Sleepiness On Tramadol.

[chanel5]

Just started on Tramadol a couple of days ago (low dose, only 50 mg twice a day), but quite literally cannot stay awake.
Wherever I am, if I sit down at all, the chin goes down and suddenly I wake up with stiff muscles and realise I've been asleep for half an hour or so.
For anyone else taking this drug, is this a common side effect, and does it lessen as your body adjusts to the drug?

[jno]

seems so

https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/tramadol-make-you-sleepy-3554117/

[jno]

ask your GP if it's causing you concern, you might be better on a lower dosage.

[chanel5]

Thanks jno, I'm not worried as such, just wanted to hear of experiences of other people who take it.
I suspect the sleepiness will improve as I get used to taking it, but wondered what other people's experience is.

[anneasquith]

I take prolonged release twice a day . Works for me, good for chronic conditions .

[Sqad]

Almost any drug will have an adverse effect on any person at some time, but you have to give time for your body to adapt.
Personally if you still feel drowsy over this weekend, then you will have to decide if life with the adverse effects is better than life without the tablets and that will be your choice.
If the drowsiness still persists after a week and there is an alternative drug, then I would contact your GP.

[DarceyK123]

I take it and yes it does lessen when your body gets used to it, well mine did anyway.

[Peter Pedant]

have to decide if life with the adverse effects is better than life

is a choice many people with chronic conditions have to make

yes it is sedative ( but does kill pain)
You know that nurse that did time in an Egyptian prison? ( Qena, I speak qenawi ( that's er what they speak there) really well.) She was doing Tramadol and veeno. and said it was for luvva-boy thereby pleading guilty to supplying. 3 y I think

so yes it is clearly a 'downer'