How does tramadol make you feel
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Understanding the Effects of Tramadol: Subjective, Psychomotor, and Physiological Responses
Introduction to Tramadol and Its Mechanism of Action
Tramadol is a unique analgesic that functions as a mu-opioid receptor agonist and inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin. This dual mechanism makes it effective for managing moderate to severe pain, including neuropathic pain, and it is often used as an alternative to other opioids due to its relatively lower risk of dependency .
Subjective Effects: How Tramadol Makes You Feel
Euphoria and Drug Liking
Tramadol can induce feelings of euphoria and drug liking, particularly at higher doses. In a study involving recreational drug users, 100 mg of tramadol significantly increased ratings of "feel drug effect" and drug liking, suggesting that it has abuse potential. These effects are similar to those produced by other opioids, although tramadol's unique pharmacological profile may result in a different subjective experience.
Pain Relief and Mood Enhancement
Tramadol is effective in providing pain relief, which can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions. It has been shown to reduce pain intensity by at least 50% in several studies, making it a valuable option for managing neuropathic pain. Additionally, tramadol's serotonergic and noradrenergic actions may contribute to mood enhancement, providing anxiolytic and antidepressant effects that further improve patient outcomes.
Psychomotor and Cognitive Effects
Minimal Impairment
Unlike some other opioids and benzodiazepines, tramadol does not significantly impair psychomotor performance. In comparative studies, lorazepam impaired psychomotor functions, whereas tramadol did not show such effects, making it a safer option for patients who need to maintain cognitive and motor functions.
Discriminative Stimulus Effects
In studies involving non-dependent volunteers, higher doses of tramadol (200 and 400 mg) were identified as opioid-like, similar to hydromorphone. However, tramadol did not significantly increase subjective ratings associated with reinforcement, indicating a lower potential for abuse compared to other opioids.
Physiological Effects
Pupil Constriction and Other Mu-Agonist Effects
Tramadol can cause pupil constriction (miosis) and other physiological effects typical of mu-opioid agonists. However, these effects are generally less pronounced compared to stronger opioids like morphine. In a controlled study, 100 mg of tramadol induced miosis, although the effect was not statistically significant.
Adverse Events and Tolerability
While tramadol is generally well-tolerated, it is associated with a higher incidence of adverse events compared to placebo. Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, and constipation. The risk of serious adverse events is low, but the potential for withdrawal symptoms and physical dependence exists with chronic use .
Conclusion
Tramadol offers a unique profile of subjective, psychomotor, and physiological effects that make it a versatile option for pain management. It provides effective pain relief and mood enhancement with minimal impairment of psychomotor functions. However, its potential for abuse and adverse events necessitates careful monitoring, especially in populations with a history of substance use. Further research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects and optimize its use in clinical practice.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic