Tramadol is a type of synthetic opioid that is medically prescribed to help treat pain. As with other prescription opioids, there is a risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction. One way that people misuse this drug is to crush the tablets into a powder and snort it. While using tramadol in a manner can allow the person to experience its effect faster, it increases health risks, including accidental overdose.
Fortunately, it is possible to overcome tramadol addiction with comprehensive and personalized treatment.
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What Is Tramadol?
Tramadol is a schedule IV medication, which means it has a potential for misuse and addiction. While the drug is marketed as being less addictive than other prescription opioids, this can be misleading and result in misuse. According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, almost 1.4 million people aged 12 misused tramadol.
Tramadol is commonly prescribed to help treat moderate to severe pain, including chronic pain conditions. Some common brand names include ConZip, Ultram, Ultracet, and Ultram ER. Its effects are often comparable to codeine and opiate medication that is derived from the opium poppy plant.
Why Do People Snort Tramadol?
People snort tramadol because they want to experience its effect faster than taking it orally. It can take an hour or two before the effects of tramadol are experienced when taken orally. Yet, the effects are noticed in about 10 minutes when it is snorted. The drug is also more potent when it is snorted because it is not processed by the liver before being released into the body. As a result, people who snort tramadol experience a more intense “high.”
What Happens If I Snort Tramadol?
If you snort tramadol, you may notice its effects in about ten minutes, which can include:
- Calmness
- Alertness
- Happiness
- A state of euphoria
- Relaxation
However, there are physical risks of snorting this drug, such as:
- Damage to the throat, nasal membranes, and nasal passages
- Frequent bloody noses
- Constant runny nose
- Increased congestion
- Difficulties breathing
- Increased risk of lung and bronchial infections
How Does Tramadol Affect the Brain?
The drug binds to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals. It forces the release of dopamine, a “feel good” neurotransmitter, while inhibiting serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. When the drug is misused, these effects can cause a state of euphoria.
Continued use of tramadol alters the brain’s chemistry, causing it to develop tolerance for the drug. As tolerance builds, people need to take higher doses to achieve the desired effects. Eventually, people become dependent on the drug and need it to function, which will lead to addiction.
If someone attempts to reduce their usage or quit tramadol, they will experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. These occur because the brain attempts to function without the drug and needs to repair itself to restore proper neurotransmitter levels.
What Are the Dangers of Snorting Tramadol?
Regularly snorting tramadol has several long-term effects and consequences, as well as unpleasant and potentially dangerous side effects.
Tramadol Dependence
As tramadol use continues, the body and brain build tolerance to the substance, which diminishes its overall effects. Consequently, people have to snort higher amounts of tramadol to achieve the desired effects. As a result, dependence develops, which is where the person becomes physically reliant on the drug just to function. Without it, they experience adverse side effects and withdrawal symptoms.
Tramadol Addiction
Tramadol addiction develops from the chemical changes it has on the brain from continued use. Addiction is where the person is now using the drug regardless of any adverse effects it has on them or their family and friends. Addiction causes the person to act and behave irrationally and become irritable or angry when they do not have access to tramadol. It also causes them to:
- Engage in drug-seeking behaviors
- Doctor shopping to attempt to get multiple tramadol prescriptions
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Engage in risk-taking behaviors
- Focus on obtaining and using tramadol becomes the top priority
- Neglect work, school, and home responsibilities
- Have no interest in activities and hobbies once enjoyed
Tramadol Overdose
A dangerous side effect of tolerance to tramadol is overdose. As tolerance builds and dosages increase, so too does the risk of taking too much of the drug. Since the effects of snorting tramadol are more intense, it can interrupt respiratory and breathing functions when too much is taken. An overdose can also occur from mixing tramadol with other opioids, alcohol, or other substances.
Physical Risks of Snorting Tramadol
In addition to the previously mentioned physical risks to the body, snorting tramadol poses other dangers, including:
- Increased risk of injuries from falls
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure, which could cause a heart attack
- Difficulties concentrating, focusing, and making decisions
- Respiratory and breathing problems
- Lowered immune response, increasing risk of illnesses
Common Side Effects of Snorting Tramadol
Since snorting tramadol bypasses the liver and the gradual release of the drug into the body, there is an increased risk of experiencing these common side effects:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Excessive sweating
- Itchy skin
- Agitation and irritation
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Cognitive impairments
- Loss of consciousness
- Fatigue
- Sleepiness
- Hot and cold flashes
- Dizziness
- Slowed breathing
- Seizures
- Diarrhea
- Tremors
- Serotonin syndrome
Start Tramadol Addiction Treatment at Phoenix Rising Recovery
When you want help to stop snorting tramadol and overcome your dependence or addiction to this drug, help is available at Phoenix Rising Recovery Center. Our California treatment center offers comprehensive, evidence-based and holistic modalities tailored to your specific needs. We are a full-service treatment center and offer detox, residential, PHP, IOP, OP, and aftercare programs to help you break free from the grips of tramadol addiction. Contact us today to learn more about our programs or to start the admissions process to a healthier future.
Published: 4/30/2025
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