Which medications should be avoided if Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) causes risk of injury?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) is a condition involving repetitive body movements during sleep that can sometimes pose a risk of injury. If you or your child experiences RMD with injury risk, it's important to avoid medications like tramadol, which can further increase the likelihood of falls or fractures.

Because RMD symptoms can overlap with other sleep and neurological conditions, understanding what's really going on is the first step toward safer, more effective care. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you identify possible causes, rule out red flags, and guide your next steps—so you can make informed decisions before your next doctor's visit.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if medications raise your injury risk Discover likely causes of medication-related injuries See whether your meds affect healing Find OTC options for pain relief Find specialist doctors for injury care Understand safe home remedies for recovery Find out if injuries need care today

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Explanation

When dealing with Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) that increases the risk of injury, certain medications should be avoided. One such medication is tramadol, which has been associated with a higher risk of hip fractures, especially in older adults. This is important because RMD involves repetitive movements during sleep that could lead to falls or injuries.

Considerations:

Tramadol: According to Reference 3, tramadol may increase the risk of hip fractures, which is particularly concerning for individuals with RMD who are already at risk of injury due to their sleep movements.

General Advice:

It is crucial to review all medications with a healthcare provider, especially if there is a risk of injury from RMD. This helps ensure that the benefits of any medication outweigh the risks, particularly for those that may cause drowsiness or impair balance.

If you're experiencing unusual sleep patterns or repetitive movements that concern you, take our free AI-powered symptom checker to better understand your symptoms and get personalized guidance.

(References)

Lee J, Singh N, Gray SL, & Makris UE. (2022). Optimizing Medication Use in Older Adults With Rheumatic .... ACR Open Rheumatology, 9746667.
Standards of Practice Committee, Aurora RN, Zak RS, Maganti RK, Auerbach SH, Casey KR, et al. (2010). Best Practice Guide for the Treatment of REM Sleep Behavior .... Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine : JCSM : Official Publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2823283.
Wu TY, Wu WT, Lee RP, Chen IH, Yu TC, Wang JH, & Yeh KT. (2023). Tramadol May Increase Risk of Hip Fracture in Older Adults .... Journal of Personalized Medicine, 10141182.

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