Tramadol: Uses
Tramadol is as a pain relief medication.
Tramadol: How to Use
Take Tramadol medication by mouth as prescribed. Tramadol is usually taken
every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Use Tramadol 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, Tramadol medication may not work as
well and may require different dosing. Consult your doctor if Tramadol
medication stops working well.
Tramadol: Side Effects
Tramadol 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
Tramadol 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.
Tramadol: 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 Tramadol
medication. Because Tramadol may make you dizzy/drowsy, use caution
performing tasks requiring alertness such as driving. Tramadol 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.
Tramadol: 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.
Tramadol: Overdose
If Tramadol 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.
Tramadol: Notes
Do not share Tramadol medication with others.
Tramadol: Missed Dose
If you miss a Tramadol 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.
Tramadol: Storage
Store Tramadol 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 Tramadol and all medications out of the reach of
children.
