Tramadol
tramadol is the generic name for the drug tramadol (TRAM a dol)
ConZip, Qdolo, Ultram, Ultram ER are some of the brands available.
Medication class: Narcotic analgesics
What exactly is tramadol?
Tramadol is a pain reliever that works similarly to opioids. It relieves pain by acting on the central nervous system (CNS). Tramadol is a prescription pain reliever that is used to treat moderate to severe pain in adults. Tramadol extended-release is used to relieve pain 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This kind of tramadol should not be used for pain on an as-needed basis.
Warnings
Tramadol users have been known to suffer seizures. If you take greater dosages than advised, you’re more likely to have seizures. Seizures are also more likely in people who have a seizure condition or who are using certain antidepressants or opioids.
If you’re suicidal or have a history of addiction, you shouldn’t use tramadol. If you have severe respiratory difficulties, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, or have recently used alcohol, sedatives, tranquillizers, narcotic medicine, or an MAO inhibitor, you should not use tramadol (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others).
Tramadol has the potential to slow or stop your breathing, and it may become addictive.
ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH CAN RESULT FROM THE MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE, EVEN IN CHILDREN OR OTHERS WHO DO NOT HAVE A PRESCRIPTION. Keep this medication out of reach of others.
Tramadol should not be administered to children under the age of 12 or to anybody under
the age of 18 who has recently had their tonsils or adenoids removed. Anyone under the age of 18 should not be administered Ultram ER.
Tramadol usage during pregnancy may result in life-threatening withdrawal symptoms for the baby.
If you combine this medication with alcohol or other medicines that induce drowsiness or
decrease your breathing, you may die
Before you start taking any medication, make sure you have everything you need
If you are allergic to tramadol, or if you have any of the following conditions, you should not take it.
- acute asthma or difficulty breathing;
- a blockage in the stomach or intestines (including paralytic ileus);
- if you’ve recently used alcohol, sedatives, tranquillizers, or narcotic medicines;
you’ve taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days (such as isocarboxazid, linezolid,
methylene blue injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine).
Tramadol should not be administered to anybody under the age of 12.
Anyone under the age of 18 should not be administered Ultram ER.
Do not give this medication to anybody under the age of 18 who has just had their tonsils or adenoids
removed.
Some tramadol users have had seizures.
If you’ve ever experienced any of the following, your chance of having a seizure is likely to be greater.
- a concussion, epilepsy, or a seizure condition;
- addiction to drugs or alcohol; or
- a metabolic problem;
Tell your doctor if you’ve ever experienced any of the following things to be sure tramadol is safe for you:
- Sleep apnea, breathing difficulties;
- illness of the liver or kidneys;
- urination issues;
- you have issues with your gallbladder, pancreas, or thyroid;
- a gastrointestinal ailment; or
- Suicide attempt or mental illness.
If you use tramadol while pregnant, your baby may have life-threatening withdrawal
symptoms and need medical care for many weeks.
If you are nursing, see your doctor before using tramadol.
If you find your breastfeeding infant is drowsy or breathing slowly, call your doctor.
What is the best way to take tramadol?
Tramadol should be taken precisely as directed by your doctor. Read all drug guidelines and follow the instructions on your prescription label.
Tramadol should never be used in higher doses or for longer than recommended. If you have an increased desire to take more of this medication, tell your doctor.
Tramadol that has been left over should not be kept.
In the hands of someone who uses it incorrectly or unintentionally, a single dosage may be fatal.
Inquire with your pharmacist about a medication take-back programme. If there isn’t a take-back programme, put the remaining medication in a sealed plastic bag with cat litter or coffee grinds and toss it away.
Never provide tramadol to someone else, particularly if they have a history of drug addiction. ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, AND DEATH CAN ALL RESULT FROM MISUSE.
Keep the medication out of reach of others. It is illegal to sell or give away this medication.
When you start using tramadol, you should stop taking any other opioid medicines.
Tramadol may be taken with or without meals, but it must be taken consistently.
To prevent a potentially deadly overdose, swallow the capsule or pill completely. Not to be crushed,
chewed, broken, opened, or dissolved.
Use the provided syringe or a dose-measuring equipment to measure liquid medication
(not a kitchen spoon).
Never crush or break a tramadol pill in order to inhale the powder or combine it with a liquid in
order to inject the medication into your vein. This technique has resulted in the death of a person.
If you abruptly stop using tramadol, you may have withdrawal symptoms. Before you stop
taking your medication, talk to your doctor.
Store away from moisture and heat at room temperature. Keep note of the medications you’re taking.
If someone is taking it incorrectly or without a prescription, you should be alert.
Tramadol that has been left over should not be kept. In the hands of someone who uses it incorrectly
or unintentionally, a single dosage may be fatal. Inquire with your pharmacist about a medication
take-back programme. If there isn’t a take-back programme, put the remaining medication in a sealed
plastic bag with cat litter or coffee grinds and toss it away. Information on dosage.
