What Is Tramadol?

Commonly Prescribed Alternatives

For patients who cannot take tramadol, doctors may prescribe other opioids. Commonly prescribed alternatives to tramadol include hydrocodone, hydrocodone-acetaminophen, meperidine, and codeine. Tramadol is a relatively weak opioid, and doctors may need to prescribe something stronger for patients in moderate to severe pain. Medicines such as morphine, oxycodone, and oxymorphone may be considered. For patients in very severe pain, hydromorphone or fentanyl could be prescribed. All of these drugs are controlled substances that may cause dependence. Patients are often very sedated on these medicines, and they could experience confusion. Due to the side effects of opioids, some doctors often recommend that patients try other methods of pain relief before starting opioids.

Learn about dosages and tramadol next.