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Compare Tramadol vs. Fentanyl

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Tramadol (generic name: tramadol) and Fentanyl (generic name: fentanyl) are both opioid medications used to manage pain, but they have some key differences. Tramadol is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms and is considered a weaker opioid with a potentially lower risk of misuse and dependency. It can be taken orally and is often used when non-opioid pain medications are not effective. Fentanyl, on the other hand, is a much stronger opioid and is available as a transdermal patch, as well as oral and injectable forms. It is used for severe, long-term pain and is only prescribed to those who are already opioid-tolerant. Fentanyl patches provide continuous pain relief over 72 hours, but they come with a higher risk of addiction, misuse, and life-threatening side effects like slowed breathing. Both medications are controlled substances and require careful monitoring, but fentanyl is under stricter regulations due to its potency and risk profile. Neither medication is recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential harm to the baby.

  • Tramadol
    Fentanyl patch
  • Tramadol
    Fentanyl patch

  • Summary of Tramadol vs. Fentanyl

    Summary for Opioid
    Prescription only

    Tramadol is an opioid pain medication used when non-opioid medications aren't working well enough to control pain. Compared to other opioids, tramadol might have a lower risk of misuse and dependency. But tramadol is a controlled substance and has a lot of potentially serious risks, so it must be used with caution.

    Summary for Opioid
    Prescription only

    The fentanyl transdermal patch, previously known by the brand name Duragesic, is an opioid. It's a patch that's applied on the skin every 3 days to manage severe, long-term or chronic pain. The fentanyl patch is only approved for people who are "opioid tolerant" whose pain isn't controlled well enough with other treatment options. Fentanyl is a very powerful opioid, so the medication can be especially dangerous for those who aren't opioid tolerant because of their high risk for extremely slowed breathing and overdose. Some side effects include nausea, vomiting, and sleepiness.

  • Indications of Tramadol vs. Fentanyl

    Indications for
    •Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone
    Indications for
    •Severe, chronic pain in people who are opioid tolerant

  • Pros and Cons of Tramadol vs. Fentanyl

    Pros and Const for Opioid
    Pros
    •Extended-release tablets and ConZip capsules are taken once per day and last throughout the day.
    •Immediate-release tablets are available as a lower-cost generic.
    •Possible lower risk of misuse and dependency compared to other opioids
    Cons
    •A controlled medication, so there are special requirements to get a prescription filled
    •Must slowly lower the dose to stop the medication after long-term use to avoid withdrawal symptoms
    •Can't use in some children due to higher risk of potentially severe and life-threatening side effects
    •Not recommended while breastfeeding
    Pros and Const for Opioid
    Pros
    •A possible option for severe, chronic pain if you've already tried other treatments and they don't work well enough for you
    •A possible choice if you have trouble swallowing pills
    •Replaced on the skin every 3 days
    Cons
    •Only approved for people who are already taking opioids around-the-clock (opioid tolerant)
    •High risk for dangerously slow breathing, misuse, and addiction
    •Not intended to use as needed, for short-term pain, or for mild pain

  • Common Side Effects of Tramadol vs. Fentanyl

    Common Side Effects for
    •Constipation (up to 46%)
    •Nausea (up to 40%)
    •Dizziness (up to 33%)
    •Headache (up to 32%)
    •Sleepiness (up to 25%)
    •Vomiting (up to 17%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (41%)
    •Vomiting (26%)
    •Sleepiness (19%)
    •Dizziness (10%)
    •Trouble sleeping (10%)
    •Constipation (9%)
    •A lot of sweating (6%)
    •Tiredness (6%)
    •Feeling cold (6%)

  • Warnings of Tramadol vs. Fentanyl

    Common Side Effects for
    •Potential for addiction and misuse
    •Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Overdose
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •Drug interactions
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Seizures
    •Low blood pressure
    •Low adrenal hormone levels
    •Physical dependence and withdrawal
    •Low blood sodium levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Potential for misuse and addiction
    •Life-threatening slowed breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Risk for opioid overdose
    •Life-threatening risks with accidental exposure
    •Life-threatening risks with patch exposure to high temperatures (e.g., heat, high fever)
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Physical dependence and withdrawal
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •Drug interactions
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Low blood pressure and slow heart rate
    •Low adrenal hormone levels
    •Seizures

  • Prices with our coupons for Tramadol vs. Fentanyl

    Learn more about Tramadol
    Learn more about Fentanyl patch

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