Street Names For Tramadol

Since being included in the Drug Enforcement Administrations (DEA) Schedule of Controlled Substances in 2014, tramadol has been more difficult to find on the street.

Tramadol has a few street names that seem to be popular across the country. Knowing about tramadol street names can help you identify whether someone is currently seeking the drug illicitly.

Common Street Names For Tramadol

Since being included in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Schedule of Controlled Substances in 2014, tramadol has been more difficult to find on the street. While not as widely abused as other opioid painkillers like oxycodone or hydrocodone, tramadol still has street value and is sold illegally. Tramadol has a few street names that seem to be popular across the country.

The list of street names for tramadol is short, and these slang terms are directly related to the brand name, generic name, and effects of tramadol.

The most common street names for tramadol include:

chill pills (references the drug’s relaxing effects)
trams (shortened version of tramadol)
trammies (casual slang variation)
tramal (based on international brand name)
ultras (references brand name Ultram)

Why Tramadol Has Street Names

Drug dealers and people who misuse tramadol use street names to discuss the drug discreetly without drawing attention from law enforcement or others. These code words help hide illegal transactions when buying or selling tramadol without a prescription. Street names also help people who abuse drugs identify what substance they’re getting, especially when purchasing from unfamiliar sources. Understanding these slang terms can help parents, teachers, and loved ones recognize when someone may be involved with tramadol misuse.

Tramadol’s street names are less creative or varied compared to other opioids because it’s considered a less potent painkiller with lower abuse potential. However, the drug is still misused for its pain-relieving and mild euphoric effects, particularly by people with opioid addiction who may use tramadol when stronger drugs are unavailable. Some people also combine tramadol with other substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines to enhance its effects, which significantly increases overdose risk.

Dangers Of Tramadol Abuse

Despite being a Schedule IV controlled substance with lower abuse potential than Schedule II opioids, tramadol abuse is still dangerous and can lead to serious health consequences. Misusing tramadol by taking higher doses than prescribed, crushing and snorting pills, or combining it with other substances increases the risk of overdose, seizures, respiratory depression, and death. Tramadol works differently than other opioids because it also affects serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, making it particularly dangerous when combined with antidepressants or other medications that affect these neurotransmitters.

Long-term tramadol abuse can lead to physical dependence and addiction, with withdrawal symptoms including anxiety, sweating, insomnia, muscle aches, and intense cravings when someone tries to stop. The risk of seizures is notably higher with tramadol compared to other opioids, especially at high doses or when combined with certain medications. People who hear others using street names for tramadol or notice signs of tramadol misuse should encourage the person to seek professional help through addiction treatment.

Treatment For Tramadol Addiction

Treatment for tramadol addiction typically includes medical detoxification to safely manage withdrawal symptoms, followed by behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, individual and group counseling, and dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders. Inpatient or outpatient rehab programs provide support to address the physical and psychological aspects of tramadol addiction.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff