What it means
A pain reliever that acts on opioid receptors and also raises serotonin and norepinephrine in the nervous system. Like other opioids, it can cause drowsiness, constipation, nausea, dependence and slowed breathing. It also lowers the seizure threshold and can cause serotonin syndrome when taken with antidepressants. It is a controlled substance.
For the nurse
Ask about seizure history and antidepressant use before giving. Check pain, sedation and breathing, and teach the client to avoid alcohol and other sedating drugs. It is not used in children under 12. Opioids by all routes are on the ISMP high-alert list.
At a glance
| Drug class | opioid analgesic |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Ultram, ConZip |
| Spanish | tramadol |
| Also written | Ultram, ConZip |
Easy to confuse with
lithium
A mood-stabilizing drug used mainly to treat and prevent the mood episodes of bipolar disorder.
ketorolac
A strong NSAID pain drug, given by injection, by mouth or as a nasal spray, for short-term moderate to severe pain.
trazodone
An antidepressant drug, often given in low doses at bedtime to help with sleep.
Related terms
opioid analgesic
A strong drug that relieves moderate to severe pain by acting on the brain and spinal cord.
analgesic
A drug that relieves pain.
seizure
A sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that changes movement, feeling, behavior or awareness.
sertraline
An SSRI antidepressant used for depression, anxiety disorders, OCD and PTSD.