TRAMADOL®
Tramadol® (generic for Ultram®) is a prescription
medication used for the management of moderate
to moderately severe pain. Tramadol® has been
prescribed to more than 55 million patients worldwide;
Ultram® has been prescribed to more than 21 million
patients in the U.S.
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Tramadol®
Important Note
The following 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 use of the
drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Uses
Tramadol is used for pain relief.
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.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Missed 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.
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