Tramadol

Tramadol is a narcotic-like pain reliever that is used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain.  When treatment is needed around the clock, tramadol extended-release is used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain.

Important Information
Tramadol should not be taken if you have an allergy to it, you have ever been addicted to drugs or alcohol or if you have ever attempted suicide.  You should not take tramadol while drunk or if you are taking any of the following: alcohol, street drugs, sedatives or tranquilizers, narcotic pain medicine or medicine for depression, mental illness or anxiety.

Seizures have happened in some people who take tramadol.  It can be more likely to cause a seizure if you have a history of seizures, a head injury, a metabolic disorder or if you are taking particular medicines such as muscle relaxers, antidepressants, narcotic ore medicine to treat vomiting and nausea.

Tramadol should only be used by the person it was prescribed for.  Always keep it in a secure place where others are unable to get to it.

Tramadol is for oral (by mouth) use only.  The tablet should never be crushed and then inhaled or diluted with liquid and injected into the body.  Doing this can cause life-threatening side effects, overdose or death.

You should inform your doctor if you have any of these other conditions before taking tramadol:

kidney disease (or if you are in dialysis)
cirrhosis or other liver disease
a history of depression, mental illness or thoughts of suicide
a stomach disorder.

You should also tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant.  Tramadol may cause serious or fatal side effects in a newborn if the mother uses it whilst pregnant or in labor.  Tramadol can pass into breast milk and cause harm to a nursing baby so you should not breast-feed whilst taking tramadol.  Anyone younger than 16 years old should not be given tramadol without the advice of a doctor.

How should Tramadol be taken
Always take tramadol exactly as prescribed.  Never take it in larger amounts or for longer than your doctor recommends.  Inform your doctor if it seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.

Tramadol can be taken with or without food but should be taken in the same way each time.

Swallow the tablet whole.  Do not crush, chew or break it.  Doing this can cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. 

Some tramadol tablets come in oral disintegrating form.  To take them you should:

keep the tablet in its blister tablet until it is time to take it
remove the tablet with dry hands and place it in your mouth
allow the tablet to dissolve in your mouth without chewing
as the tablet dissolves, swallow several times – you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet if you wish.

You should not stop taking tramadol suddenly.  This can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.  You can talk to your doctor about how you can avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping tramadol.

Storage of Tramadol
Tramadol should be stored at room temperature and away from heat and moisture. 

Missed Doses
If you miss a dose of tramadol, you should take it as soon as you remember but if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, you should skip the missed dose.  Never take extra medicine to make up the dose you have missed.

Overdose seizure
If you or anyone else overdoses on tramadol you should seek emergency medical help.

The symptoms of overdose can include: shallow breathing, extreme drowsiness, slow heartbeat, muscle weakness, cold or clammy skin, seizure or fainting.

Side Effects of Tramadol
You should get medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to tramadol: problems breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.  Call your doctor straightaway and stop taking tramadol if you have any of these serious side effects:

hallucinations, agitation, quick heart rate, fever, overactive reflexes, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, fainting, loss of coordination
seizure
shallow breathing
a red, blistering, peeling skin rash.

The less serious side effects of tramadol may include the following:

headache
constipation, upset tummy
dizziness, spinning sensation
drowsiness
feeling anxious or nervous.

This is not a complete list of side effects and you may be affected by others.  You can call your doctor for advice on side effects.