How Long Does Tramadol Stay In Your Hair?

Medically Reviewed by Johnelle Smith, M.D. on April 30, 2021

Tramadol is an opioid pain-reliever that can be detected in hair for an average of 30 days, and possibly up to six months. Hair tests and other drug tests may be used to detect tramadol for people who may be battling drug abuse or addiction.

How Long Can Tramadol Be Detected In Your Hair?

The detection window for tramadol in hair is at least 30 days since the last dose, but it’s been found in hair up to 6 months.

Tramadol is a medication used to relieve moderate to severe pain and can often be found under the brand name Ultram.

It’s considered an opioid and works in the central nervous system to alter how the body responds to pain. Testing hair is one way to detect the drug in the body.

Detecting Tramadol In Hair

On average, tramadol can be detected in hair for at least 30 days. Typically, tramadol will leave the system after 90 days, but it is possible for it to be detected in the hair for up to 6 months.

What Factors Affect Tramadol Detection Time In Hair?

While the average amount of time a hair test can detect tramadol is 30 days, there are multiple factors that can affect how long the drug is detected.

These factors include:

  • age: For people over 75, tramadol’s half-life can increase to seven hours and reach higher concentrations. This means it can stay in an older person’s body longer than someone under 75.
  • sex: The concentration of tramadol can be 12% higher in women than men, meaning it may stay in a woman’s body longer.
  • dosage: If you take a higher dose of tramadol for a long time, it may take longer to get a negative result on a test.
  • frequency of use: If you take a single dose of tramadol after not taking it at all, it’ll leave your system quickly. If you take it frequently over a long period of time, it will take longer to exit your system.
  • type of tramadol: Tramadol comes in an immediate-release and an extended-release form. The extended-release takes longer to leave the body.
  • body’s metabolism: Your metabolic rate all depends on age, genetics, your body, and how much you move. If your metabolism is slow, it will take longer for the tramadol to leave your body.
  • other medications: If you’re on other medications or drugs, they can affect how long tramadol remains in your body.

Get Started On The Road To Recovery.

Get Confidential Help 24/7. Call Today!

(844) 616-3400

Finding Addiction Treatment For Tramadol

It’s never too late to seek help with tramadol addiction. There are a variety of treatment options available.

Call our helpline today to learn more about tramadol, prescription drug, and opioid addiction and what type of treatment is out there for you or your loved one.

This page does not provide medical advice. See more

Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.

These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.

  • Was this Helpful?
  • YesNo
Medically Reviewed by
Johnelle Smith, M.D. on April 30, 2021
Let us walk you through the treatment process. We're here to help.
For 24/7 Treatment Help:
100% Free & Confidential. Call (844) 616-3400