TRAMADOL HYDROCHLORIDE

85/100 · Critical

Manufactured by Vertical Pharmaceuticals, LLC

Tramadol Hydrochloride Adverse Events: High Seriousness and Diverse Reactions

142,038 FDA adverse event reports analyzed

Last updated: 2026-05-12

About TRAMADOL HYDROCHLORIDE

TRAMADOL HYDROCHLORIDE is a medication tracked in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), manufactured by Vertical Pharmaceuticals, LLC. Based on analysis of 142,038 FDA adverse event reports, TRAMADOL HYDROCHLORIDE has a safety score of 85 out of 100. This score indicates a relatively favorable safety profile, with fewer or less severe adverse events compared to many other tracked medications. The most commonly reported adverse reactions for TRAMADOL HYDROCHLORIDE include DEPENDENCE, OVERDOSE, VOMITING, PAIN, NAUSEA. This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of reported side effects, safety signals, patient demographics, and AI-powered safety analysis for TRAMADOL HYDROCHLORIDE.

AI Safety Analysis

Tramadol Hydrochloride has a safety concern score of 85 out of 100, placing it in the high concern category based on analysis of FDA adverse event data. The FDA has received approximately 142,038 adverse event reports for this medication, which is primarily manufactured by Vertical Pharmaceuticals, Llc.

The most commonly reported adverse events include Dependence, Overdose, Vomiting. Of classified reports, 90.1% were designated as serious by the FDA, meaning they involved hospitalization, disability, or other significant medical outcomes. Over 17,000 reports of dependence and overdose highlight significant misuse concerns.

Vomiting, nausea, and pain are common, with over 5,000 reports each. Serious reactions such as death, pneumonia, and liver injury are reported.

Patients taking Tramadol Hydrochloride should monitor for the commonly reported side effects and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms. Tramadol can interact with other drugs, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), leading to serious adverse effects. This analysis is based on voluntary FDA adverse event reports and should not replace professional medical advice.

Safety Score: 85/100

Tramadol Hydrochloride received a safety concern score of 85/100 (high concern). This is based on a 90.1% serious event ratio across 36,174 classified reports. The score accounts for 142,038 total adverse event reports and 100 distinct reaction types. This high score reflects a significant proportion of serious adverse events in the reporting data.

Top Adverse Reactions

DEPENDENCE7,820 reports
OVERDOSE3,855 reports
VOMITING3,155 reports
PAIN2,878 reports
NAUSEA2,712 reports
DRUG INEFFECTIVE2,488 reports
HEADACHE2,264 reports
FATIGUE2,245 reports
DYSPNOEA2,207 reports
OFF LABEL USE2,190 reports
DRUG DEPENDENCE2,161 reports
DRUG HYPERSENSITIVITY2,078 reports
DIZZINESS1,948 reports
ARTHRALGIA1,925 reports
PNEUMONIA1,863 reports
DIARRHOEA1,855 reports
MALAISE1,846 reports
DEATH1,796 reports
DEPRESSION1,758 reports
WHEEZING1,739 reports
HYPERTENSION1,655 reports
CONFUSIONAL STATE1,617 reports
RASH1,574 reports
ASTHMA1,550 reports
TOXICITY TO VARIOUS AGENTS1,493 reports
INSOMNIA1,448 reports
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS1,432 reports
ASTHENIA1,417 reports
WEIGHT INCREASED1,407 reports
HYPERSENSITIVITY1,373 reports
GENERAL PHYSICAL HEALTH DETERIORATION1,350 reports
HYPOAESTHESIA1,348 reports
JOINT SWELLING1,331 reports
PRURITUS1,319 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN UPPER1,314 reports
FIBROMYALGIA1,300 reports
INFUSION RELATED REACTION1,280 reports
ILL DEFINED DISORDER1,262 reports
URTICARIA1,255 reports
PYREXIA1,253 reports
DRUG INTERACTION1,246 reports
MOBILITY DECREASED1,240 reports
SWELLING1,239 reports
PAIN IN EXTREMITY1,238 reports
PSORIATIC ARTHROPATHY1,236 reports
ANXIETY1,234 reports
TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS1,225 reports
SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS1,221 reports
ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT1,219 reports
SYNOVITIS1,219 reports
FALL1,217 reports
SLEEP DISORDER1,216 reports
DECREASED APPETITE1,204 reports
PERIPHERAL SWELLING1,188 reports
INJURY1,172 reports
WOUND1,170 reports
OEDEMA1,156 reports
IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME1,154 reports
DRUG INTOLERANCE1,132 reports
HEPATIC ENZYME INCREASED1,130 reports
CONDITION AGGRAVATED1,121 reports
GASTROOESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE1,107 reports
NASOPHARYNGITIS1,101 reports
DRY MOUTH1,097 reports
FOLLICULITIS1,097 reports
GLOSSODYNIA1,087 reports
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDER1,078 reports
HAND DEFORMITY1,071 reports
STOMATITIS1,058 reports
ALOPECIA1,050 reports
IMPAIRED HEALING1,045 reports
JOINT RANGE OF MOTION DECREASED1,043 reports
ARTHROPATHY1,033 reports
DRUG ABUSE1,032 reports
DUODENAL ULCER PERFORATION1,011 reports
PEMPHIGUS1,011 reports
PERICARDITIS998 reports
INFLAMMATION988 reports
PRODUCT USE IN UNAPPROVED INDICATION987 reports
HELICOBACTER INFECTION982 reports
OSTEOARTHRITIS979 reports
MUSCULOSKELETAL STIFFNESS968 reports
SOMNOLENCE963 reports
CHEST PAIN950 reports
BACK PAIN939 reports
RHEUMATIC FEVER936 reports
MATERNAL EXPOSURE DURING PREGNANCY928 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN926 reports
FOETAL EXPOSURE DURING PREGNANCY923 reports
GAIT INABILITY905 reports
BLISTER899 reports
BLOOD CHOLESTEROL INCREASED897 reports
MEMORY IMPAIRMENT897 reports
C REACTIVE PROTEIN INCREASED887 reports
WEIGHT DECREASED886 reports
ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY879 reports
PARAESTHESIA876 reports
LIP DRY866 reports
LIVER INJURY863 reports
MUSCLE SPASMS857 reports

Key Safety Signals

  • Over 7,000 reports of drug dependence and overdose indicate misuse and abuse potential.
  • More than 1,700 reports of serious reactions, including death and pneumonia, are concerning.
  • Liver injury and increased hepatic enzymes are reported, suggesting potential hepatotoxicity.

Patient Demographics

Adverse event reports by sex: Female: 19,067, Male: 12,477, Unknown: 90. The most frequently reported age groups are age 40 (867 reports), age 65 (825 reports), age 43 (770 reports). These demographics reflect reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Report Outcomes

Out of 36,174 classified reports for TRAMADOL HYDROCHLORIDE:

  • Serious: 32,581 reports (90.1%) — includes hospitalization, disability, life-threatening events, or death
  • Non-Serious: 3,593 reports (9.9%)
Serious 90.1%Non-Serious 9.9%

The FDA classifies an adverse event as “serious” if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, congenital anomaly, or requires intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Demographics Breakdown

Reports by Sex

Female19,067 (60.3%)
Male12,477 (39.4%)
Unknown90 (0.3%)

Reports by Age

Age 40867 reports
Age 65825 reports
Age 43770 reports
Age 44712 reports
Age 54450 reports
Age 53423 reports
Age 78385 reports
Age 63372 reports
Age 41358 reports
Age 50351 reports
Age 69327 reports
Age 59316 reports
Age 57315 reports
Age 66313 reports
Age 56310 reports
Age 68305 reports
Age 71299 reports
Age 60298 reports
Age 64298 reports
Age 72296 reports

Demographics reflect voluntary FDA adverse event reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Drug Interactions & Warnings

Tramadol can interact with other drugs, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), leading to serious adverse effects.

What You Should Know

If you are taking Tramadol Hydrochloride, here are important things to know. The most commonly reported side effects include dependence, overdose, vomiting, pain, nausea. While many of these may be mild and temporary, you should contact your healthcare provider if any symptoms are severe or persistent. Follow prescribed dosages strictly to avoid dependence and overdose. Report any unusual symptoms or side effects to your healthcare provider immediately. If you experience a serious adverse reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately or call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Regulatory Context

The FDA closely monitors Tramadol due to its high risk of misuse, dependence, and serious adverse events. Healthcare providers should be vigilant and consider alternative treatments when appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many adverse event reports has the FDA received for Tramadol Hydrochloride?

The FDA has received approximately 142,038 adverse event reports associated with Tramadol Hydrochloride. These reports come from healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Note that the number of reports does not directly indicate the frequency of side effects, as adverse events are voluntarily reported and may be underrepresented.

What are the most commonly reported side effects of Tramadol Hydrochloride?

