Can You Snort Tramadol? Signs, Side Effects, & Treatment

Can you snort Tramadol? The nasal passages may become irritated, inflamed, and damaged from repeated drug inhalation. Snorting Tramadol increases its already serious risks. Adherence to dosing instructions and medical professional consultation are critical for medication safety and efficacy.


Tramadol is an opioid pain medication only available with a doctor’s prescription. Snorting is a dangerous habit that can have serious health effects. Tramadol is usually taken by mouth as prescribed by a doctor. However, some people may try to abuse the drug by snorting it to get a faster and more potent effect. But this way of giving the drug carries many risks and can lead to health problems and addiction. Understanding the warning signs, side effects, and treatment options for Tramadol abuse is essential to raise awareness and help people get the help they need.

Can You Snort Tramadol?

Even though snorting Tramadol is technically possible, it is not a safe or recommended practice. Although snorting Tramadol can increase how quickly you feel its effects, it also increases the risk of adverse effects. When prescribed by a doctor, tramadol is to be taken orally. When inhaled through the nose, the drug can cause irritation, inflammation, and even damage the nasal passages if done repeatedly. The dangers of Tramadol are exacerbated when it is snorted. Safe and effective medication use requires following dosing instructions and consulting a healthcare provider when necessary.

Do People Snort Tramadol?

Some people try to speed up the high they get from Tramadol by snorting it. To be clear, snorting Tramadol is neither a safe nor recommended method of administration. The drug should be taken orally as a medical professional prescribes for optimal absorption and negligible adverse effects. Nasal irritation, nasal passage damage, and an increased risk of overdose and addiction are some problems that can arise from snorting Tramadol. Never alter the dosage of medication without first consulting your doctor.

What Happens if You Snort Tramadol?

When Tramadol is snorted, it is quickly absorbed through the mucous membranes of the nose, skipping the normal digestive process. This can make the effects come on faster and more robust. But snorting Tramadol can also make the chance of side effects and health problems worse. When you sniff Tramadol, you may feel sudden and intense euphoria, more relaxation, less pain, and sleepiness. But snorting Tramadol can irritate the nose, cause swelling, and damage the nasal passages.

When the drug is used this way, the risk of an overdose and becoming dependent on it increases. It’s important to know that snorting Tramadol is not safe or recommended. Instead, people should always take the drug how it’s supposed to be taken, with the help of a medical professional.

Tramadol Factsheet

Tramadol Overview

Tramadol withdrawal is a set of physical and psychological symptoms that can occur when someone stops using or reduces their tramadol after prolonged or high-dosage use. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and last several days to weeks. Common tramadol withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, muscle aches, and insomnia.


Tramadol Treatment

Tramadol withdrawal treatment typically involves a gradual tapering off of the drug, which can help minimize withdrawal symptoms and allow the body to adjust to lower doses over time. Medical professionals may also recommend medications to help manage specific symptoms, such as insomnia or anxiety. Additionally, behavioral therapies and counseling may help address the psychological aspects of tramadol addiction and withdrawal.

Withdrawal Symptoms Of Tramadol (Withdrawal Symptoms From Tramadol)

  • Anxiety.
  • Restlessness.
  • Insomnia.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Sweating.
  • Muscle aches.
  • Tremors.
  • Rapid heartbeat.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Depression.
  • Mood swings.
  • Intense drug cravings.

These symptoms can vary in severity and duration depending on the individual and the level of dependence on the drug.

Ryan Zofay forming a circle and hugging friends.

Get Your Life Back

Find Hope & Recovery. Get Safe Comfortable Detox, Addiction Rehab & Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Care.

Hotline (855) 695-1160

Tramadol Abuse Statistics

Tramadol is an opioid pain medication that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. However, tramadol abuse has become a growing problem in many parts of the world due to its potential for addiction and abuse. According to recent statistics, tramadol abuse has increased in many countries, mainly where it is easily accessible and not tightly regulated. Tramadol abuse statistics can provide important insights into the scope and impact of this issue on individuals and communities.


Tramadol is among the most commonly abused prescription drugs in many parts of the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tramadol abuse has been reported in more than 120 countries, with the highest rates of abuse occurring in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

In the United States, tramadol-related emergency department visits have increased significantly recently. According to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), emergency department visits related to tramadol abuse increased from 6,255 in 2005 to 21,649 in 2011.

