How Long Does Tramadol Last: What To Know

Tramadol is a prescription opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain that doesn’t respond to non-opioid medications, sold under the brand names Ultram and ConZip. When taken as directed, its effects typically last between four and six hours, though the drug itself can remain detectable in the body for several days afterward. Understanding how long a particular drug lasts in the body is an important part of using them safely.

What makes tramadol somewhat unique among opioids is how it works. In addition to binding with opioid receptors in the central nervous system, it also affects serotonin and norepinephrine levels, which means its interactions and risks can differ from those of more straightforward opioids like hydrocodone or oxycodone.

What Is Tramadol?

Tramadol is a medication known by the brand names Ultram and ConZip. It is similar to Vicodin and fentanyl, which all work by binding with opioid receptors in the central nervous system. Tramadol primarily targets the mu receptor as a partial agonist. It also reduces the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, so naloxone cannot fully reverse a tramadol overdose.

Tramadol is usually used to treat pain that does not respond to non-opioid pain meds, but it may also be given for off-label indications, such as restless leg syndrome (RLS).

Opioid analgesics, like tramadol, are highly addictive. As such, any deviation from a prescription is considered tramadol abuse and comes with the risk of opioid addiction.

Short-Term Effects Of Tramadol

Tramadol is a complex drug that suppresses some forms of central nervous system activity while enhancing others. The short-term effects of tramadol last between four and six hours.

Common side effects of tramadol include:

• headache
• drowsiness
• shaking
• constipation
• muscle tightness
• anxiety
• mood swings
• dry mouth

Factors That Influence Duration

The effects of tramadol generally last between four and six hours. This range may be affected by a number of different factors determined by your prescription and personal medical history.

Dosage

A higher dose will not necessarily extend the duration of tramadol’s initial effects. Rather, it is more likely to increase the intensity of those effects. With that said, a higher dose will cause the drug to stay in your system longer and will increase the length of time tramadol can be detected on a drug test.

Frequency Of Use

Someone who uses tramadol frequently is more likely to notice that the effects of the drug do not last as long as they used to thanks to increased tolerance. However, frequent use may prevent the drug from being fully metabolized prior to the next dose. In this case, tramadol can build up in your system, making it easier to detect for longer periods.

Size

The physical size of a person can certainly contribute to the way a drug affects them. When all other factors are equal, a smaller person who uses tramadol will likely experience a slightly longer period of efficacy in comparison to a larger person.

Metabolism

Your metabolic rate will also affect the duration of tramadol. This is one of the most unpredictable factors determining the duration of a drug’s effects. Your genetics, lifestyle, and the current health of your organs can all inform the way your body metabolizes a drug like tramadol.

What To Do If You Miss A Dose Of Tramadol

If you miss a dose of tramadol, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule rather than doubling up. Taking two doses at once increases the risk of side effects and can raise the chance of seizures, which tramadol is already known to carry as a risk at higher doses.

Length Of Tramadol Withdrawal Period

Tramadol comes with a risk of addiction even when used according to medical advice. This risk is limited, but you should always talk to your doctor if you feel that you’re building a tolerance. When a person becomes physically dependent on a drug like tramadol, they will typically begin to experience tramadol withdrawal symptoms within 24 hours of their last dose.

These symptoms often feature physical tells, such as shaking and changes in body temperature. However, they can also be psychological. Depression and anxiety are both common. Tramadol withdrawal can last up to a week. It often requires professional treatment with the help of a medical detox program and an accredited addiction treatment center to prevent.

Drug Testing For Tramadol

People who use tramadol recreationally may have difficulty passing a drug screening. The likelihood of passing will depend on the type of sample, the frequency of abuse, and dosage.

Blood

The half-life of tramadol is relatively short. The drug is often detectable in a blood test for less than 24 hours.

Learn more about blood drug testing for tramadol.

Saliva

Saliva tests are not regularly used for opioid detection. These tests can usually only detect tramadol use in the initial hours following the last dose.

Urine

Urine tests are the most common form of opioid drug test. Tramadol can be detected in urine for up to four days following use. The detection window may be longer with frequent use.

Hair Follicle

Hair tests are not usually practical for routine drug tests, but they can be used to track drug use going back several months. Signs of drug use are first apparent in the follicle approximately seven to 10 days after use.

Long-Term Effects Of Tramadol Misuse

Tramadol is designed for short-term use, not for chronic pain. A physician will generally only prescribe tramadol for more than a week if they are prescribing the extended-release version.

Long-term tramadol use is associated with a number of serious side effects, including:

• physical dependence
• seizures
• mental health disorders
• serotonin syndrome
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease

Repeated abuse can cause long-term side effects. Their duration is hard to pinpoint. Some, like physical dependence, are treatable with months of therapy, while others are irreversible.