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 Tramadol.
Uses
Tramadol is used for pain relief.
How to Use
Take Tramadol by mouth as prescribed. It is usually taken every
4 to 6 hours as needed. Use Tramadol exactly as prescribed. Do
not increase your dose, use it more frequently or use it for a longer
period of time than prescribed because Tramadol can be habit-forming.
Also, if used for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using
Tramadol without your doctor's approval. When used for extended periods,
Tramadol may not work as well and may require different dosing.
Consult your doctor if the medication stops working well.
Side Effects
Tramadol 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 Tramadol: 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 Tramadol, 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
Tramadol may make you dizzy/drowsy, use caution performing tasks requiring
alertness such as driving. Tramadol 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 Tramadol 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 Tramadol 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.
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