Does Tramadol cause weight loss?
By
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira is a Pharmacist and Doctor of Philosophy in Sciences from the University of São Paulo (USP). She has experience in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Milena’s Highlights:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration in the areas of Pharmacometrics and Population Pharmacokinetics, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
“Science can be translated, and it is essential that everyone has access to quality information to make informed decisions” – Dr Milena Oliveira, PhD.
Professional Experience:
With a decade-long career as a researcher, Dr Milena has amassed extensive experience in conducting research projects in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics.
Her expertise also extends to the preparation of technical and scientific reports, literature reviews, data analysis, and scientific communication, both oral and written.
Dr Milena has served as a Clinical Pharmacist, providing expert supervision and guidance to teams during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the ICUs of two reference hospitals for patient hospitalization.
In her most recent role, Dr Milena worked on the implementation of the deliberatives of the São Paulo State Government Pharmaceutical Assistance Coordination. These decisions were aimed at ensuring medication access within the Unified Health System.
A widely multidisciplinary background enabled Dr Milena to become a professional capable of integrating scientific knowledge into private initiatives, education, and healthcare, delivering consistent services in patient safety and population health.
Professional Memberships & Affiliations:
Dr Milena Oliveira is a member of the Regional Council of Pharmacy of the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Education:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
Relevant Published Work & Citations:
Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, Nardotto GHB, Pippa LF, Simões BP, Lanchote VL. Analysis of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in plasma and urine with application in the evaluation of total, renal and metabolic formation clearances in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. Nov 2020. 191:113-124.
Abstracts. CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology. 2020 Nov; 9 (S1).
Pippa LF, Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, de Andrade JM, Lanchote VL. Total, renal and hepatic clearances of doxorubicin and formation clearance of doxorubicinol in patients with breast cancer: Estimation of doxorubicin hepatic extraction ratio. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 2020 Jun 5; 185:113-231.
Godoy ALPC, De Jesus C, De Oliveira ML, Rocha A, Pereira MPM, Larangeira DF, Lanchote VL, Barrouin-Melo SM. Determination of Allopurinol and Oxypurinol in Dogs Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with an Ultraviolet Detector: Application for Pharmacokinetic Studies. J Chromatogr Sep Tech. 2017; 8 (4).
Clímaco EC, Oliveira ML de, Pitondo-Silva A, Oliveira MG, Medeiros M, Lincopan N, et al. Clonal complexes 104, 109 and 113 playing a major role in the dissemination of OXA-carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Southeast Brazil. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2013 Oct;19:127–33.
Conference Papers:
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B.; PIPPA, L. F.; ROCHA, A.; SIMOES, B. P.; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Daunorubicin metabolism and urinary excretion in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 84th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT) and the 20th Annual Meeting of the Association of the Clinical Pharmacology Germany (VKliPha), 2018, Göttingen. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Arch Pharmacol, 2018. v. 391. p. S76-S76.
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . The low contribution of urinary excretion in the elimination of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 49th Brazilian Congress of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics., 2017, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2017. p. 64-64.
Oliveira, M. L.; PIPPA, L. F. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Quantification of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in human plasma by LC-MS/MS. In: I International Meeting of Environmental Health and Toxicology (IMEHTOX), 2016, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2016.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. . PFGE typing of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from different University Hospitals. In: V International Postgraduate and Research Symposium, 2012.
Clímaco, E.C. ; SILVA, A. P. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. Relação clonal entre linhagens de Acinetobacter baumannii produtoras de carbapenemases da família OXA em quatro hospitais no Brasil. In: XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012, Santos. XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Dissemintion of OXA carbapenemases genes in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in University Hospital of Juiz de Fora, MG. In: 8th CIFARP – International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2011, Ribeirão Preto.
Clímaco, E.C. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Avaliação do sequenciamento parcial do gene rpoB e de seus flanqueadores para identificação de espécies de Acinetobacter na rotina laroratorial. In: 2° International Symposium on Clinical Microbiology, 2010, Florianópolis.
You can view some of Dr Milena’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dra-milena-locci-de-oliveira-28986042/?locale=en_US
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Milena-Oliveira-6
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/5394254/milena-locci-de-oliveira
Lattes: https://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/busca.do
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57199779361
Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=list_works&hl=pt-BR&user=1YUBDIQAAAAJ
Does Tramadol cause weight loss?
Tramadol may or may not cause weight loss as a side effect. It is reported as one of the rare side effects and it does not affect a lot of people (1). However, some people may eat less on Tramadol which makes them lose weight with time.
If you’re on Tramadol and you’re losing a significant amount of weight, you should reach out to your healthcare provider. Only your doctor can determine if it’s safe for you to continue using Tramadol or not.
Too much weight loss can make your recovery slow and it can make you generally feel sick. Make sure you eat all the right foods to provide your body with all the right nutrients.
What side effects are common with Tramadol?
Tramadol, although it does not commonly cause weight-related changes, is associated with some side effects – ranging from mild and common to rare and serious. (1,2)
Common side effects include: (1)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
Rare side effects may include: (1)
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
- Seizures (particularly at higher doses or in individuals with a history of seizures)
- Serotonin syndrome (characterized by agitation, rapid heartbeat, fever, and muscle stiffness)
- Respiratory depression (slowed breathing)
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Hallucinations or confusion
- Changes in mood or behaviour
- Difficulty urinating
It is important to note that individual experiences may vary. If you experience any concerning or persistent side effects while taking Tramadol, it is important to consult your healthcare provider.
What factors can contribute to weight loss while taking Tramadol?
While weight loss is not a common side effect of Tramadol, there are a few factors that could potentially contribute to weight loss while taking the medication:
- Decreased appetite: Tramadol can sometimes reduce appetite, leading to a decrease in food intake and subsequent weight loss.
- Nausea and vomiting: In some cases, Tramadol can cause nausea and vomiting, which may lead to a decrease in food consumption and result in weight loss.
- Increased physical activity: Tramadol is a pain medication that can provide pain relief, allowing individuals to engage in more physical activities. Increased physical activity can contribute to weight loss when combined with a healthy diet.
It’s important to note that weight loss can also be caused by various other factors unrelated to Tramadol. If you are experiencing significant weight loss or have concerns, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider.
What to do if you are losing weight while taking Tramadol?
If you are experiencing weight loss while taking Tramadol, it is important to address the situation and take appropriate steps. Here are some actions you can consider:
Consult your healthcare provider
Reach out to your doctor and inform them about the weight loss you’re experiencing. They can evaluate your overall health, review your medications, and determine if Tramadol might be the cause or if there are other underlying factors contributing to the weight loss.
Monitor your appetite and food intake
Keep track of your eating habits and make sure you’re consuming an adequate amount of calories and nutrients. If Tramadol is affecting your appetite, try eating smaller, more frequent meals that are nutrient-dense. Consult a registered dietitian for personalized dietary recommendations.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, as dehydration can further affect your appetite and overall well-being. Opt for water, herbal teas, and other hydrating beverages.
Address nausea or digestive issues
If Tramadol is causing nausea or digestive problems, discuss potential remedies with your healthcare provider. They may suggest medication adjustments, adding an anti-nausea medication, or other interventions to alleviate these symptoms.
Maintain a balanced lifestyle
Focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle overall. Incorporate regular exercise and physical activity, as appropriate for your health condition, to support your well-being. Consult with a healthcare professional or physical therapist to determine suitable exercises for you.
Remember, each individual’s situation is unique, and it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider for proper advice.
Final words
To sum up, Tramadol does not typically cause weight loss. The medication does not necessarily affect your body’s ability to absorb nutrients. However, it’s important to note that Tramadol, being a weak Opioid, can be misused because of how it makes people feel. (2)
Tramadol addiction can affect your psychological well-being and can lead to weight changes. Make sure you properly take Tramadol and avoid overusing or misusing the medication.
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References
1.-
Dhesi M, Maldonado KA, Maani CV. Tramadol. 2023 Apr 16. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30725745. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537060
2.-
Grond S, Sablotzki A. Clinical pharmacology of tramadol. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2004;43(13):879-923. doi: 10.2165/00003088-200443130-00004. PMID: 15509185. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15509185/
3.-
Miotto K, Cho AK, Khalil MA, Blanco K, Sasaki JD, Rawson R. Trends in Tramadol: Pharmacology, Metabolism, and Misuse. Anesth Analg. 2017 Jan;124(1):44-51. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000001683. PMID: 27861439. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27861439/
