This NHS content is written for people in England. Medicine names, availability, prescribing and services may differ in other countries.
Common side effects of tramadol
These common side effects of tramadol happen to more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them.
Headaches
Try to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol. Talk to your doctor if they do not go away or are severe.
Feeling sleepy, tired, dizzy or "spaced out"
Talk to your doctor if these symptoms do not go away.
Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery if you're feeling tired or dizzy.
Do not drink any alcohol as this will make you feel more tired.
Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
Eat simple meals and avoid rich or spicy food. It might help to take tramadol after you've eaten a meal or snack. If you're being sick, try taking small, frequent sips of water. Speak to a pharmacist if you have signs of dehydration, such as peeing less than usual or dark, strong-smelling pee.
If tramadol continues to make you feel or be sick, tell your doctor.
If you take the combined pill or the progestogen-only pill and tramadol makes you vomit, it may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet to find out what to do.
Constipation
Try to get more fibre into your diet such as fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals. Also try to drink several glasses of water, or another non-alcoholic drink, every day. If you can, it may help to do some gentle exercise like swimming or going for a short walk.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about medicine to help prevent or treat constipation caused by tramadol if it does not go away.
Dry mouth
Try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets. Your doctor may also prescribe an artificial saliva substitute to keep your mouth moist. This comes as a spray, gel or lozenge.
Sweating
Try wearing loose clothing, using a strong anti-perspirant and using a fan, if possible. If this does not help and you're struggling to cope with excessive sweating, your doctor may prescribe a different painkiller.
Low energy
Speak to your doctor as they may be able to adjust your dose or give you a different painkiller.
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.
View the original NHS website page ↗. Refreshed 19 August 2026.
Licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 ↗. MyPHU is independent and is not endorsed by the NHS.