Tramadol WARNING!!!!

Tramadol

Tramadol is used to treat severe pain. Take it exactly as you have been directed - do not take more doses or more frequently than you have been prescribed. Tramadol may cause drowsiness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Do not drink alcohol while you are being treated with tramadol.

About tramadol

Type of medicine	Analgesic
Used for	Pain
Also called	Larapam® SR, Mabron®, Marol®, Maxitram® SR, Tradorec® XL, Tramquel® SR, Tramulief® SR, Zamadol®, Zamadol® Melt, Zamadol® 24hr, Zamadol® SR, Zeridame® SR, Zydol®, Zydol® SR, Zydol® XL
Available as	Capsule, soluble tablet, orodispersible tablet (dissolves in the mouth), injection, modified-release capsule and modified-release tablet

Tramadol is used to relieve severe pain. It works on the nerves and brain to reduce the pain you feel.

Before taking tramadol

Before taking tramadol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have liver, kidney or prostate problems.
• If you have bile duct problems.
• If you have respiratory (breathing) problems, such as asthma.
• If you have thyroid problems.
• If you suffer from epilepsy.
• If you have low blood pressure.
• If you have been constipated for more than a week, with or without tummy pain and bloatedness.
• If you have any inflammatory bowel problems.
• If you have an adrenal gland problem.
• If you have myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disorder).
• If you suffer from porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
• If you have recently suffered a serious head injury.
• If you have ever had a problem with drug addiction.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take tramadol

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take tramadol exactly as you have been directed by your doctor. Never take more than the prescribed dose.
• If you have been given soluble tablets, these should be dissolved in a small glass of water before taking as directed.
• If you have been given orodispersible (melt-in-the-mouth) tablets, these will dissolve quickly in your mouth when sucked, or they can be dissolved in half a glass of water before taking.
• Modified-release tablets and capsules release tramadol slowly over time to give a more prolonged and even effect. These must be swallowed whole and should not be broken, crushed or chewed, otherwise they may release the drug too quickly and cause side-effects.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Do not drink alcohol with tramadol as it will increase any feelings of dizziness and drowsiness.

Can tramadol cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects	What can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick	Stick to simple foods. Eat little and often
Constipation	Try to eat a well-balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. If constipation continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor
Diarrhoea	Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. If diarrhoea continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor
Dry mouth	Try chewing sugar-free gum or sugar-free sweets
Tiredness, palpitations, light-headedness, dizziness, confusion, headache, and drowsiness	If any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store tramadol

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children. Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines. If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines. Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine. Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty. If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking. Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine. This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours. Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you. If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

• British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)

TRAMADOL (III)

Tramadol (INN) (IPA: [ˈtræmədɒl]) is an atypical opioid which is a centrally acting analgesic, used for treating moderate to severe pain. It is a synthetic agent, unrelated to other opioids, and appears to have actions on the GABAergic, noradrenergic andserotonergic systems. Tramadol was developed by the German pharmaceutical company Grünenthal GmbH and marketed under the trade name Tramal. Grünenthal has also cross licensed the drug to many other pharmaceutical companies that market it under various names, some of which are listed below.

Tramadol is usually marketed as the hydrochloride salt (tramadol hydrochloride) and is available in both injectable (intravenous and/or intramuscular) and oral preparations (e.g.Zydol® in UK and Ultram® in US). It is also available in conjunction with paracetamol (acetaminophen) as Ultracet®.

Dosages vary depending on the degree of pain experienced by the patient. Tramadol is approximately 10% as potent as morphine, when given by the IV/IM route. Oral doses range from 50–400 mg daily, with up to 600 mg daily when given IV/IM.

Mechanism of action

The mode of action of tramadol has yet to be fully elucidated, but it is believed to work through modulation of the GABAergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic systems. The contribution of non-opioid activity is demonstrated by the analgesic effects of tramadol not being fully antagonised by the μ-opioid receptor antagonist naloxone.