The most frequently reported adverse events for Tramadol Hydrochloride include Dependence, Overdose, Vomiting, Pain, Nausea. By volume, the top reported reactions are: Dependence (7,820 reports), Overdose (3,855 reports), Vomiting (3,155 reports). These figures reflect FDA adverse event reports and may not represent the true incidence rate of these side effects in all patients taking Tramadol Hydrochloride.

What percentage of Tramadol Hydrochloride adverse event reports are serious?

Out of 36,174 classified reports, 32,581 (90.1%) were classified as serious and 3,593 as non-serious. The FDA classifies an event as "serious" if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, or other medically significant outcomes. A higher serious-event ratio warrants closer attention but does not necessarily mean the drug is unsafe.

Who reports adverse events for Tramadol Hydrochloride (by sex)?

Adverse event reports for Tramadol Hydrochloride break down by patient sex as follows: Female: 19,067, Male: 12,477, Unknown: 90. This distribution reflects reporting patterns rather than actual risk differences between groups. Reporting rates can be influenced by prescribing patterns, disease demographics, and reporting behavior.

What age groups report the most side effects for Tramadol Hydrochloride?

The most frequently reported age groups for Tramadol Hydrochloride adverse events are: age 40: 867 reports, age 65: 825 reports, age 43: 770 reports, age 44: 712 reports, age 54: 450 reports. Age-related reporting patterns can reflect both the demographics of the patient population and potential age-related susceptibility to certain side effects.

Who manufactures Tramadol Hydrochloride?

The primary manufacturer associated with Tramadol Hydrochloride adverse event reports is Vertical Pharmaceuticals, Llc. Multiple manufacturers may produce generic versions of this drug. The manufacturer listed reflects the most frequently reported brand in FDA adverse event data.

What other side effects have been reported for Tramadol Hydrochloride?

Beyond the most common reactions, other reported adverse events for Tramadol Hydrochloride include: Drug Ineffective, Headache, Fatigue, Dyspnoea, Off Label Use. Less common side effects can still be clinically significant. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

How do I report a side effect from Tramadol Hydrochloride?

You can report adverse events from Tramadol Hydrochloride to the FDA through their MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch, by calling 1-800-FDA-1088, or by completing Form FDA 3500. Healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers can all submit reports. Reporting helps the FDA monitor drug safety after approval.

What is Tramadol Hydrochloride's safety score and what does it mean?

Tramadol Hydrochloride has a safety concern score of 85 out of 100 (high concern). This score is calculated from the ratio of serious to non-serious adverse events, the diversity of reported reactions, and the overall volume of reports relative to usage. Over 17,000 reports of dependence and overdose highlight significant misuse concerns.

What are the key safety signals for Tramadol Hydrochloride?

Key safety signals identified in Tramadol Hydrochloride's adverse event data include: Over 7,000 reports of drug dependence and overdose indicate misuse and abuse potential.. More than 1,700 reports of serious reactions, including death and pneumonia, are concerning.. Liver injury and increased hepatic enzymes are reported, suggesting potential hepatotoxicity.. These signals are derived from patterns in FDA reports and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized assessment.

Does Tramadol Hydrochloride interact with other drugs?

Tramadol can interact with other drugs, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), leading to serious adverse effects. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking before starting Tramadol Hydrochloride.

What should patients know before taking Tramadol Hydrochloride?

Follow prescribed dosages strictly to avoid dependence and overdose. Report any unusual symptoms or side effects to your healthcare provider immediately.

Are Tramadol Hydrochloride side effects well-documented?

Tramadol Hydrochloride has 142,038 adverse event reports on file with the FDA. Vomiting, nausea, and pain are common, with over 5,000 reports each. The volume of reports for Tramadol Hydrochloride reflects both the drug's usage level and the vigilance of the reporting community.

What is the FDA's position on Tramadol Hydrochloride?

The FDA closely monitors Tramadol due to its high risk of misuse, dependence, and serious adverse events. Healthcare providers should be vigilant and consider alternative treatments when appropriate. For the most current regulatory information, check the FDA's drug labeling database or consult your pharmacist.

Related Drugs

Drugs related to TRAMADOL HYDROCHLORIDE based on therapeutic use, drug class, or shared indications:

OxycodoneHydrocodoneFentanylMorphineCodeine
Important Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI analysis of FDA adverse event reports and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Adverse event reports submitted to the FDA do not prove that a medication caused the reported side effect. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience a serious side effect, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately.