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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Tramadol Cause Hallucinations And Seizures In Someone?

I was a 67 yo female taking Tramadol as prescribed, 3 x p/d. Day 3, I had a realist hallucination while at work. Went home after work and had a seizure. My current health care team is having a hard time believing my story. Never had a hallucination nor seizure in my life. Tramadol has prescribed for pain and I was not taking any other medication. Is this typical?
posted on Wed, 9 Jul 2025
Twitter Wed, 3 Sep 2025 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 30 Sep 2025 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Yes, Tramadol can cause both hallucinations and seizures, even in people with no history of either, especially in older adults. However, hallucinations and seizures aren’t the most common side effects of Tramadol, but research studies have documented adverse effects of Tramadol after case study, even at therapeutic doses. Since you are 67, your nervous system is more vulnerable to medication side effects.

Consult your treating doctor and inform him about how the prescribed medicine is affecting your quality life. It is better to start tapering tramadol immediately (under doctor’s guidance) and avoid it in the future. Alternative pain management options should be considered. Risk of such symptoms is higher if there are electrolyte imbalance, kidney issues, or undiagnosed neurological conditions.

Keep yourself well hydrated and take quality sleep of at least 8 hours. Do include omega 3 fatty acids in your regular diet. You can take natural source or supplements for healthy heart and brain and also nervous system. You can get a routine clinical examination and required tests done to rule out any developing pathology that may be causing you such symptoms.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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Can Tramadol Cause Hallucinations And Seizures In Someone?

Hello, Yes, Tramadol can cause both hallucinations and seizures, even in people with no history of either, especially in older adults. However, hallucinations and seizures aren’t the most common side effects of Tramadol, but research studies have documented adverse effects of Tramadol after case study, even at therapeutic doses. Since you are 67, your nervous system is more vulnerable to medication side effects. Consult your treating doctor and inform him about how the prescribed medicine is affecting your quality life. It is better to start tapering tramadol immediately (under doctor’s guidance) and avoid it in the future. Alternative pain management options should be considered. Risk of such symptoms is higher if there are electrolyte imbalance, kidney issues, or undiagnosed neurological conditions. Keep yourself well hydrated and take quality sleep of at least 8 hours. Do include omega 3 fatty acids in your regular diet. You can take natural source or supplements for healthy heart and brain and also nervous system. You can get a routine clinical examination and required tests done to rule out any developing pathology that may be causing you such symptoms. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician