Tramadol Information
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 Uses:
Tramadol is used to relieve moderate to moderately severe
pain. It also may be used to treat pain caused by surgery and chronic
conditions such as cancer or joint pain.
How to Use Tramadol:
Tramadol comes as a tablet to take it orally. It usually is taken every
4-6 hours as needed. It may be taken with or without food. 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 for a longer period than your doctor tells
you to.
Tramadol Side Effects:
Although side effects from Tramadol are not common, they can occur. The
most frequently reported events were in the central nervous system
(Migraine, Speech disorders) and gastrointestinal system
(Gastrointestinal bleeding, Hepatitis, Stomatitis, Liver failure). Tell
your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
dizziness, headache, drowsiness, blurred vision, upset stomach,
vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience any of the following symptoms,
call your doctor immediately: fast heartbeat, redness, swelling, and
itching of the face, numbness or tingling of the hands and feet,
difficulty breathing, changes in urination, seizures.
Tramadol Precautions:
Before you
order Tramadol, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease;
liver disease; or a history of alcohol or drug dependence. You may not
be able to take Tramadol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or
special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions
listed above. Tramadol is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means
that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do
not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant. It is also not known whether Tramadol passes into breast milk.
Do not take Tramadol without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. If you are over 75 years of age, you may be more
likely to experience side effects from Tramadol. The maximum daily dose
of Tramadol for people over 75 years of age is 300 mg. Tramadol is not
approved by the FDA for use by children younger than 16 years of age.
Tramadol Drug Interactions:
Before you
purchase Tramadol, 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:
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Tramadol overdose
include difficulty breathing; shallow, weak breathing; and seizures.
Tramadol Notes:
Do not drink alcohol while taking Tramadol. Alcohol may cause a
dangerous decrease in breathing and/ or liver problems when used during
treatment with Tramadol. Use caution when driving, operating machinery,
or performing other hazardous activities. Tramadol may cause dizziness
or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these
activities. Avoid sleeping pills, tranquilizers, sedatives, and
antihistamines except under the supervision of your doctor. These drugs
may increase drowsiness caused by Tramadol.
Missed Dose of Tramadol:
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.
Tramadol Storage:
Dispense in a tight container. Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions
permitted to 15 - 30°C (59 - 86°F).
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