Pain Channel
Topics & Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Side Effects of Tramadol/Acetaminophen
Dry mouth, drowsiness, insomnia, and diarrhea are some of the most common side effects of tramadol/acetaminophen. Most side effects of the medication are mild and either do not require medical attention or can be treated easily. However, there are certain tramadol/acetaminophen side effects that should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately, including loss of balance, severe constipation, or loss of consciousness.
from eMedTV.comAs with any medicine, tramadol/acetaminophen (Ultracet®) can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. Most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with tramadol/acetaminophen. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of tramadol/acetaminophen side effects with you.)
Some side effects with tramadol/acetaminophen, while occurring infrequently, are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include, but are not limited to:
- Seizures
- Signs of liver damage (due to the acetaminophen component of tramadol/acetaminophen), such as:
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Upper-right abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Dark urine
- Signs of serotonin syndrome, such as:
- Confusion or other mental changes
- A rapid heart rate
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hallucinations
- Blood pressure changes
- Overactive reflexes
- Fever
- Shivering
- Shakiness
- Agitation
- Sweating
- Seizures
- Coma
- Very severe constipation
- Depression
- Hallucinations or paranoia
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Severe drowsiness or loss of consciousness
- The urge to take more tramadol/acetaminophen than prescribed or for a non-medical purpose
- Loss of balance or falling
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
- An unexplained rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling of the mouth or throat
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD