TRAMADOL DRUG INFO
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.
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