Alternatives to tramadol
6 same-class SPL records vs tramadol - uses, FAERS reaction fields, and OTC/Rx flags from public FDA sources.
Brand: Ultram, ConZip
How to read a high-report FAERS peer set
tramadol ranks in the upper FAERS-volume third of the corpus (#171 of 524); 6 same-class peers are listed for field comparison only. Labeled indication field for tramadol: Tramadol extended-release tablets are used to manage severe, long-lasting pain.
Top FAERS reaction fields for tramadol total 31,374 reports across 10 reactions, set beside codeine, fentanyl, hydromorphone. Counts are exposure-weighted submissions, not per-patient risk.
About tramadol
Tramadol extended-release is a strong pain medicine. It is used to treat severe, ongoing pain that needs an opioid medicine when other pain medicines don't work well enough.
Used for: Tramadol extended-release tablets are used to manage severe, long-lasting pain. This medicine is for pain that requires an opioid and cannot be treated well with other options. It is not for pain that comes and goes.
6 Opioid Analgesic peers (wide set)
codeine
RxCodeine Sulfate
This medicine is used to manage mild to moderate pain. It is for when an opioid medicine is appropriate. You should only use it if other pain treatments are not working well enough for you.
fentanyl
RxDuragesic, Actiq
Fentanyl Citrate Injection is used to manage pain during and after surgery. It can be used alone or with other medicines during general or regional anesthesia. It may also be used with oxygen for high-risk patients during certain surgeries.
hydromorphone
RxDilaudid
This medicine treats severe pain that requires an opioid pain medicine. It is for use when other treatments are not adequate. Do not use it for long periods unless your pain stays severe and other options are still not adequate. This medicine carries risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse.
meperidine
RxDemerol
Meperidine is used to manage acute pain that is severe enough to need an opioid pain medicine. It is for use when other treatments do not work well enough. Meperidine should not be used for chronic, long-lasting pain. Taking meperidine for a long time may increase the risk of seizures.
morphine
RxMS Contin, Kadian
Morphine is used to manage severe pain in adults and children who weigh at least 110 pounds. It is for pain that requires an opioid medicine. It is used when other pain treatments are not strong enough or cannot be tolerated.
oxycodone
RxOxyContin, Roxicodone
Oxycodone is used to manage severe pain. It is for pain that requires an opioid medicine. You should only use it when other pain treatments are not enough. Talk to your doctor about other options if possible.
tramadol vs codeine & fentanyl · FAERS reaction fields
FAERS top-reaction field "Pain" shows the widest count spread between tramadol and codeine, fentanyl, hydromorphone in this extract (19,254-report gap on that field). Counts are exposure-weighted submissions, not prevalence rates.
| Side Effect | tramadol | codeine | fentanyl | hydromorphone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dependence | 7,820 | - | - | - |
| Overdose | 3,855 | - | 5,720 | 22,994 |
| Vomiting | 3,155 | 365 | 3,688 | 3,373 |
| Pain | 2,876 | 279 | 7,250 | 22,130 |
| Nausea | 2,712 | 488 | 5,081 | 4,622 |
| Headache | 2,264 | 356 | - | 2,920 |
| Fatigue | 2,246 | 301 | 3,525 | 3,506 |
| Dyspnoea | 2,207 | 327 | 2,962 | 2,506 |
"-" means no reports for that reaction. Report counts reflect total FAERS submissions, not prevalence rates.
tramadol FAERS volume vs class peers
FAERS volume band
tramadol is FAERS corpus rank #171 of 524 (high volume tercile). Top-reaction field total: 31,374.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does tramadol sit in FAERS report volume vs Opioid Analgesic peers? ▼
Registry note: FAERS counts are voluntary reports and do not establish causation or risk rates. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not stop or change your medication without talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
Field note for tramadol: see also the generic vs brand label guide when reading Ultram SPL strings.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.