Tramadol is marketed as a racemic mixture with a weak affinity for the μ-opioid receptor (approximately 1/6000th that of morphine). The (+)-enantiomer is approximately four times more potent than the (-)-enantiomer in terms of μ-opioid receptor affinity and 5-HT reuptake, whereas the (-)-enantiomer is responsible for noradrenaline reuptake effects (Shipton, 2000). These actions appear to produce a synergistic analgesic effect, with (+)-tramadol exhibiting 10-fold higher analgesic activity than (-)-tramadol (Goeringer et al., 1997).

The serotonergic modulating properties of tramadol mean that it has the potential to interact with other serotonergic agents. There is an increased risk of serotonin syndrome when tramadol is taken in combination with serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. SSRIs), since these agents not only potentiate the effect of 5-HT but also inhibit tramadol's metabolism.

It is suggested that tramadol could be effective for alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety because of its action on GABAergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic systems. However, use of the drug for treatment of such disorders by a health professional is unlikely.

Tramadol may also be used to treat hypertension when other treatments have failed.

Metabolism

Tramadol undergoes hepatic metabolism via the cytochrome P450 isozyme CYP2D6, being O- and N-demethylated to 5 different metabolites. Of these, M1 is the most significant since it has 200 times the μ-affinity of (+)-tramadol, and furthermore has an elimination half-life of 9 hours compared to 6 hours for tramadol itself. In the 6% of the population who have slow CYP2D6 activity, there is therefore a slightly reduced analgesic effect. Phase II hepatic metabolism renders the metabolites water-soluble and they are renally excreted. Thus reduced doses may be used in renal and hepatic impairment.


Adverse effects

The most commonly reported adverse drug reactions are nausea, vomiting and sweating. Drowsiness is reported, although it is less of an issue compared to other opioids. Respiratory depression, a common side effect of most opioids, is not clinically significant in normal doses. By itself, it does not decrease the seizure threshold, though it may do so if used in combination with SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, or in patients with epilepsy. A few seizures have been reported in humans receiving excessive single oral doses (700 mg) or large intravenous doses (300 mg).

Dependence

Some controversy exists regarding the dependence liability of tramadol. Grünenthal has promoted it as an opioid with a low risk of dependence compared to traditional opioids, claiming little evidence of such dependence in clinical trials. They offer the theory that since the M1 metabolite is the principal agonist at μ-opioid receptors, the delayed agonist activity reduces dependence liability. The noradrenaline reuptake effects may also play a role in reducing dependence.

Despite these claims it is apparent, in community practice, that dependence to this agent does occur. This would be expected since analgesic and dependence effects are mediated by the same μ-opioid receptor. However, this dependence liability is considered relatively low by health authorities, such that tramadol is classified as a Schedule 4 Prescription Only Medicine in Australia, rather than as a Schedule 8 Controlled Drug like other opioids (Rossi, 2004). Similarly, tramadol is not currently scheduled by the U.S. DEA, unlike other opioid analgesics. Nevertheless, the Prescribing Information for Ultram warns that tramadol "may induce psychological and physical dependence of the morphine-type."

Recreational use

Tramadol can be used recreationally. Its low affinity for opiate receptors does produce the opiate euphoria that most recreational opioid users desire. In addition to opiate receptor binding it also has some central stimulating qualities which according to some users bares similarities to that of amphetamines. Tramadol can produce nausea and epileptic seizures in supratherapeutic doses, somewhat deterring its abuse. A recent study has concluded that its abuse liability is markedly less than that of traditional opioids (such as hydrocodone, and oxycodone). Tramadol has been known to produce quite severe withdrawal symptoms withabrupt cessation of prolonged use.

Proprietary preparations

Grünenthal, which still owns the patent to tramadol, has cross-licensed the agent to various pharmaceutical companies internationally. Thus tramadol is marketed under many trade names including: Adolonta, Anadol, Calmador, Contramal, Crispin, Lumidol, Mandolgine, Mosepan, Nobligan, Siverol, Tiparol, Toplagic, Tradol, Tradolan, Tralgit, Tramacet, Tramacip, Tramadin, Tramal, Tramahexal, Tramazac, Tramedo, Ultracet, Ultram, Zamadol and Zydol.

