose (50 mg 3x per day) was too much for me, resulting in headaches and nausea and (if taken just before bed) sleeplessness. But I reduced the dose to just 1/2 of a 50 mg pill taken at 10 a.m. and the other half at 4 p.m., and that seems to be working fine. Pain gone and a major boost in my mood. Also, I had to reduce the dose gradually over the course of a couple of weeks as I felt a little anxious when I cut the 3x 50 mg per day down to just 1/3 of that dosage. I feel much better but am careful not to take too much."

• Anonymous
• March 12, 2009

Tramadol for Fibromyalgia "This is definitely my miracle drug. It allows me to continue working and even seems to have a slight mood elevator. I have suffered from fibromyalgia for years, and the only other pain relievers I have found to help also made me drowsy and unable to function mentally. The only thing I notice from tramadol is relief. I have a sister with fibromyalgia, and it doesn't help her in the least, so you just have to try it and see."

• Tel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2013

For Chronic Pain "I'm lucky. I got Tramadol 150 mg (super strong) after breaking my tibia. With an external fixator, some nights are trouble-free, others I don't sleep at all for the chronic pain. The only effective pain relief 'til now has been the Tramadol. I only use it when nothing else works, and nothing else works quite like Tramadol. Luckily, I don't suffer from too many side effects (except drowsiness), but 150 mg is a strong dose, knocks me right out. Some people also need antiemetics to tolerate it as they commonly cause nausea. As far as I know, Tramadol is one level down from morphine in the treatment of chronic pain."

• ccf...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 15, 2016

For Restless Legs Syndrome "I have severe RLS. I tried Requip, Mirapex, Neurontin, Lyrica... Like many others who have posted, I had a pinched nerve in my spine (upper back, near my neck) and was prescribed tramadol. It greatly improved my RLS!! It truly was a godsend!! I do have to take 100 mg three times a day. And, if I take it too late, I do have to wait for an hour or so for the symptoms to finally diminish. Also, I have some daytime sleepiness, sluggishness. And now that my pinched nerve has become inflamed again, I have severe RLS even while taking the tramadol. I am hoping that after having a spinal injection for inflammation, my symptoms will improve once again. Until then, here I am, up with the rest of you, enduring this aggravating condition."

• Anonymous
• December 15, 2009

Tramadol for Fibromyalgia "Ultram has helped me greatly, it doesn't always take all of my pain away (of course!), but it truly takes the edge off and helps me to function. I have not noticed any side effects besides sleepiness, especially when I take more than one tablet."