Tramadol

(Tramadol hydrochloride, Tramadol HCL, Ultram, Zydol, Tramal)

Tramadol Review

Tramadol is an effective pain reliever (analgesic). Its mode of action resembles that of narcotics, but it has significantly less potential for abuse and addiction than the narcotics. Tramadol is as effective as narcotics in relieving pain but does not depress respiration, a side effect of most narcotics. Tramadol is not a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID), and does not have the increased risk of stomach ulceration and internal bleeding that can occur with the use of NSAIDs.

Tramadol - How it work

Tramadol affects chemicals and receptors in the body that are associated with pain.

Tramadol - How to take

Take Tramadol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose of Tramadol with a full glass of water.

Tramadol can be taken with or without food.

Side effects from treatment with Tramadol may be decreased by a slow increase in dose, as directed by your doctor. The tablets can easily be broken in half at the score if needed. The maximum dose of Tramadol for an average healthy adult is 100 mg per dose, every 4 to 6 hours, up to 400 mg per day. People over 75 years of age should not take more than 300 mg per day. People with liver or kidney disease may need lower daily doses. Follow your doctor's directions.

Tramadol Precautions

Tell with your doctor if you:

• have a history of seizures or epilepsy;
• have a head injury;
• have a metabolic disorder;
• have a central nervous system infection;
• are experiencing alcohol or drug withdrawal;
• are taking a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), Doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), clomipramine (Anafranil), and others;
• are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);
• are taking a psychiatric medication such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), haloperidol (Haldol), loxapine (Loxitane), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), thioridazine (Mellaril), thiothixene (Navane), and others;
• are taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as Prozac (Fluoxetine, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), or citalopram (Celexa);
• are taking a narcotic pain reliever such as codeine, fentanyl (Duragesic), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), meperidine (Demerol), hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab, others), morphine (MS Contin, MSIR, RMS, Roxanol, others), oxycodone (Oxycontin, Roxicodone, Percocet, Percodan, others), propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet, others), and others;
• are taking promethazine (Phenergan) or prochlorperazine (Compazine);
• are taking sibutramine (Meridia);
• are taking bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban);
• are taking cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril).

Before taking Tramadol, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• a history of alcohol or drug dependence.

You may not be able to take Tramadol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Tramadol is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is also not known whether tramadol passes into breast milk. Do not take Tramadol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are over 75 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from tramadol. The maximum daily dose of Tramadol for people over 75 years of age is 300 mg.

Tramadol is not approved by the FDA for use by children younger than 16 years of age.

Tramadol - Missed Dose

Since Tramadol is taken on an as-needed basis, missing a dose is usually not a problem. Take the dose as soon as you remember, and do not take another dose for the amount of time prescribed by your doctor. Do not take a double dose of Tramadol.

Tramadol Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Tramadol overdose include difficulty breathing; shallow, weak breathing; and seizures.

Tramadol Side effects

Tramadol is generally well tolerated and side effects are usually transient. Commonly reported side effects include nausea, constipation, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, and vomiting. Less commonly reported side effects include itching, sweating, dry mouth, diarrhea, rash, visual disturbances, and vertigo.

Tramadol Storage

Store Tramadol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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