Can Pain Medication Cause Dehydration?

Posted on Mon, 12 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 Answered on

Mon, 9 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Can taking pain medication such as tramadol 100 mg. for a broken bone in the foot cause dehydration? My daughter is in a cast and uses crutches when walking at this time. When up she feels somewhat dizzy and out of breath. She has been using tramadol fr 3 weeks. She has stopped taking tramadol today. This just started today and is regarding my daughter who is 21+.

Answered by Dr. Vaddadi Suresh (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
? Postural hypotension or sudden tramadol withdrawal

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,

Dizziness while standing can be due to postural hypotension, seen in some people who are on rest for some time. A sudden drop in the blood pressure while standing due to venous blood pooling in the legs is the cause. Increasing salt intake will help this case.

The other side, it could be due to sudden withdrawal of tramadol, an opiod. If you see no difference in the blood pressure between standing and lying down, it is most likely tramadol withdrawal.

Tramadol can cause dry tongue but that's not dehydration.
I also suggest you give plenty of water or fluids.

I would recommend to gradually withdrawing it by making the dosages half every 3 days.
Hope this helps your daughter.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju