Is Tramadol an Opiate?

It has been very interesting to watch the conversation of pain pills morph over time.  When it started, I had no idea what anybody was talking about.  Because of my recent dependency, chronic illness and mental health crash, I know more about opiates and other prescription drugs then I ever thought I would.

There is still always room to learn.  One day I decided to take stalk of what kind of prescription drugs I had, and I ended up coming across Tramadol. I actually didn’t remember being prescribed tramadol, let alone taking it, so I asked my friend if she knew what it was.

My friend was quick to jump in “Oh I love tramadol.  It isn’t an opiate and I take it all the time for my back.”

Hmm.  That made me curious.  What really is tramadol? How can something be so amazing, and not be an opiate.  Did I miss something?

Yes, Tramadol Is an Opiate

I have no idea why my friend thought Tramadol was not an opiate.  It is, and it is physically addicting too.  It has bad side effects, like the possibility of seizures, and the “regular” side effects you expect with an opiate, nausea, constipation and dizziness.

You may hear tramadol be called by its trade names; ryzolt, tramal, or ultram.

Because tramadol is just as addicting as other opiates, I stay away from them no matter what my doctor says.  Realize that your doctor may recommend pain killers even if they are not in your best interest.

Do your homework on tramadol before you take it.  Realize that you may not notice the effect of opiates over a long period of time (I sure didn’t!)

Leave a Comment

I accept the Privacy Policy