Uses
(Ultram) Tramadol is used for pain relief.
Directions
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 efects
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.
Missed Dosage
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.