A tramadol headache is a type of pain in the head, face, or neck that is related to the use of tramadol, an atypical opioid prescribed for moderate-to-severe pain when milder analgesics don’t work. These headaches usually, though not always, occur as a side effect of the medication or as an opioid withdrawal symptom following drug discontinuation.
This article will help you learn more about tramadol headaches, the risks of long-term tramadol use, and ANR treatment—a groundbreaking method of treating opioid dependence.
Can Tramadol Cause a Headache?
Tramadol can cause headaches, especially in patients who are prone to them. Other factors that may make you more likely to suffer from tramadol headaches include:
- Using other medications
- Having co-occurring medical conditions
- Being sensitive to or having trouble metabolizing opioids
Although tramadol is an atypical opioid, its side-effect profile is similar to that of other opioids. Headaches are among the most common opioid side effects, and tramadol is no exception. Within the first week of tramadol use, nearly 20% of patients experience headaches as a tramadol side effect. By 90 days, 32% of patients report suffering from them.
Therefore, taking this drug for long-term pain management may increase the risk of tramadol headaches. Paradoxically, prolonged use of tramadol can lead to opioid-induced hyperalgesia, which may lower your pain threshold.
Even though some studies suggest it might be appropriate to use tramadol for headache relief, it can trigger headaches because it acts as a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) in addition to interacting with the central nervous system (CNS). By increasing serotonin activity, tramadol can cause blood vessels to contract, which, in turn, may make your head hurt.
Furthermore, underlying medical conditions induced by tramadol use, such as low blood sugar or tramadol-induced hypoglycemia, may also manifest in headaches. Tramadol headaches and nausea may also be a sign of tramadol-induced hyponatremia (low sodium levels) or occur alongside other withdrawal symptoms when opioid-dependent individuals stop taking this drug.
Understanding Headaches From Tramadol Withdrawal
Headaches from tramadol withdrawal are common, as are sore muscles, joint pain, and other body aches.
Tramadol withdrawal symptoms, including headaches, occur when people quit this drug after becoming dependent. Over time, opioids like tramadol alter brain chemistry, causing decreased endorphin production and stimulating the creation of opioid receptors. As the body begins to detox from tramadol, uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms set in.
Besides headaches, common opioid withdrawal symptoms from tramadol include:
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Agitation
- Sweating
- Stomach ache
- Opioid cravings
- Loss of appetite
- Sleep disturbances
As an atypical opioid, tramadol can also cause withdrawal symptoms that don’t typically occur with traditional opioids, such as oxycodone. Around 10% of tramadol users suffer from panic attacks, profound confusion, paranoia, hallucinations, and other atypical withdrawal symptoms. Some also experience psychosis, depersonalization, and numbness in the arms and legs.
In most cases, the first tramadol withdrawal symptoms appear within 24 hours after taking the last dose and subside in roughly a week. However, the tramadol withdrawal timeline may vary individually based on the extent of your tramadol use and other factors.
Quitting tramadol abruptly or without medical supervision can be extremely dangerous, as it increases the risk of:
- Severe withdrawal symptoms
- Complications, such as electrolyte loss
- Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)
- Relapse and potentially fatal tramadol overdose
Considering this, the best solution for opioid withdrawal management is to seek professional help.
How Long Do Headaches from Tramadol Last?
Headaches from tramadol may last several hours, days, or even weeks, with their duration varying on a case-by-case basis.
If you’re experiencing headaches as a withdrawal symptom or a side effect of tramadol, these should normally pass within a week. However, if your head hurts because of tramadol-induced medical conditions, the pain may persist until they are resolved.
To learn how to manage tramadol headaches, consult your doctor. They’ll evaluate your unique situation and help you determine the best course of action.
Risks of Long-Term Tramadol Use
The risks of long-term tramadol use include physical dependence and addiction, tramadol overdose, and serious adverse effects.
Although tramadol is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance, denoting a relatively low potential for abuse and dependence compared to most opioids, it carries the same risks. Not only that, but its dual mechanism of action can lead to additional health risks, such as serotonin syndrome and seizures.
Taking tramadol for a prolonged time isn’t recommended because it increases the risk of opioid abuse, dependence, and addiction.
Opioid dependence refers to the physical reliance people develop due to the chemical changes that occur in the nervous system with repeated tramadol exposure. By contrast, tramadol addiction is largely psychological; it affects people’s ability to control their opioid use. As a result, those addicted keep taking tramadol, even when it wreaks havoc on their lives.
In most cases, tramadol addiction follows untreated physical dependence. For this reason, it is imperative to seek professional treatment for opioid dependence.
