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Tramadol |
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What is Tramadol and why is it prescribed? Tramadol is prescribed to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. You should not drive a car, operate machinery, or perform any other potentially hazardous activities until you know how Tramadol affects you. How should you take Tramadol? Follow your doctors directions for taking Tramadol. Do not increase the dosage or length of time you take Tramadol without your doctor's approval. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once. Store Tramadol in a tightly closed container at room temperature. Are there any Tramadol side effects? Tramadol side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Tramadol side effects may include agitation, anxiety, bloating and gas, constipation, convulsive movements, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, feeling of elation, hallucinations, headache, indigestion, itching, nausea, nervousness, sweating, tremor, vomiting, and weakness. Less common Tramadol side effects may include abdominal pain, confusion, coordination problems, feeling of illness, flushing, frequent urination, inability to urinate, loss of appetite, menopausal symptoms, rash, sleeping problems, and visual problems. Rare Tramadol side effects may include accidental injury, allergic reaction, altered taste, amnesia, coma, difficult or labored breathing, difficulty concentrating, dizziness or light-headedness upon standing, fainting, feeling of "pins and needles," fever, heightened reflexes, hives, menstrual problems, mental sluggishness or clouding, painful urination, rapid heartbeat, seizures, shivering, seizures, suicidal tendencies, and weight loss. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Tramadol? If Tramadol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Tramadol may increase the drowsiness caused by alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking Tramadol. Avoid Tramadol if you are taking the seizure medication Tegretol. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Tramadol with Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), Drugs known as MAO inhibitors (including the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate), Serotonin-boosting antidepressants (such as Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft), "Tricyclic" antidepressants (such as Elavil, Norpramin, and Tofranil), Major tranquilizers (such as Thorazine and Stelazine), Narcotic pain relievers (Demerol, morphine, Darvon, Percocet), Promethazine (Mepergan, Phenergan), Quinidine (Quinidex), Sleeping pills (Halcion, Dalmane, Restoril), or Tranquilizers (Valium, Xanax). Are there any special warnings about Tramadol? If you have stomach problems such as an ulcer, make sure your doctor is aware of them. Tramadol may hide the symptoms, making them difficult to diagnose and treat. Tramadol can cause mental and physical addiction. If you have ever had a problem with narcotic painkillers such as Percocet, Demerol, or morphine, you should avoid Tramadol. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if you stop taking Tramadol abruptly. Such symptoms include anxiety, sweating, insomnia, pain, nausea, tremor, diarrhea, and respiratory problems. A gradual decrease in dosage will help prevent these symptoms. Do not take more than the recommended dose of Tramadol, since larger doses have been known to cause seizures, especially if you have epilepsy or are taking medications that also increase the risk of seizures. Among such medications are almost all antidepressant drugs, plus narcotics and major tranquilizers such as Loxitane and Stelazine. If you have liver or kidney disease, be sure your doctor knows about it. Your dosage may have to be reduced. Before you have any kind of surgery, make sure the doctor knows you are taking Tramadol. If you have any kind of breathing problem, use Tramadol with caution or take a different kind of painkiller. Tramadol can impair respiration, especially if taken with alcohol. If you have experienced a head injury, consult your doctor before taking Tramadol. Tramadol's effects may be stronger and could hide warning signs of serious trouble. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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