Tramadol Description

 

Vital information that one must be aware of before using Tramadol

Tramadol is a pain killer, used under conditions of mild to severe pain. People using Tremadol should follow certain guidelines.

Some precautions have to be followed while using Tramadol

The use of tramadol can cause some side effects, like seizures, though infrequently. Some factors enhance the risk of seizures. Consult you doctor before starting on the medication, and let the doctor know if you have any history of, seizures or epilepsy, head injuries, metabolic disorders, or central nervous system infection. All these can make you more prone to seizures on using Tramadol. Other factors that can increase the risk of side effects include alcohol or drugs withdrawal symptoms and other medications.

 

The drug Tramadol

Tramadol relieves pain by acting on certain chemicals and receptors which cause the

pain sensation. It is indicated under conditions of mild to severe pain, and also certain other conditions, not mentioned here.

Tramadol is habit forming. And can cause withdrawal effects if the medication is stopped all at once following a long course or high-dose treatment. Therefore talk to your doctor before reducing the drug gradually and then stopping it.

 

Consuting you doctor before starting on Tramadol is very essential

As seizure is a side effect manifested by the use of Tramodol, always consult you doctor before starting with the medication. Let the doctor know if you have a history of any of the following:

 

Medical problems

*  are prone to seizures or epilepsy

*  suffered head injury, metabolic problems

*  suffer from any central nervous system infection

*  have kidney troubles or liver disease

 

History of alcohol and drug abuse

*  are addicted to alcohol or drugs, or under de-addiction schedule of alcohol or any drugs, and have withdrawal symptoms

 

Using other medicines

*  taking medications such as , tricyclic antidepressant like as amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), clomipramine (Anafranil), etc

*  are using drugs like monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate),etc

*  Undergoing psychiatric treatment with drugs like chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), haloperidol (Haldol), loxapine (Loxitane), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), thioridazine (Mellaril), thiothixene (Navane), etc

*  Using a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), or citalopram (Celexa), etc

*  are on medication of narcotic pain killers like codeine, fentanyl (Duragesic), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), meperidine (Demerol), hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab, others), morphine (MS Contin, MSIR, RMS, Roxanol, others), oxycodone (Roxicodone, Percocet, Percodan, etc

*  using promethazine (Phenergan) or prochlorperazine (Compazine),sibutramine (Meridia), bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) ,etc

Also, inform the doctor of any other medication that you are taking.

In case, one has a history of any one or more of the above conditions, then tramadol is not recommended or if it is unavoidable the doctor would suggest the correct dosage and some special tests during the course of treatment

 

Pregnancy

One more important contraindication is pregnancy. Since the role of Tramadol in causing harm to the baby inside has not yet been determined, it is better to avoid the drug during pregnancy. Also nursing or breast feeding mothers should avoid the drug. Therefore one should tell the doctor, if pregnant or if planning to do so when on treatment. And the medication should never be started before taking the doctor’s opinion, during pregnancy. The drug is also not suitable for children under 16 years of age unless and until approved by the doctor.

 

Certain guidelines to be followed while taking Tramadol medication

While taking tramadol it is important to keep in the mind, some guidelines about, how the drug is to be taken to minimize the side effects, dosage, and what to avoid while on the medication.

Take the exact dosage : Always ensure that the correct dosage is taken. Never exceed or lessen the prescribed dosage by yourself, since doing so may cause seizures. Stick to your doctor’s advice on increasing or lowering the dosage.

Generally, for an average healthy adult, a maximum dose upto 100 mg per dose, at an interval of 4 to 6 hours, up to 400 mg per day can be given. People aged 75 and above can take up to 300 mg per day only. Patients suffering from liver or kidney problems should take lower daily doses, as suggested by the doctor.

In case a dose is missed : When a dose is missed, it can be taken when one remembers. But if so much time has lapsed that the next dose is due then the missed can be skipped and the next dose must be taken. Double dose should not be taken.