Prolonged tramadol use and abuse also increase the risk of organ damage, respiratory depression, and a life-threatening opioid overdose. If you notice any signs of an opioid drug overdose in yourself or a loved one (e.g., pinpoint pupils, profound confusion, shallow breathing, or discolored lips), call 911 immediately to increase the odds of survival.
How to Avoid Getting a Headache From Tramadol: 8 Strategies
The only foolproof way to avoid getting a headache from tramadol is not to take this drug at all, especially if you’re prone to migraines or other types of headaches. This way, you can also ensure you don’t fall victim to tramadol dependence, opioid addiction, and overdose.
However, non-opioid pain management may not be suitable in some situations. If you have to take tramadol, here’s what you can do to reduce the risk of tramadol headaches and other side effects:
- Use medication precisely as instructed.
- Ensure you’re getting enough rest and sleep.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration headaches.
- Avoid stress, caffeine, strong smells, bright lights, and other headache triggers.
- Don’t mix tramadol with alcohol or other substances that your doctor hasn’t approved of.
- Do not take tramadol in larger doses, more frequently, or for a longer time than prescribed.
Plus, while it’s generally fine to take tramadol on an empty stomach, taking it with food may delay drug absorption and processing, which could reduce the risk of tramadol headaches.
When to Seek Professional Help for Tramadol Headaches
You should seek professional help for tramadol headaches if they last a week or more, are severe, or only get worse with time. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to inform your doctor about any side effects you experience after taking medications, especially if these are severe and affect the quality of your life.
Although tramadol headache disorder isn’t an official diagnosis, overusing tramadol may lead to opioid-induced hyperalgesia or medication-overuse headache (MOH). Your doctor can help you determine the best approach to treating tramadol headaches.
Most importantly, you should seek professional help if you suspect you may be struggling with tramadol dependence or addiction.
ANR Treatment for Tramadol Dependence
Accelerated Neuro-Regulation (ANR) is a revolutionary opioid dependence treatment developed by Dr. Andre Waismann that addresses the neurobiological causes of opioid dependence. It has supported close to 25,000 people worldwide in recovering from opioid dependence once and for all.
ANR stands out as the only treatment that tackles the root of opioid dependence rather than its symptoms, which is why it has an unparalleled success rate.
This treatment re-regulates the opioid-induced imbalance in the endorphin-receptor system, effectively returning the brain to its pre-dependence state. In doing so, it allows you to enjoy an opioid-free life without cravings or other withdrawal symptoms.
Benefits of Undergoing ANR Treatment
Some benefits of undergoing ANR treatment include:
- Patient safety. Scientifically proven to be very safe, ANR adheres to the highest patient safety standards. To ensure patient safety, the procedure is only performed by highly experienced, board-certified healthcare professionals, including anesthesiologists, in an ICU setting within fully accredited hospitals equipped with advanced medical equipment.
- Long-term effectiveness. ANR facilitates long-lasting recovery by reversing the opioid-induced chemical imbalance in the nervous system, thereby eliminating opioid withdrawal symptoms. As a result, this innovative approach negates the risk of relapse.
- Short treatment duration. With ANR, you can break the chains of opioid dependence within a matter of days.
To learn more about ANR, contact us today for a free, 100% confidential consultation.
Key Takeaways
Suffering from tramadol headaches can be very uncomfortable, whether they last several hours or days. Nonetheless, you should never quit this medication abruptly due to the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms and complications. Consult your doctor if you’re experiencing headaches after taking tramadol.
Let’s go over the key points we covered today:
- Tramadol can cause headaches as a side effect, withdrawal symptoms, or as a result of other medical conditions, such as opioid-induced hyperalgesia or low sodium levels.
- To reduce the risk of tramadol headaches, follow your doctor’s instructions, stay hydrated, and take your medication with food.
- ANR is a modern, safe, and effective treatment that eradicates opioid dependence through endorphin-receptor system modulation.
Tramadol Headache FAQ
The worst side effects of tramadol include respiratory depression and serotonin syndrome, both of which can have fatal consequences. To reduce the risk of serious adverse effects, always take tramadol as prescribed. Do not mix it with other drugs without consulting your doctor.
You can safely stop taking tramadol without severe withdrawal symptoms by opting for ANR treatment, which works by resetting the endorphin-receptor system to its normal state. Since this procedure is performed under sedation, you can rest assured you won’t experience the discomfort of going through active tramadol withdrawals.
You may feel weird after taking tramadol because it can cause drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and various other side effects. If you feel any unwanted effects after taking tramadol, it’s best to inform your doctor. Some tramadol side effects may require urgent medical help.
Accelerated Neuro-Regulation therapy is suitable for most people. It can be safely performed even in patients with co-occurring health conditions, as each patient receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their medical history and specific needs.
