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.
Tramadol Directions?
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.
Tramadol 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.
Tramadol Warnings?
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.
Tramadol Drug Interactions?
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.
Tramadol Missed 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.
Tramadol Storage?
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 About Tramadol?
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.