Often used to treat

Moderate pain
Severe pain
Most types of Neuralgia, including Trigeminal Neuralgia.[citation needed]
Post operative pain in canines.

Trivia

Rapper Russell Jones (a.k.a. Ol' Dirty Bastard) died from an overdose of a combination of cocaine and tramadol on November 13, 2004.

Reference

Goeringer K, Logan B, Christian G. "Identification of tramadol and its metabolites in blood from drug-related deaths and drug-impaired drivers.". J Anal Toxicol 21 (7): 529-37. PMID 9399121.
(2004) Ed. Rossi S: Australian Medicines Handbook. Adelaide: Australian Medicines Handbook. ISBN 0-9578521-4-2.
Shipton E (2000). "Tramadol--present and future.". Anaesth Intensive Care 28 (4): 363-74. PMID 10969362.
Ultram (PDF). Ortho-McNeil. – U.S. Prescribing Information
McDiarmid T, Mackler L, Schneider D (January 2005). "Clinical inquiries. What is the addiction risk associated with tramadol?". J Fam Pract 54 (1): 72-3. PMID 15623411.
Tramadol Opioids (HTML). Ortho-McNeil. – U.S. Prescribing Information
McDiarmid T, Mackler L, Schneider D (January 2005). "Clinical inquiries. What is the addiction risk associated with tramadol?". J Fam Pract 54 (1): 72-3. PMID 15623411.

Tramadol in the news:

Frankie Boyle race row after N-word outburst on Channel 4 show

Critics called on Ofcom to investigate after both 'n****r' and 'p**i' were used during his show Tramadol Nights on Tuesday.

Frankie Boyle racism storm: C4 in crisis as major backers pull adverts

L’Oreal and Nestle are appalled by the comic’s sick jokes on Tramadol Nights.

Frankie Boyle in new language storm

Channel 4 has been condemned for broadcasting "deeply offensive" language after comedian Frankie Boyle used the words "nigger" and "Paki". Boyle said the words in an episode of his Tramadol Nights series shown on Tuesday.

Frankie Boyle's use of racial language intended as satire, says Channel 4

Broadcaster hits back after Commons committee chair attacks comedian's jibes about war in Afghanistan as 'deeply offensive' WARNING: this story contains language which readers may find offensive Channel 4 came out fighting this morning over calls to sack the controversial comedian Frankie Boyle after he used racial language in jokes about the war in Afghanistan. The Tuesday night episode of ...

C4 Slated For Frankie Boyle's Race 'Satire'

Channel 4 is under fire for broadcasting "deeply offensive" racial language on comedian Frankie Boyle's TV show.

Frankie Boyle condemned in race row

Frankie Boyle comes under fire again for jokes made on his Channel 4 show Tramadol Nights .

Boyle facing wave of complaints

Frankie Boyle has faced a wave of criticism as his controversial style was condemned by a prominent MP and mental health and disability campaigners. Complaints have now been lodged with broadcasting watchdog Ofcom over three different parts of the comedian's Channel 4 series Tramadol Nights.

Channel 4 under fire as Frankie Boyle ignites racism row

Channel 4 has been condemned for broadcasting 'deeply offensive' language after comedian Frankie Boyle used the words 'nigger' and 'Paki'.

Frankie Boyle in new language storm

Channel 4 has been condemned for broadcasting "deeply offensive" language used by comedian Frankie Boyle.

4oD Watch Full Episodes

Adults only comedy. The fifth show from the Glaswegian comic blending acerbic, razor-sharp stand up with unique, hilarious sketches crafted in the darkest recesses of the human psyche.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tramadol

Who Uses Tramadol?

