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.
|
