How Can You Ease Constipation From Tramadol and Other Opioid Pain Medications?

If you’re taking tramadol and notice that it’s becoming harder to have a bowel movement, you’re not alone. Constipation is a common side effect of tramadol and other opioid pain medications. And sometimes it can be difficult to manage. 

We’re here with some helpful tips on how to manage opioid-related constipation, so you can get your bowels moving again. 

How does tramadol cause constipation?

Tramadol works to lower your sense of pain by binding to special opioid receptors in your brain. But these receptors are also in your digestive system. And when opioids like tramadol bind to the receptors in your bowel, you may experience constipation. 

Here’s what happens when tramadol binds to opioid receptors in your bowel: 

• Slows down how quickly food and waste move through your digestive tract

• Lowers the amount of secretions (fluids) that go into your intestines

• Increases how much fluid is absorbed out of your intestines 

• Makes your anal sphincter muscles tighten 

All of this can lead to dry, hard stool that’s more difficult to pass. 

How long does constipation from tramadol last?

The symptoms of constipation will last as long as you continue to take the tramadol or until you start treatment. Constipation from tramadol won’t typically resolve on its own. 

Your body may get used to the medication the more you take it, but constipation is one side effect that doesn’t get better with time. Even after you stop the medication, it may take some time to resolve. 

Does tramadol cause less constipation than oxycodone or hydrocodone?

Tramadol may cause less constipation than other opioid medications, like oxycodone or hydrocodone. This might be because it weakly attaches to the opioid receptors in your bowel. Tramadol is generally considered a milder opioid than oxycodone or hydrocodone.

Which opioid medication is the least constipating?

All opioids have the potential to cause constipation. But some opioids may cause less constipation than others. In some small studies, tapentadol (Nucynta) and transdermal opioids (like fentanyl patches) were shown to cause less constipation than other opioids. 

Other studies also show that fentanyl patches may not cause constipation at the same rates as other opioid medications. This may have something to do with the way the medication is given. There are ongoing studies to look at whether how you receive an opioid affects your risk of constipation. Receiving opioid pain medication through the skin may make constipation less likely. 

How can you relieve constipation from tramadol?

There are several different treatments for constipation from opioids like tramadol. Your healthcare team will develop a treatment plan for you based on your symptoms and medical history. 

Here are some common treatments for opioid-related constipation.

Frequently asked questions

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

Edited by:

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN, is a California-based registered nurse and staff medical editor at GoodRx, where he focuses on clinical updates and Latino health.

Reviewed by:

Farzon A. Nahvi, MD

Farzon Nahvi, MD, is an emergency medicine physician and author of “Code Gray: Death, Life, and Uncertainty in the ER.” He works at Concord Hospital in Concord, New Hampshire, and teaches at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts