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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. |
