Tramadol
What is tramadol?
Tramadol is a medication meant to relieve moderate to severe chronic pain. The drug can be used for other purposes as well.
What is the most important information I should know about tramadol?
Avoid taking tramadol if you have a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
In case you have ever had head injury, a metabolic disorder, or seizures you shouldn't use tramadol, otherwise it may provoke seizures. Do not use tramadol if you are currently under muscle relaxers, antidepressants or any drug for nausea and vomiting.
Keep in mind that tramadol may be habit-forming, so you shouldn't give your drug to other people. Keep it in a secure place where nobody can get it.
Remember that in some cases tramadol may provoke side effects impairing your reactions and thinking. Be careful if you need to take the drug and drive or operate heavy machinery. It is recommended that you do not stop taking tramadol suddenly, if you experience some withdrawal symptoms like sweating, anxiety, nausea, chills, tremors, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, breathing problems or hallucinations.
Tramadol is for oral use only. Do not crush the tablet, inhale the powder from a crushed pill, dilute it in liquid or inject into the body, otherwise it may result in life-threatening side effects.
Do not mix tramadol with alcohol, drugs for depression or anxiety, narcotic pain drugs, medications for mental illness (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder), sedatives or tranquilizers (e.g. Valium) and street drugs.
Remember that the risk of seizure is higher in case you have one of the conditions listed below:
- a history of head injury;
- a history of epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
- you are using antidepressants, muscle relaxer, or drug for nausea and vomiting;
- a history of drug or alcohol addiction;
- a metabolic disorder.
Consult with your doctor before starting treatment with tramadol in case you are allergic to medications, have a history of depression, suicide attempt or mental disorder, or suffer from stomach disorder, liver disease or kidney disease.
Adjust your dose if you have one of these conditions.
FDA pregnancy category C. Tramadol can have a negative impact on an unborn baby. The drug may result in serious or even fatal side effects in a newly-born child if the mother takes tramadol during her pregnancy or labor. If you are pregnant or planning to become one, consult with your health care provider beforehand.
Avoid using tramadol if you are breastfeeding a baby.
Tramadol isn't recommended for use in children who are under 18 years old.
How should I take tramadol?
Take tramadol with or without food, at the same time each day. Do not use more than 300mg of the drug per day. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush it.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the dose you missed as soon as you remember. In case it is almost time to take your next dose, you would better skip the missed one and after this return to your dosage schedule. Do not take an additional dose to catch up.
What happens if I overdose?
Tramadol overdosage may be fatal. If overdosage is suspected, seek emergency medical assistance.
The most widespread symptoms of overdosage include lightheadedness, extreme weakness, coma, fainting, drowsiness, slow heartbeat, cold or clammy skin or shallow breathing.
Drug Uses
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. 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. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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.
Disclaimer
This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.
