What Do Tramadol Pills Look Like?

Tramadol tablets are white in color, have specific imprints stamped on each pill, and are frequently prescribed to ease chronic pain.

There are also tramadol extended-release tablets that provide pain relief around-the-clock. These painkillers are round and convex, containing imprints which designate the strength of the pain medication.

Tramadol hydrochloride (brand names Ultram, ConZip, Ryzolt) is an opioid drug used to help manage suffering from moderate to severe pain. 

Identifying Tramadol Pills

Tramadol use may involve a person taking an immediate-release tablet or extended-release (Ultram ER tablet). Depending on the manufacturer of the pill taken, there may be slight discrepancies in color, shape, and imprint.

Shape

The typical shape of 50 mg tramadol pills, according to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is round and convex. However, an elliptical-shaped pill may also be offered to you by your prescribing doctor.

Color

The pill color of tramadol is white. Ultram and other brand names may have slight differences, but the color ranges from white to off-white for all. This includes the extended-release tablet option as well.

Imprint

Primarily, imprints on the tramadol tablet will correspond to the strength of the pill. In regards to Ultram ER, each tablet shows either 100, 200, or 300, each corresponding to milligram strength. The back of these tablets read ER.

50 mg tramadol pills have an imprint of 377 on one side and are blank on the opposite side.

How Tramadol Works

Tramadol belongs to a class of medications known as opioid analgesics. This prescription drug is considered to be a Schedule IV controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), meaning it has the potential for abuse.

Tramadol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant which reacts to opioid receptors in the brain, binding to them and creating sedation, a sense of euphoria, and pain relief.

Tramadol Warnings

Before taking this prescription drug, consult the medical advice of your healthcare provider. A number of allergic reactions or serious health problems can take place if medications are combined or if those with certain medical conditions take tramadol.

Drug Interactions

A life-threatening condition known as serotonin syndrome may take place if certain antidepressants are taken with tramadol. Be sure to notify your doctor of any mental health issues in your family history.

If a person develops serotonin syndrome, they may experience severe mental health issues including panic attacks, paranoia, and hallucinations. 

Medications to avoid include antidepressants such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and selective norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitor (SNRIs).

Other substances to avoid consist of:

• other opioids such as codeine
• alcohol
• benzodiazepines
• antihistamines
• certain over-the-counter medications, including those containing acetaminophen
• Other CNS depressants

Side Effects Of Tramadol

There are general side effects associated with this painkiller. For instance, some of the common side effects of tramadol a person may experience include:

• euphoria
• sedation
• pain relief
• dry mouth
• drowsiness
• relaxation
• constipation

Additionally, there are a number of more serious effects which can take place.

Tramadol Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms may take place if a person has abruptly stopped taking the pain medication. If this is the case, the person may experience:

• sweating
• anxiety
• insomnia
• nausea
• tremors
• breathing problems

Women who are breastfeeding should speak with their prescribing doctor before taking tramadol, as the drug may pass from mother to child through the breast milk. This can result in the baby developing withdrawal symptoms.

Tramadol Overdose

If tramadol toxicity occurs, a person may experience life-threatening opioid overdose symptoms such as:

• cold or clammy skin
• fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure
• hypotension
• seizures
• coma

Those suffering from an opioid overdose likely require urgent medical care. Healthcare professionals may provide naloxone, a medication used to help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

If you or a loved one are struggling with drug abuse, contact us today for information on our substance abuse treatment options.