Information on dosage
Dose for Pain in Adults: -For individuals who do not need a fast start of analgesic effect: 50 to 100 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as required for pain in adults (17 years or older). Initial dosage: 25 mg orally once a day; titrate every 3 days in 25 mg increments to a dose of 25 mg four times a day; afterwards, increase by 50 mg as tolerated every 3 days. The maximum daily dosage is 400 mg.
Dose for Chronic Pain in Adults: Individually titrate in 100 mg increments every 5 days to an effective dosage that minimises adverse effects. Extended-Release (ER): 18 years or older (tramadol-naive): 100 mg orally once a day -Maximum Daily Dose: 300 mg
For patients who are currently using Tramadol Immediate-Release (IR): Start with a low dose. Calculate the 24-hour IR need and start with a total daily ER dosage rounded down to the next lowest 100 mg increment once a day orally.
-Initial dosage: 100 mg ER orally once a day -Titrate in 100 mg increments every 5 days to an effective dose that minimises adverse responses -Titrate in 100 mg increments every 5 days to an effective dose that reduces adverse reactions -Maximum Daily Dose: 300 mg
Pain Dosage in Geriatrics: Starting at the low end of the dosage range, dose selection should be careful. Over the last 75 years: The maximum daily dosage of Immediate-release is 300 mg.
For chronic pain, the typical geriatric dose is: Starting at the low end of the dosage range, dose selection should be careful. Over the last 75 years: The maximum daily dosage of Immediate-release is 300 mg.
Typical Pain Dose for Children: Tramadol should not be given to children under the age of 18. If you’re 17 or older, go to Adult Dose.
What happens if I forget to take a dose?
You are unlikely to skip a dosage of tramadol since it is meant to treat pain. If your next dosage is approaching, skip any missed dose. Do not combine two dosages at once.
What happens if I take too much?
Seek immediate medical help or dial 1-800-222-1222 to reach the Poison Help line. An overdose may be deadly, particularly if the medication is taken without a prescription by a kid or another person. Severe sleepiness, pinpoint pupils, sluggish breathing, or no breathing are all signs of an overdose.
Your doctor may advise you to get and carry naloxone (a medication that may reverse an
opioid overdose) at all times. If you stop breathing or don’t wake up, someone caring for you may provide naloxone. While you wait for aid, your caregiver must seek emergency medical assistance and may need to administer CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on you.
Naloxone is available at any drugstore or local health agency. Ascertain that anybody looking after you is aware of where you store naloxone and ow to use it.
While using tramadol, what should I avoid?
Drinking alcohol is not recommended. It’s possible that you’ll have dangerous side effects or die.
If you don’t know how tramadol will effect you, don’t drive or do anything risky. Falls, accidents, and serious injuries may all result from dizziness or sleepiness.
Side effects of tramadol
f you experience symptoms of an allergic response to tramadol (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction, get medical assistance right once (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).
Tramadol has the potential to delay or stop your breathing, resulting in death. If you have sluggish breathing with lengthy pauses, bluish coloured lips, or are difficult to wake up, someone caring for you should provide naloxone and/or seek emergency medical care.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor right once.
- breathing that is loud, sighing, shallow breathing, or breathing that ceases when sleeping;
- a feeble pulse or a sluggish heart rate;
- a sensation of dizziness, as if you’re about to pass out;
- convulsions (seizures); or
- Nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, dizziness, increasing fatigue or weakness are all symptoms
- of low cortisol levels.
If you experience signs of serotonin syndrome including agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, rapid heart rate, muscular stiffness, twitching, lack of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, get medical help immediately once.
Serious breathing difficulties are more common in the elderly, the disabled, and those with wasting
syndrome or persistent breathing diseases.
The following are some of the most common tramadol adverse effects:
- nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain; constipation, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain;
- dizziness, sleepiness, and exhaustion; or
- a headache itchiness.
This is not an exhaustive list of potential adverse effects; more may arise. For medical advice on side effects, contact your doctor. You may contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report adverse effects.
What other medications may tramadol interact with?
If you start or stop taking certain other medications, you may have breathing difficulties
or withdrawal symptoms. If you’re taking an antibiotic, antifungal medication, heart or blood pressure medication, seizure medication, or HIV or hepatitis C medication, tell your doctor.
When tramadol is used with other medications, it may be very hazardous. If you use any of the following, tell your doctor.
- additional opioid-based medications;
- allergy, asthma, blood pressure, motion sickness, irritable bowel syndrome, or overactive
- bladder medication;
- Valium, Klonopin, or Xanax are benzodiazepine sedatives.
- drowsiness-inducing medications, muscle relaxants, or other sedatives; or
- Antidepressants, stimulants, and migraine and Parkinson’s disease medications all
- influence serotonin.
This is not an exhaustive list. Other pharmaceuticals, including as prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies, may interact with tramadol. This list may not include all potential interactions.
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