Tramadol is commonly used to treat severe pain in body. So now we know when pain knocks on your door you can pop off a tramadol but how long does it stay in your system after finishing its job?
This article will mainly focus on evaluating how long tramadol stays in the body.
What is tramadol?
Tramadol or tramadol hydrochloride belongs to the class of opioid analgesics and can be consumed as a capsule, liquid, or tablet that is swallowed. Tramadol blocks pain signals to your brain and releases your serotonin and norepinephrine levels.
It then goes on to block pain signals sent to the brain by binding opioid receptors that are present in your body. Since it's a synthetic opioid used to relieve pain by altering your brain chemistry one needs to be very careful while regular consuming it, which is why it’s a controlled substance usually given on a prescription-only basis.
How does tramadol work in the body?
People experience less pain in just 30 to 60 minutes after taking a standard tramadol tablet or capsule. After entering the body your gastrointestinal tract will absorb it from there it will travel to your liver and convert into O-desmethyl-tramadol, an active more potent than tramadol. This active opioid has pain-relieving effects. Then your kidneys will work to excrete the drug out of your system. This is the working system tramadol follows inside the body.
The Duration of Tramadol in The Body
An immediate-release tablet of tramadol will act quickly right after you ingest it, this immediate conversion of tramadol to O-desmethyl-tramadol helps to relieve pain as soon as possible. Patients often report comfort in just about half an hour of taking the medicine, this is also the reason as to why it's one of the most selling pain killers globally. However, there are extended-release versions of tramadol that relieve pain at a slower rate, extended-release tablets or capsules of tramadol are given to patients for a prolonged effect, they’re designed for chronic pain management among patients who have to deal with pain on a daily basis.
A drug's half-life shows the duration it takes for a person's system to eliminate half of the serum concentration of the ingested substance. For an immediate-release tablet of tramadol, its half-life is about 5-6 hours but O-desmethyl-tramadol has a comparatively longer half-life of about 8 hours.
On the other hand, extended-release tablets have approximately 8-9 hours of half-life. But this doesn’t indicate how long the drug stays in the body because the traces of a drug remain in the system for a continually longer period of time. The timing of a drug being completely excreted from the system also depends from one person to another, every individual has a different set of organ system that reacts differently to a drug. This is also true for tramadol, an individual’s physical and mental health, the frequency of tablets taken by them, their metabolism, age, and their overall lifestyle can significantly affect the duration for which tramadol will stay in their body.
But generally, it’s been seen that tramadol will clear from an individual system within 1-2 days, tiny traces can still remain and will be excreted as time goes by depending upon the factors we discussed.
Drug Tests and Detection Time
As we discussed above, most drugs will be eliminated from the body after four or five half-lives. For tramadol, this time ranges between 20 to 40 hours or almost two days on maximum, but after that point, you will no longer feel the effects of the medicine. You should know that drugs remain in your body fluids for different lengths of time. We're talking about body fluids like saliva, blood, and urine.
In some cases, even the hair and breath of an individual can contain traces of the drug they took. Even after most of the drug has been excreted from your system, some traces can be found in these parts. For example, tramadol can be detected in the urine sample of a person anywhere from 1 to 4 days after they took their last dose.
Side effects of Tramadol
Tramadol belongs to the family of opium and as we know opium can be highly addictive if not taken in a moderate amount. Taking tramadol in the wrong way can increase dependence, affect tolerance levels, or even lead to withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, nausea, and muscle aches. Which is why it's crucial to keep an eye on the frequency and quantity of dose.
Conclusion
At last we can say tramadol is a hero that will save you from pain and discomfort, but you should be very careful with it. Keep a healthy lifestyle and stay hydrated at all times if you want to clear tramadol from your system faster.
Keep in mind that if you see any changes in your body that are alarming go consult a doctor. Always seek professional advice before playing with medications.
As we discussed, the duration of tramadol in your body can vary depending upon individual factors, if you are concerned about its effects or your safety always seek help from a healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does tramadol stay in your system?
The amount of time tramadol stays in your system depends on factors such as metabolism, frequency of use, and individual health. It may stay in your system for 3 to 5 days, but blood tests and urine tests can detect it for a longer period, depending on detection windows.
How long does tramadol stay in a urine drug test?
Tramadol is detectable in urine tests for up to 3 to 5 days after the last dose. Factors that influence how long it stays include frequency of use, individual metabolic rate, and the sensitivity of the test.
Does tramadol show up as an opiate in drug screenings?
Although tramadol affects the opioid receptors in the brain, it doesn’t typically show up as a classic opiate in drug screenings. However, specialized tests designed to detect tramadol may identify it, especially in high doses.
Is 50mg of tramadol strong?
A 50mg dose of tramadol is considered a moderate strength for pain relief. For those not accustomed to opioids, it may cause significant side effects like drowsiness or dizziness. Common side effects of tramadol include nausea, dizziness, and constipation.
What drugs cannot be taken with tramadol?
Tramadol may interact with drugs that affect the central nervous system, including certain antidepressants, blood thinners, and benzodiazepines. Always consult a healthcare provider to avoid dangerous interactions and potential overdose.
What else can I take instead of tramadol?
If tramadol isn’t suitable, alternative pain medications like acetaminophen, NSAIDs, or opioid alternatives may be used. Always consult a doctor for proper guidance on choosing a safe and effective replacement for tramadol.
Can tramadol cause a false positive on a urine test?
Yes, tramadol can cause a false positive on a urine test for opioids, especially if the test isn’t designed to specifically detect tramadol. It is important to inform the testing facility about your prescription.
Is tramadol available in the USA?
Tramadol is available in the USA both at offline pharmacies and online platforms. It can be ordered online from trusted pharmacies like-TramPharma, we offer doorstep delivery across the USA. You can find tramadol 100mg at best prices but consulting with your health care professional is advisable.