Source: SAMHSA

A study found that among veterans who received care in the Veterans Health Administration (VA) system, the prevalence of non-medical tramadol use increased from 1.2% in 2000 to 4.7% in 2012, with higher rates among those with a history of substance abuse or mental health disorders.

Source: Journal of Addiction Medicine


Get Help. Get Better. Get Your Life Back.

Searching for an Accredited Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers in Near You?

Even if you have failed previously and relapsed, or are in the middle of a difficult crisis, we stand ready to support you. Our trusted behavioral health specialists will not give up on you. When you feel ready or just want someone to speak to about therapy alternatives to change your life call us. Even if we cannot assist you, we will lead you to wherever you can get support. There is no obligation. Call our hotline today.

FREE Addiction Hotline – Call 24/7

Signs of Snorting Tramadol

There are a few signs that someone may be snorting Tramadol:

  • Frequent sniffing or rubbing of the nose: Snorting Tramadol can make the nasal passages more sensitive, leading to more sniffing or rubbing of the nose.
  • Nasal congestion or nosebleeds: Snorting Tramadol can cause nasal congestion and irritation, leading to nosebleeds.
  • Powdery residue around the nostrils: Most people who snort Tramadol crush it into a powder. Look for traces of a powdery substance near the person’s nose.
  • Changes in behavior or mood: If you snort Tramadol, you may feel euphoric and sleepy. If someone’s behavior suddenly changes in a big way, like getting too sleepy or having big mood swings, it could be a sign that they are abusing Tramadol.
  • Empty pill bottles or missing pills: If the person gets Tramadol through a prescription, empty pills or missing pills can mean they are snorting the drug to get a faster and more potent effect.

First-class Facilities & Amenities

World-class High-Quality Addiction & Mental Health Rehabilitation Treatment

Rehab Centers Tour

Renowned California Addiction Center. Serene Private Facilities. Inpatient rehab programs vary.

Addiction Helpline (855) 695-1160

Proven recovery success experience, backed by a Team w/ History of:

15+

Years of Unified Experience

100s

5-Star Reviews Across Our Centers

10K

Recovery Success Stories Across Our Network

  • Low Patient to Therapist Ratio
  • Onsite Medical Detox Center
  • Comprehensive Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
  • Complimentary Family & Alumni Programs
  • Coaching, Recovery & Personal Development Events

Side-Effects of Snorting Tramadol

Tramadol can have several side effects if it is snorted, including:

  • Damage to the nasal passages: Snorting Tramadol can cause irritation, inflammation, and damage to the nasal passages, leading to frequent nosebleeds, nasal congestion, and a chronic runny nose.
  • Respiratory problems: If you snort Tramadol, it can affect your respiratory system, making it hard to breathe, making you short of breath, and making you more likely to get a respiratory infection.
  • The overdose risk increases because snorting Tramadol gets around the body’s natural defenses and directly puts a higher drug concentration into the bloodstream. This makes the risk of overdose go up.
  • Dependence and addiction: Misusing Tramadol, like snorting it, can lead to addiction and dependence. Regular use can lead to tolerance, which means that higher doses are needed to get the same effects, which makes the risk of becoming dependent even higher.
  • Effects on the central nervous system: Snorting Tramadol can worsen the drug’s sedative and pain-relieving effects. This can cause sleepiness, confusion, dizziness, poor coordination, and trouble thinking.
  • Gastrointestinal issues: Snorting Tramadol can irritate the digestive system, causing nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and constipation.
  • Increased risk of harmful effects: If you snort Tramadol, you are likelier to have harmful effects like seizures, hallucinations, serotonin syndrome, and slow breathing.

World-class, Accredited, 5-Star Reviewed, Effective Addiction & Mental Health Programs. Complete Behavioral Health Inpatient Rehab, Detox plus Co-occuring Disorders Therapy.

CALL (855) 695-1160

End the Addiction Pain. End the Emotional Rollercoaster. Get Your Life Back. Start Drug, Alcohol & Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Treatment Now. Get Free No-obligation Guidance by Substance Abuse Specialists Who Understand Addiction & Mental Health Recovery & Know How to Help.

