100 Migraine Drugs, A to Z: tramadol

Tramadol (Ultram) is a mild narcotic (opioid) pain killer. Just like other opioids it is not a good choice to treat an acute migraine attack. Besides its addiction potential, it does not work well for most migraine patients, can cause nausea, and can lead to rebound or medication overuse headaches.

Tramadol is also available in combination with acetaminophen (Ultracet). This combination was tested in a study published in Headache, Tramadol/Acetaminophen for the Treatment of Acute Migraine Pain: Findings of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. 305 patients took tramadol/APAP (75 mg/650 mg) or placebo for a typical migraine with moderate or severe pain.

Subjects in the tramadol/APAP group were more likely than those in the placebo group to be pain-free at 2 hours (22% vs. 9%), 6 hours (43% vs. 25%), and 24 hours (53% vs. 38%)
Side effects caused by the active drug included nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and somnolence.

Tramadol alone or in combination with acetaminophen is worth trying only if the first-line classes of drugs are ineffective or contraindicated. These include NSAIDs, triptans, and gepants.

3 comments
  1. m sina yilmaz says: 03/05/202411:32 am

    i have been taking that vaccine for 2 years. Initially i was happy. But then resistance developed.UK price is now 230 pounds

  2. Dr. Mauskop says: 10/13/202010:50 pm

    There are three similar drugs that are injected monthly for the prevention of migraines – AImovig, Ajovy, and Emgality. Your daughter may want to try another drug since each manufacturer gives out free shots for up to a year. After a year, she can try the third drug. There is a good chance they will all work. She can also ask her neurologist for some free samples.

  3. James says: 10/13/20205:39 pm

    My daughter took a new migraine prevention shot once a month I think, it helped reduce total migraines by about half, she used during an initial program cut cost for new users. Her husband insurance will Not cover it, I think it’s over $6000 per year out of pocket. How do migraine bearers deal with this issue manufactures ask $500/1000 a month for meds?
    Does this blog offer a pathway to progress? My daughter had endured these age 20-50+.
    Jim

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