Brand Names: Ultram, Ultram ER

Generic Name: tramadol (TRAM a dol)

What is tramadol?

Tramadol is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Tramadol extended-release is used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain when treatment is needed around the clock.

Tramadol is a narcotic-like pain reliever.

Tramadol is used for:

Tramadol is an analgesic. It works in certain areas of the brain and nervous system to decrease pain.

Treating moderate to moderately severe pain.

Do NOT use Tramadol if:

you are taking carbamazepine, nefazodone, sodium oxybate (GHB), a thioxanthene (eg, thiothixene), or another product that contains tramadol

you have severe liver or kidney problems

you are intoxicated with alcohol, other opioids or narcotics (eg, codeine, morphine), sedatives or sleeping medicines (eg, temazepam, zolpidem), or other medicines

you have had a severe allergic reaction (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue) to codeine or other opioids (eg, morphine)

you are allergic to any ingredient in Tramadol

How Taken

Tramadol comes as a tablet to take it orally. It usually is taken every 4-6 hours as needed. It may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. 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.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Tramadol, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease; liver disease; or 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.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects

Although side effects from Tramadol are not common, they can occur. The most frequently reported events were in the central nervous system (Migraine, Speech disorders) and gastrointestinal system (Gastrointestinal bleeding, Hepatitis, Stomatitis, Liver failure). Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: dizziness, headache, drowsiness, blurred vision, upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call 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, seizures.

Storage

Dispense in a tight container. Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15 - 30°C (59 - 86°F).

Overdose

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

More Information

Do not drink alcohol while taking Tramadol. Alcohol may cause a dangerous decrease in breathing and/ or liver problems when used during treatment with Tramadol. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Tramadol may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Avoid sleeping pills, tranquilizers, sedatives, and antihistamines except under the supervision of your doctor. These drugs may increase drowsiness caused by Tramadol.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about tramadol.