Treatment Options for Tramadol Abuse

At We Level Up, we have many ways to help people who are addicted to Tramadol beat their addiction and take back control of their lives. Our treatment plans are made to fit the needs of each individual, and they may include:

  • Medical detox means taking care of withdrawal symptoms safely and comfortably under medical supervision to ensure a smooth transition to sobriety.
  • Inpatient rehabilitation: Giving people a structured, supportive environment where they can get intensive therapy, counseling, and other treatments that have been shown to work to treat the root causes of their addiction.
  • Outpatient rehabilitation gives people who would rather stay at home and get therapy and support through individual and group counseling sessions a range of treatment options.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a proven method that helps people who abuse Tramadol recognize and change their negative thought patterns and behaviors.
  • Holistic therapies use complementary therapies like art therapy, mindfulness practices, and yoga to improve overall health and help people improve.
  • Relapse prevention strategies involve giving people the skills and coping mechanisms to avoid relapse and stay sober for a long time.
  • Support for aftercare includes giving people access to support groups, outpatient counseling, and other community-based resources to help them get back to their everyday lives.

Our team of experienced professionals is committed to helping people through recovery and giving them the tools they need to stay sober. If you or someone you care about is abusing Tramadol, contact We Level Up to learn about treatment options and get started on a healthier, drug-free life.

Experience Transformative Recovery at the We Level Up California Treatment Center.

See our authentic success stories. Get inspired. Get the help you deserve.

We Level Up Treatment Centers for Drug Alcohol Rehab Detox Behavioral Mental Health Dual Diagnosis Therapy We Level Up Treatment Centers for Drug Alcohol Rehab Detox Behavioral Mental Health Dual Diagnosis Therapy We Level Up Treatment Centers for Drug Alcohol Rehab Detox Behavioral Mental Health Dual Diagnosis Therapy
Hotline (855) 695-1160
Voluntarily testimonials from the We Level Up Treatment Center network vary. Not intended as a guaranteed treatment or outcome as each person's journey is unique.

Start a New Life

Begin with a free call to an addiction & behavioral health treatment advisor. Learn more about our dual-diagnosis programs. The We Level Up treatment center network delivers recovery programs that vary by each treatment facility. Call to learn more.

  • Personalized Care
  • Caring Accountable Staff
  • World-class Amenities
  • Licensed & Accredited
  • Renowned w/ 100s 5-Star Reviews

We’ll Call You


Watch How He Turned Around His Life From Drug Addiction

“Hi, my name is Sean; I have been clean since September 26, 2014. I remember and reflect on loneliness, despair, and constant anxiety-ridden behavior. I was left to my own devices and looking to the left and right.

And not having anybody to call or talk to. I know it’s cliche; I know a lot of people say it. I would have sold myself extremely short of my life today. If I had tied myself to the material items, I wouldn’t have realized the life I wanted. And I’m forever grateful for the guidance I received.”

Search Drug & Alcohol Rehab / Detox & Mental Health. Can You Snort Tramadol? Signs, Side Effects, & TreatmentTopics & Resources

Sources

[1] National Institute of Mental Health – ‘Depression’ (www.nimh.nih.gov) Learn More: Can you Snort Tramadol? / Snorting Tramadol

[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (www.fda.gov/) Learn More: Can you Snort Tramadol? / Snorting Tramadol

[3] Depression Treatment » Drug Alcohol Addiction Rehab Learn More: Can you Snort Tramadol? / Snorting Tramadol

[4]  Bandelow B, Michaelis S, Wedekind D. Treatment of anxiety disorders. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2017 Jun;19(2):93-107. doi: 10.31887/DCNS.2017.19.2/bbandelow. PMID: 28867934; PMCID: PMC5573566. Learn More: Can you Snort Tramadol? / Snorting Tramadol

[5] NIMH – https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness Learn More: Can you Snort Tramadol? / Snorting Tramadol

[6] Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors – National Center for Biotechnology InformationU.S. National Library of Medicine Learn More: Can you Snort Tramadol? / Snorting Tramadol

[7] ‘Anxiety Disorders’ – National Institute Of Mental Health (Nimh.nih.gov) Learn More: Can you Snort Tramadol? / Snorting Tramadol

[8] Psychopharmacology of anxiety disorders – National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine Learn More: Can you Snort Tramadol? / Snorting Tramadol

[9]  Products – Data Briefs – Number 379 – September 2020 (cdc.gov) Depression – National Institute of Mental Health

[10] Coping with Stress – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention