Information About 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.
TRAMADOL - ORAL (TRAH-muh-dall)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ultram
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.
|
