How long does it take for tramadol pain reliever to take effect?

Tramadol is a centrally acting analgesic that is not classified as an opioid; however, the exact onset time may vary depending on individual differences, route of administration, and dosage.

1. Intramuscular injection: The onset of action is relatively fast, with analgesic effects usually felt within approximately 30 minutes, peak effect reached at about 1.5 hours, and a duration of 3-4 hours.

2. Oral tablets: Immediate-release formulations generally begin to work within 1-2 hours, while extended-release formulations may take slightly longer but provide a more prolonged effect, typically lasting 6-8 hours. Extended-release tablets may begin relieving pain within 10-20 minutes after administration, achieving maximum analgesic effect in 2-3 hours.

Although tramadol can effectively relieve pain, it also carries a certain potential for addiction and side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and constipation. Patients should follow medical instructions carefully, pay attention to precautions and contraindications associated with the medication, and avoid adverse reactions. Additionally, a light diet is recommended during treatment, avoiding spicy and irritating foods such as chili peppers and mustard.