ULTRAM DRUG INFO

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.


COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ultram

COMMON GENERIC NAME(S): Tramadol

USES: Ultram (Tramadol) is a narcotic-like pain reliever.

Ultram is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Ultram extended-release is used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain when treatment is needed around the clock.

HOW TO USE: Take Ultram by mouth as prescribed. It is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Use Ultram 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, Ultram may not work as well and may require different dosing. Consult your doctor if the medication stops working well.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ULTRAM: You should not take Ultram if you have ever been addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Seizures (convulsions) have occurred in some people taking Ultram. You may be more likely to have a seizure while taking Ultram if you have a history of seizures or head injury, a metabolic disorder, or if you are taking certain medicines such as antidepressants, muscle relaxers, or medicine for nausea and vomiting.

Take Ultram exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Do not take more than 300 milligrams of Ultram in one day.

SIDE EFFECTS: Ultram 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 Ultram: 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. Ultram should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Ultram is excreted into breast milk. Because the effects on a nursing infant are not known, consult your doctor before breast- feeding.

PREGNANCY AND ULTRAM / TRAMADOL: Ultram is classified as an FDA pregnancy category C drug. Ultram may be harmful to an unborn baby. Ultram may also cause serious or fatal side effects in a newborn if the mother uses the medication during pregnancy or labor. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Ultram can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Ultram should not be given to a child younger than 18 years of age.

WHAT TO AVOID WHILE TAKING ULTRAM / TRAMADOL: Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Ultram. Alcohol may cause a dangerous decrease in your breathing when used together with Ultram. Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by Ultram. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these other medicines. Ultram can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

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.

PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE AND WITHDRAWL
Ultram is associated with the development of a physical dependence and a severe withdrawal syndrome. Ultram causes typical opiate-like withdrawal symptoms as well as atypical withdrawal symptoms including seizures. Atypical withdrawal effects may be related to Ultram's effect on serotonin and norepinephrin reuptake. Symptoms may include anxiety, depression, anguish, severe mood swings, electric-shock sensations throughout body, pins and needles, sweating, palpitations, restless legs syndrome, sneezing, insomnia, tremors, among others. In most cases, Ultram withdrawal will set in 12 to 20 hours after the last dose, but may vary. It is recommended that patients physically dependent on pain killers take their medication regularly to prevent onset of withdrawal symptoms and this is particularly relevent to Ultram because of its SSRI and SNRI properties. When the time comes to discontinue the use of Ultram, do so gradually over a period of time that will vary according to the individual patient and dose and length of time on the drug.

NOTES: Do not share Ultram 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 Ultram 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.

Click to visit the Tramadol Wikipedia page
Click to visit the Ultram page on Drugs.com
Click to visit the Tramadol page on MedicineNet.com
Click to visit the Generic Ultram page on RXlist.com
Click to visit the Ultram Spine Health page
Click to learn about Ultram Addiction