TRAMADOL DRUG INFO

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 assumed that the use of this drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this or any other medications.

TRAMADOL - ORAL (TRAH-muh-dall)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ultram

USES: Tramadol is used for pain relief.

HOW TO USE: Take Tramadol by mouth as prescribed. It is typically 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 Tramadol without your doctor's approval. In long-term use, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Your doctor should be notified if this medication is no longer effective for your symptoms.

SIDE EFFECTS: Tramadol may cause dizziness, weakness, incoordination, nausea or vomiting, stomach upset, constipation, headache, drowsiness, anxiety, increased sweating, or irritability. 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, an epidermal rash, 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 to Tramadol include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, let you physician know right away.

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 Tramadol may make you dizzy/drowsy, use caution performing tasks requiring alertness such as driving. Tramadol should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Tramadol can appear in the breast milk of nursing mothers. Because the effects on a baby are unknown, 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.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRAMADOL:
 
You should not take tramadol if you have ever been / or are addicted to drugs and alcohol.
 
While you are taking tramadol, do not consume alcohol or use drugs that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, other pain medications, muscle relaxants, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). These drugs may slow your breathing or increase drowsiness when used together with tramadol.
 
Take tramadol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor.
 
Tramadol can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
 
Do not stop using this medication abruptly without talking to your doctor. You may need to gradually reduce the dose. Withdrawal symptoms may occur when you stop using tramadol. Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, tremors, chills, hallucinations, trouble sleeping, or breathing problems. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these withdrawal symptoms after you stop using tramadol.
 
Do not crush the tramadol tablet. This drug is designed to be consumed by mouth only. You should not crush tablets or diluted with liquid and inject into the body. Using this medicine by inhlation or injection can cause life-threatening side effects, overdose, or death.
 
Seizures (convulsions) have occurred in some people taking tramadol. You may be more likely to have a seizure while taking tramadol if you have a seizure history or some form of head injury, a metabolic disorder, or if you are taking certain medicines such as antidepressants, muscle relaxers, or medicine for nausea and vomiting.

OVERDOSE: If Tramadol overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room right away. Symptoms of overdose may include cold and clammy skin, a significantly lowered 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 a dose of Tramadol is missed, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip that dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Avoid double-dosing 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 Tramadol and all medications out of the reach of children.