Tramadol

Tramadol is used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. It may be used to treat pain caused by surgery and chronic conditions such as cancer or joint pain. Tramadol is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It works by decreasing the body's sense of pain. Tramadol is used in the management of moderate to moderately severe pain.

How Is It Used?
This medication comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It may be taken with or without food. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of tramadol and gradually increase your dose not more often than every 3 days. Tramadol may be taken every 4-6 hours as needed. If you take too much tramadol, you may experience serious side effects.Ask your doctor about the maximum number of tablets that you may take for each dose or for a 24-hour period.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 take it for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor. Call your doctor if you find that you want to take extra medication or notice any other unusual changes in your behavior or mood.

Are There Possible Side Effects?
This medication 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.

Is It Safe?
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tramadol or other narcotic pain medications such as meperidine (Demerol), morphine, codeine (or medications that contain codeine such as Tylenol with Codeine), hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin), hydromorphone (e.g., Dilaudid), oxycodone (e.g., Percocet), propoxyphene (e.g., Darvon, Darvon N) or any other medications. Tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.

What About Interactions With Other Drugs?
This medication can impair thinking and the physical abilities required for driving or operating machinery. It should be avoided in patients intoxicated with alcohol, hypnotics, and narcotics. Large doses of this medication administered with alcohol or anesthetic agents can impair breathing. This medicine can increase the risk of seizure in epileptic patients, especially with simultaneous use of tricyclic antidepressants, such as Elavil.

In case of emergency/overdose
Seek immediate medical help in case of overdose. Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, vomiting, decreased size of the pupil (the black circle in the center of the eye); difficulty in breathing; extreme drowsiness, unconciousness, seizure and heart attack.

What If I Miss A Dose?
You should 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.

How Should It Be Stored?
Dispense in a tight container and store at 25 degrees C (77degrees F).

Anything Else I Should Know?
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

NOTE: The above 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 the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.