In case of over dosage: Emergency medical help is needed in case of over dosage. Overdose symptoms may manifest as shallow breathing, difficulty in breathing, and convulsions or seizures.

 

How is Tramadol best taken : The drug should be taken with a glass of water, on an empty or full stomach.

 

Avoid these when using Celebrex : Avoid alcohol while on tramadol medication, as it may increase the probability of getting seizures and cause severe breathing problems.

The drug has a sedative effect, resulting in drowsiness or sleepiness. Thus avoid doing things that need you to be alert, like driving, working in a hazardous environment, etc.

Use of other medication like sleeping pills, sedatives, anti allergic agents, antidepressants, alcohol, pain killers, and muscle relaxants should be avoided. The combined effect of tramadol, along with any of the other drugs can lead to severe sedation drowsiness, or low rate of breathing.

Never go for any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including herbal products. Always stick to your doctor’s advice before starting any other medication.

 

Look for the symptoms of allergy and side effects

Taking Tramadol can cause allergic reactions and, mild side effects. One has to be alert and seek medical help in such cases.

 

Allergy : Allergic reactions can be manifested in different ways. Symptoms of allergy include, problem in breathing, swelling in the face, swollen lips, numbed and swollen tongue, or bad throat. Seek medical help in case of having allergic reactions.

 

Mild side effects : In case of the mild side effects or symptoms, continue the medicine but see your doctor. Mild side effects include light headedness, drowsiness, sleepiness, headache, nervousness or anxiety, itching, dry mouth, or sweating , gastrointestinal problems like nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea.

Other side effects also may be manifested which are not mentioned here. So consult your doctor if you experience other kinds of problems too.

 

Other drugs affecting Tramadol:

Tramadol is contraindicated in patients with a history of epilepsy or another seizure disorder, as the drug enhances the chance of an epileptic attack. It may also, add to the risk of seizures if you are using any of the drugs listed below:

*  a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), doxepin (Sinequan) etc

*  a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), etc

*  an antipsychotic medication such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), haloperidol (Haldol), loxapine (Loxitane), mesoridazine (Serentil), etc

*  a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine (Prozac),fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil),etc

*  a 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, etc

*  promethazine (Phenergan) or prochlorperazine (Compazine);bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban); or cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)etc

*  carbamazepine (Tegretol) etc

*  quinidine (Quinaglute Dura-Tabs, Cardioquin, Quinora, others) etc

*  warfarin (Coumadin)

*  digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps).

Never go for any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including herbal products. Always stick to your doctor’s advice before starting any other medication. In any case, inform the doctor of any other medication, not mentioned here, before starting tramadol.

 

For more information

Ask your pharmacist for the information booklet on Tramadol, which is written for use of health professionals and provides more information about the drug

 

The medication looks like this

Tramadol comes under the brand name Ultram and available on prescription. Other brand or generic formulations are also available.

Tramadol comes as a 50 mg--white, capsule-shaped, film-coated tablets. Store the drug at ambient temperature in a damp free and place away from heat

Make sure that all medicines are kept out of the reach of children. Medication should never be shared with others, and the prescription must be followed strictly. Also self medication must be avoided.

 

Disclaimer

The information we have provided here is just a guideline may be time sensitive. It is especially for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore we do not stand guarantee for uses outside of the United States.. This drug information recommend any specific therapy for a given patient.. This overview of the drug is only designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners and does not replace their expertise, skill, and judgment. It should not be assumed that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or suitable any given patient. We will not take the responsibility for any kind of outcome by the use of this information. The information given does not cover all possible outcomes of the medication like allergic reactions, or adverse effects. For further queries ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

 

 

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Any information found here is provided for general informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional.  You should not use any of the information found here to diagnose or treat a health issue or disease or to prescribe any medication. Always seek medical advice from a medical doctor. Never delay in seeing a health care professional about any questions you have