Tramadol: helpful modern medicine. Tramadol: uses Tramadol is used to relieve ongoing, moderate pain in people who need all-day pain relief ( " around the clock " dosing ) . It's similar to narcotic pain medications. It works on certain nerves in the brain that control how we experience pain. Tramadol: how to use Take Tramadol by mouth, either always with food or always without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. If nausea occurs, consult your doctor or pharmacist about ways to decrease it ( e. g. , antihistamines, lying down for 1 to 2 hours with as little head movement as possible ) .
Swallow Tramadol whole. Do not crush, chew, or split tablet. Doing so would release Tramadol into your bloodstream all at once, possibly causing serious ( sometimes fatal ) side effects.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce risk of side effects, your doctor may tell we to gradually increase your dose when starting long-acting Tramadol. The maximum recommended dose is 300 milligrams a day.
If we have severe kidney disease ( e. g. , on dialysis ) or severe liver disease ( e. g. , cirrhosis ) , regular-release Tramadol is recommended instead of the long-acting form.
Pain medications work best if they're used as first signs of pain occur. If you wait until pain has worsened, medication may not work as well.
Follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions for the safe use of non-narcotic pain relievers ( e. g. , acetaminophen, ibuprofen ) . Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details regarding your treatment.
Tramadol may cause dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for an extended time or if it has been used in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal reactions ( e. g. , anxiety, sweating, sleeplessness, shaking, diarrhea, rapid breathing ) may occur while use Tramadol if we suddenly stop Tramadol. Also, if we are taking regular doses of narcotic medications for ongoing pain ( e. g. , cancer pain ) , starting Tramadol may cause a withdrawal reaction. To prevent withdrawal reactions when stopping extended, regular treatment with Tramadol, gradually reduce dosage as directed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.
Rarely, abnormal drug-seeking behavior ( addiction ) is possible with Tramadol. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop medication when so directed.
When used for an extended period, Tramadol may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if Tramadol stops working well.
Tell your doctor if your pain does not decrease or if it worsens. Tramadol: side effects Nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, or weakness may occur while use Tramadol. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To prevent constipation, maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. If you're taking Tramadol regularly, it may be useful to start using a laxative right away instead of waiting until we become constipated. Consult your pharmacist for details regarding correct use of laxatives ( e. g. , stimulant-type with stool softener ) .
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Tramadol because he or she has judged that benefit to we is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Tramadol don't have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:
A very serious allergic reaction to Tramadol ( which may occur while use Tramadol as early as the first dose ) is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if we notice any of following symptoms:
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If we notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Tramadol: precautions Before taking long-acting Tramadol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if we are allergic to it; or to other narcotics ( e. g. , codeine ) ; or if we have any other allergies.
Tramadol shouldn't be used if we have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if we have:
Before using Tramadol, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
Tramadol may make we dizzy or drowsy. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness. Avoid alcoholic beverages because they may increase risk of Tramadol's side effects.
To reduce dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that we are using Tramadol.
Caution is advised when using Tramadol in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially slow/shallow breathing and drowsiness.
During pregnancy, Tramadol should be used only when clearly needed. It is not recommended for use for long periods or in high doses late in pregnancy because of possible serious harm to your baby. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using Tramadol for an extended time may have seizures or withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, abnormal/persistent crying, or diarrhea. Tell your doctor immediately if we notice any of these symptoms in your newborn.
Tramadol passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Tramadol: interactions Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring we for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Tramadol should not be used with following medications because very serious ( possibly fatal ) interactions may occur while use Tramadol:
Avoid taking MAO inhibitors within 2 weeks before, during, and after treatment with Tramadol.
If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Tramadol.
Before using Tramadol, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products we may use, especially of:
Also report use of drugs that might increase seizure risk when combined with Tramadol such as isoniazid ( INH ) , phenothiazines ( e. g. , thioridazine, chlorpromazine, promethazine ) , theophylline, or tricyclic antidepressants ( e. g. , amitriptyline ) , among others. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if we also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as certain antihistamines ( e. g. , diphenhydramine ) , anti-anxiety drugs ( e. g. , diazepam ) , anti-seizure drugs ( e. g. , phenytoin ) , medicine for sleep ( e. g. , zolpidem ) , muscle relaxants ( e. g. , cyclobenzaprine ) .
Check labels on all your medicines ( e. g. , cough-and-cold products ) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
This document doesn't contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Tramadol, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products we use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Tramadol: overdose If overdose of Tramadol is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: slow/shallow breathing, very slow/irregular heartbeat, loss of consciousness, heart attack. Tramadol: notes Do not share Tramadol with others. It's against the law.
Tramadol has been prescribed for your current condition only. Don't use it later for another condition unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case. Tramadol: missed dose If we miss a dose Tramadol, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of next dose, skip missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Don't double dose of Tramadol to catch up. Tramadol: storage Store Tramadol at room temperature at 77 degrees F ( 25 degrees C ) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F ( 15-30 degrees C ) is permitted. Do not store Tramadol in bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard Tramadol when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
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