What is Tramadol

Tramadol Facts

Tramadol is a generic Ultram and it is a popular pain reliever that acts directly on various sections of the brain and spinal cord - the CNS. Primarily, Tramadol blocks the pain signal from reaching one nerve to another, thereby decreasing the amount of pain. Therefore it prevents pain signals from reaching the brain. So you don't feel the pain.

How to use Tramadol?

Tramadol should be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor. The maximum dose of Tramadol for an average healthy adult is 100 mg per dose, every 4 to 6 hours, up to 400 mg per day. People over 75 years of age should not take more than 300 mg per day. Even if Tramadol does not help in controlling pain you should not take more than what is prescribed as it may result in seizures or decreased breathing.

What are the possible side effects of Tramadol?

Taking Tramadol may cause side effects like allergic reaction (difficulty in breathing, swelling of your lips, tongue, or face, closing of the throat, or hives) or seizures. Seizures are a rare side effect causes by Tramadol and the risk of seizures increase if the patient is taking any of the medications or has any of the conditions listed below -

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate).
• Psychiatric medication such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), haloperidol (Haldol), loxapine (Loxitane), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), thioridazine (Mellaril), thiothixene (Navane), and others.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), or citalopram (Celexa).
• Narcotic pain reliever such as codeine, fentanyl (Duragesic), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), meperidine (Demerol), hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab, others), morphine (MS Contin, MSIR, RMS, Roxanol, others), oxycodone (Roxicodone, Percocet, Percodan, others), propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet, others), and others.
• Tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), clomipramine (Anafranil), and others.
• Promethazine (Phenergan) or prochlorperazine (Compazine).
• Sibutramine (Meridia).
• Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban).
• Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril).

Do not take Tramadol if you -

• Are experiencing alcohol or drug withdrawal.
• Have a history of seizures or epilepsy.
• Have a head injury.
• Have a metabolic disorder.
• Have a central nervous system (CNS) infection.

The other side effects that are more likely to occur include dizziness, drowsiness, or headaches, itching, dry mouth, or sweating, nervousness, tremor, or anxiety nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. These are not very serious and you may continue taking Tramadol even if you experience these problems. But it is important to consult your doctor regularly.

Tramadol Precautions:

You should inform you doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a history of alcohol or drug dependence before you start taking Tramadol. There is a possibility that you may not be allowed to take Tramadol, or you may need an adjustment in the dosage, there may also be the need for special monitoring while you take Tramadol.

It is not known if Tramadol would be harmful to an unborn baby as it falls in the FDA pregnancy category C. Therefore if you are pregnant you need to talk to your doctor before taking Tramadol. It is also not known whether Tramadol passes into breast milk.

People who are over the age of 75 are more likely to experience the side effects of Tramadol and the maximum daily dose of Tramadol for people over 75 years of age should not exceed 300 mg/day.

Children who are younger than 16 years of age should not use Tramadol. The FDA doesn't approve this.

What needs to be avoided while taking Tramadol?

• You should avoid alcohol when you are taking Tramadol as it may cause an unhealthy decrease in breathing. It may also cause liver problems.
• Tramadol is known to cause dizziness or drowsiness and you need to use it with caution if you intend to drive, operate machinery, or perform other hazardous activities.
• You have to avoid taking sleeping pills, tranquilizers, sedatives, and antihistamines as they may increase drowsiness.
• Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including herbal products, without first talking to your doctor when you are using Tramadol.

Tramadol Missed Dose

Tramadol is mostly taken on an "as needed" basis, therefore missing a dose usually is not a problem. You can take the dose as soon as you remember but you should not take another dose for the amount of time prescribed by your doctor. You should never take a double dose of Tramadol.

Tramadol Overdose

If there has been an overdose you need to seek emergency medical attention. The symptoms of overdose are difficulty in breathing, shallow, weak breathing, and seizures.

Tramadol Storage

Tramadol needs to be stored at room temperature away from moisture and heat. It should be kept in the same container in which you received it from the pharmacy. Tramadol and all medications should be kept out of the reach of children.

If you still have any doubts about Tramadol you can contact our help desk at info@tramadoldrugmart.com. Our customer care executives are waiting to solve your problems. You may also buy Tramadol online through our discount drugstore.

What is Tramadol?