Tramadol 100 mg (Citra)

Product Overview

Tramadol 100 mg is an opioid prescription pain medicine used for certain types of severe pain when alternative treatments are inadequate. Tramadol affects pain processing through both opioid activity and effects on neurotransmitter pathways.

The name “Citra 100mg” requires particular caution. The U.S. FDA has specifically identified products marketed under that name as unapproved opioid products and states that there is no approved U.S. drug application for “Citra 100mg.” Therefore, the identity, quality, strength, and manufacturing status of a product sold under that name should be verified carefully.

For general information about approved tramadol medicines, consult MedlinePlus – Tramadol.

What Is Tramadol Used For?

Approved immediate-release tramadol products may be prescribed for severe acute pain when an opioid is considered appropriate and alternative treatments are inadequate.

Extended-release tramadol products are intended for specific patients who require around-the-clock opioid treatment for severe and persistent pain.

The formulation matters because immediate-release and extended-release tramadol products have different dosing schedules and safety considerations.

How Does Tramadol Work?

Tramadol has two important pharmacological actions.

It acts as an opioid agonist at mu-opioid receptors, reducing the perception of pain.

It also affects the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, which contributes to its pain-modulating effects.

Because tramadol affects several neurological systems, it can interact with medications that affect serotonin and can increase the risk of seizures in susceptible individuals.

Tramadol 100 mg Dosage

The appropriate tramadol dose depends on the formulation, the patient's medical condition, previous opioid exposure, age, kidney and liver function, other medications, and individual response.

A 100 mg strength does not mean that 100 mg is appropriate for every patient.

Patients should take only the formulation and dose prescribed by their healthcare professional. Taking more tramadol than prescribed can cause serious adverse effects, including respiratory depression, seizures, serotonin syndrome, and overdose.

Immediate-release and extended-release tramadol should not be treated as interchangeable.

Immediate-Release vs. Extended-Release

Immediate-release tramadol is generally used for acute pain and is taken according to the prescribed schedule.

Extended-release tramadol is designed for specific patients with severe, persistent pain requiring around-the-clock treatment.

Extended-release formulations must be swallowed according to their product instructions. Some must not be crushed, chewed, split, or dissolved because doing so can release too much medication at once and increase overdose risk.

Common Side Effects

Possible side effects of tramadol include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Dizziness

• Drowsiness

• Constipation

• Headache

• Dry mouth

• Sweating

• Fatigue

• Reduced alertness

Patients should avoid driving or operating machinery until they know how tramadol affects them.

Serious Respiratory Depression

Tramadol can cause life-threatening respiratory depression, particularly when excessive amounts are taken or when it is combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other central nervous system depressants.

Warning signs can include:

• Very slow or shallow breathing

• Difficulty waking

• Extreme sleepiness

• Confusion

• Blue or gray lips or fingertips

• Loss of consciousness

Suspected opioid overdose requires immediate emergency medical attention. Naloxone can reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression and may be lifesaving when administered promptly.

Tramadol and Benzodiazepines

Combining tramadol with benzodiazepines such as alprazolam, lorazepam, clonazepam, or diazepam can increase the risk of profound sedation and respiratory depression.

This combination should only be used when specifically prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional.

Tramadol and Alcohol

Alcohol can significantly increase the sedative and respiratory-depressant effects of tramadol.

Combining the two may increase the risk of:

• Severe drowsiness

• Impaired coordination

• Respiratory depression

• Loss of consciousness

• Coma

• Death

Alcohol should generally be avoided while taking tramadol.

Seizure Risk

Tramadol can increase the risk of seizures, including at recommended doses in some individuals.

Risk may be increased in people with a history of seizures or when tramadol is combined with certain medications.

Patients should tell their healthcare professional about any history of seizures before using tramadol.

Serotonin Syndrome

Because tramadol affects serotonin pathways, combining it with other serotonergic medicines can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Potential warning signs include:

• Agitation

• Confusion

• Sweating

• Fever

• Rapid heartbeat

• Tremor

• Muscle rigidity

• Loss of coordination

• Diarrhea

Severe symptoms require urgent medical attention.

Dependence and Withdrawal

Regular tramadol use can result in physical dependence.

Dependence means the body adapts to the medication. It is different from addiction, although tramadol also has misuse and addiction potential.

Stopping regular tramadol treatment suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as:

• Anxiety

• Nervousness

• Restlessness

• Sweating

• Insomnia

• Muscle aches

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Tremors

• Chills

Patients who have been taking tramadol regularly should discuss discontinuation with their healthcare professional rather than stopping abruptly.

Important Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, supplements, and other substances you use.

Important interactions may involve:

• Benzodiazepines

• Alcohol

• Other opioids

• Antidepressants

• Sedating antihistamines

• Sleep medications

• Other central nervous system depressants

• Medicines affecting serotonin

• Certain medications that lower the seizure threshold

Using several medications that cause sedation or affect serotonin can substantially increase the risk of serious adverse effects.

Who Should Use Extra Caution?

Tell your healthcare professional if you have:

• A history of seizures

• Breathing problems

• Sleep apnea

• Liver disease

• Kidney disease

• A history of substance-use problems

• Head injury

• Other neurological conditions

• Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant

• Breastfeeding

Your healthcare professional can determine whether tramadol is appropriate and whether additional monitoring is necessary.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Tramadol can cause dizziness, drowsiness, slowed reaction time, and impaired judgment.

Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

These effects can become substantially stronger when tramadol is combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines, sleep medicines, or other sedating substances.

Safe Storage

Keep tramadol in a secure location according to the prescription label and pharmacy instructions.

Keep it away from children and anyone for whom it was not prescribed.

Never share tramadol with another person.

Unused medication should be disposed of through an appropriate medication take-back or disposal program.

Important Note About “Citra 100 mg”

Consumers should be particularly careful with products labeled “Citra 100mg,” “Citra 100 mg,” or similar names.

In a March 2026 warning letter, the FDA identified “Citra 100mg” among products marketed as unapproved opioids and stated that there were no approved U.S. drug applications in effect for those products. FDA-approved tramadol products are prescription medicines.

Therefore, a product's label or advertised name alone should not be treated as proof that it is an FDA-approved pharmaceutical product.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tramadol 100 mg?

Tramadol 100 mg refers to a strength of the prescription opioid tramadol. Different formulations have different dosing instructions and should not be considered interchangeable.

Is Citra 100 mg FDA approved?

The FDA's March 2026 warning letter states that no approved U.S. drug application was in effect for a product marketed as “Citra 100mg.”

Is tramadol an opioid?

Yes. Tramadol is an opioid analgesic.

Can tramadol cause dependence?

Yes. Regular use can cause physical dependence, and tramadol also carries risks of misuse and addiction.

Can tramadol cause seizures?

Yes. Tramadol can increase seizure risk, particularly in susceptible individuals or when combined with certain other medications.

Can tramadol be taken with alcohol?

Alcohol can increase tramadol-related sedation and respiratory depression. Combining them should generally be avoided.

Can tramadol be taken with benzodiazepines?

Combining tramadol with benzodiazepines can increase the risk of severe sedation and respiratory depression. Such combinations require medical supervision.

Can tramadol be stopped suddenly?

People taking tramadol regularly should consult their healthcare professional before stopping. Abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms.