Active Ingredients: Tramadol
Typical Brand Names: Ultram
What Is It Used For?
Tramadol is used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. It also may be used to treat pain caused by surgery and chronic conditions such as cancer or joint pain. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How Is It Used?
Tramadol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken every 4-6 hours as needed. It may be taken with or without food. Tramadol works by decreasing the brain's perception and response to pain. It also reduces the size or magnitude of the pain signal passed from one nerve to another.
Are There Possible Side Effects?
Although side effects from Tramadol are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Dizziness - headache - drowsiness - blurred vision - upset stomach - vomiting - diarrhea.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:
Fast heartbeat, redness, swelling, and itching of the face, numbness or tingling of the hands and feet, difficulty breathing, changes in urination or seizures
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
cold and clammy skin, low body temperature, slowed breathing,
slowed heartbeat, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, seizures,
deep sleep, and loss of consciousness.
Is It Safe?
Before taking Tramadol, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you
are allergic to Tramadol, codeine, or any other drugs. Tell your
doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications
you are taking, especially other pain relievers; carbamazepine
(Tegretol); MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine
(Parnate)]; medications for depression; quinidine; sleeping pills;
tranquilizers; and vitamins. Tell your doctor if you have or have
ever had kidney or liver disease, a history of seizures, or a
history of alcohol or drug abuse.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Tramadol, call your doctor. If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Tramadol.
You should know that this drug might make you drowsy. Do not
drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug
affects you. Remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused
by this drug.
What About Interactions With Other Drugs?
Use of Tramadol is not recommended if you are also taking cyclobenzaprine
or medicine for depression or other emotional or mood disorders.
If you are taking any of these medicines, be sure your doctor
knows. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be
needed if you are taking bupropion, narcotic analgesics, or have
a history of seizures. Inform your doctor of any other medical
conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your
doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about
using Tramadol.
What If I Miss A Dose?
If you miss a dose of Tramadol, take it as soon as possible. If
it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and
go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at
once.
How Should It Be Stored?
Store Tramadol at room temperature, away from excess heat and
moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that
is outdated or no longer needed.
Anything Else I Should Know?
Take Tramadol exactly as directed. Tramadol can be habit-forming.
Do not take a larger dose; take it more often, or for a longer
period than your doctor tells you to.
NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist,
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
taking the product.
