Tramadol is Generic Ultram ®
Uses
Tramadol is a Pain Relief medication.
How to Use
Take this medication by mouth as prescribed. It is usually taken
every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Use this medication exactly as prescribed.
Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently or use it for
a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be
habit-forming. Also, if used for an extended period of time, do
not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval.
When used for extended periods, this medication may not work as
well and may require different dosing. Consult your doctor if the
medication stops working well.
Side Effects
This medication may cause dizziness, weakness, incoordination, nausea
or vomiting, stomach upset, constipation, headache, drowsiness,
anxiety, irritability, dry mouth, or increased sweating. If any
of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your
doctor if you develop any of these serious effects while taking
this medication: chest pain, rapid heart rate, skin rash or itching,
mental confusion, disorientation, seizures, tingling of the hands
or feet, trouble breathing. In the unlikely event you have an allergic
reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms
of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness,
breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease,
liver disease, seizure disorder, lung disease, history of drug or
alcohol dependency, any allergies you may have. Limit alcohol as
it may add to the dizziness or drowsiness effects caused by the
medication. Because this drug may make you dizzy/drowsy, use caution
performing tasks requiring alertness such as driving. This medication
should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss
the risks and benefits with your doctor. Tramadol
is excreted into breast milk. Because the effects on a nursing infant
are not known, consult your doctor before breast- feeding.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications
you may use, especially of: carbamazepine, narcotic pain relievers
(e.g., codeine), drugs used to aid sleep, antidepressants (e.g.,
SSRI-types such as fluoxetine or fluvoxamine), MAO inhibitors (e.g.,
furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine),
psychiatric medicine (e.g., nefazodone), "triptan"-type drugs, anti-anxiety
drugs (e.g., diazepam), sibutramine. Also, report use of certain
antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) which are also present in
many cough-and-cold products. Do not start or stop any medicine
without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Overdose
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, deep sleep, loss
of consciousness, or seizures.
Miss Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it
if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed
dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose
to catch up.
Storage
Store this medication at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees
F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in
the bathroom. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of
children.