Tramadol is a popular FDA approved painkiller used to treat moderate to severe pain both acute and chronic. You can purchase this drug with or without prescription depending on your location. Tramadol is not a controlled substance but in some states like Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, and Massachusetts, Tramadol can only be purchased with a prescription. Since its introduction in the market, thousands of people relied on Tramadol for the control and management of their pain.

There are a lot of people who uses Tramadol for various health conditions which are commonly accompanied by moderate to severe pain. This drug is particularly effective in treating neuropathic pain and as a better replacement for opioids like morphine, oxycodone, or hydrocodone. Tramadol is considered as effective as codeine in treating pain but with fewer side effects.

Cancer patients and those people who underwent surgery are usually given Tramadol to alleviate the pain. The drug decreases the pain signal from one nerve to another and it also blocks the response of the brain to the pain. Studies have shown that Tramadol is effective in managing post-operative pain as compared to other analgesics. This can be given to both adult and children. So if you will be asking who uses Tramadol, this can be used by anybody provided there is guidance from a health care professional. Tramadol use can result to mild to severe side effects so it should not be given to those people who are allergic to the drug, taking other medications or with other health problems.

If you are suffering from chronic back pain, arthritis, tension headaches and migraines, Tramadol will be on the rescue. It is also effective in other neuropathic problems like diabetic neuropathy. Tramadol is commonly prescribed by doctors to patients suffering from fibromyalgia. This chronic condition is causing pain, stiffness, and tenderness of the muscles, tendons, and joints. Serious side effects are not prevalent when using this drug to treat fibromyalgia.

Some doctor also uses Tramadol to treat other painful conditions such as arthralgia, bone pain, dental pain, myalgia, osteoarthritis and post operative shivering. Sometimes it is also used off label to treat restless leg syndrome and prescribe to patients with refractory depression if they do not respond to other drugs. Most of the time Tramadol users have lower blood pressure so other doctors use it as an alternative medicine to treat hypertensive patients.

A person who uses Tramadol as a pain killer should be wary of the possible side effects. It can vary from mild to moderate depending on the dosage of the medicine. Some of the mild and common side effects of taking this drug include nausea and vomiting, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, sweating, headache, fatigue, irritability and weakness. People who are taking this medication should refrain from driving because it can cause blurry vision and drowsiness.

Severe side effects may also occur especially to those who became dependent on this drug. The symptoms are chest pain, rapid heart rate, skin rash or itching, disorientation, mental confusion, trouble breathing, tingling of the hands or feet, nightmares, changes in appetite, flatulence, indigestion, and seizures. If you take Tramadol for the first time, please take note of the possible reactions of your body. There are some people who are allergic to tramadol. If these symptoms appear, like rashes, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, and breathing trouble, discontinue the medication and immediately inform your doctor.

As a precaution, tell your doctor about your medical history. Present or previous health conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, seizure disorder, lung disease, or history of drug or alcohol dependency should be divulged to your doctor. You should also inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. It is not yet clear whether Tramadol can cause serious harm to your baby. It is also noted that Tramadol can pass into the breast milk so nursing mothers should not take tramadol. This drug shows adverse reactions with other drugs like narcotics, sedatives or tranquilizers, depression and anxiety drugs.

Pets & Tramadol

Taking care of your pet is not an easy task especially if they are sick or in pain because of a health condition or surgery. Your pet's health should not be taken for granted. Always consult your veterinarian once an abnormal condition arises. Prescribing medicine for your pet should only be done by a professional or thru an advice of an expert since it can lead to complications and even death.

Pet owners don't want to see their pets in agony. Pain after surgery should be properly managed since it can also affect the time of recovery. There are over the counter painkillers which can be given to pets but sometimes ordinary pain relievers may not work effectively. The use of NSAID's or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may work for your dogs like treating canine arthritis but not all are recommended to be used for felines. The use of narcotics should be the last recourse because it usually results to too many side effects.

Most veterinarians now use Tramadol. This is a drug similar to narcotics but with fewer side effects. Tramadol is administered to control or manage moderate to severe pain in dogs or cats. This pet medication helps relieve post-surgery pain and other painful and chronic conditions like cancer or arthritis. This medication becomes a popular choice for most pet owners because it is a very good alternative pain medication for pets that can't take veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).

Usual Dosage of Tramadol for Pets

Human dosage of Tramadol is usually set at 50 mg per caplet. However, the administration of Tramadol to pets is computed based on their weight. If it will be given to stop moderate pain, the usual dose for dogs is 0.45-1.8mg per pound of pet's weight given every 8-12 hours. For severe and chronic pain such as cancer, the intake is every 6 hours. For the management of pain for cats, the dosage is 1.8mg per pound of pet's weight given twice daily.

It is very important to take note of the proper dosages to avoid any complications or side effects. Do not increase the dosage or give for longer periods without the approval of your veterinarian. If your pet was not given Tramadol at the regular interval, do not double the dose in the next drug intake. It is not advisable to crush the Tramadol tablet. The good thing about this medication is it can be given to your pet with or without foods. Just make it sure that your pet can drink plenty of water. Tramadol should be stored at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Over dosage and Adverse Reaction to Tramadol

Just like with any other drug, Tramadol can cause adverse reaction to your pet if excessive dosage is given. If you feel that there was a tramadol overdose on your pet, seek emergency veterinary medical attention. The common symptoms of Tramadol overdose include drowsiness, shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, extreme weakness, fainting, or coma. If the drug was used for longer periods, your pet may suffer from withdrawal syndrome. Signs of this condition may include anxiety, diarrhea, nausea, chills, tremors, and breathing problems. Your veterinarian can advice you on how to avoid the withdrawal syndrome caused by Tramadol on your pets.

There are some cases where your pet may be allergic to Tramadol and other components of the drug. Allergic reactions to Tramadol use in pets include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Other recorded serious side effects are seizure, red blisters, peeling skin rash or shallow breathing. Your pet may also experience drowsiness, loss of appetite, constipation, weakness, vomiting, blurred vision, and insomnia.

Medicines which should not be given together with Tramadol include narcotic and psychoactive drugs. If your pet is taking deprenyl, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, you have to inform your vet. There are also some reports that Tramadol is not compatible with SAMe, a liver and joint support nutriceutical. Amitraz, a flea and tick control product and used in the treatment of demodectic mange shows contraindications with tramadol.

Other herbal preparation may work well with your pets but always consult your veterinarian before giving them these supplements. It also applies to over the counter vitamins and minerals. To protect your pets from further harm and pain, go to the nearest vet clinic but be sure that they are specialists in treating pain.

Is Tramadol Addicting?

There are some misconceptions about using Tramadol. Some people classify Tramadol as a narcotic but it is not a narcotic like morphine. So there are some patients who are afraid to take this drug because of possible side effects like addiction. It only works similar to narcotic drugs but does not result to severe side effects common to narcotics medications. When Tramadol is used properly to manage moderate to severe pain, the drug will not cause dependence or addiction.

However, there are still a lot of people complaining that they became addicted to Tramadol. Is tramadol addicting? In a study published in the Journal of Family Practice, tramadol is considered as a drug with a low risk for substance abuse. While the drug is considered as one of the most effective pain relievers in the market, there are some cases where dependence on the drug becomes a problem. There are so many reasons why this problem happens.

First, taking Tramadol without the supervision of any health care professional will certainly lead to abuse of the drug. Self-medication is a dangerous thing to do. Since there are some states which do not require prescription for the drug, any person suffering from pain may purchase this drug over the counter. People who are suffering from ordinary pain should not take tramadol as this is intended for a more serious condition.

Second, using Tramadol for longer periods will cause dependence on the drug. Some says that the effect is psychological. They tend to increase the dosage of the drug because of the feeling that higher dosage means lesser pain or no pain at all. But it is important to note that every drug has its own maximum dosages. Beyond the prescribe dosage, it will certainly cause adverse side effects to the user. Tramadol is intended to control pain and not to cure malignant health conditions.

Addiction vs. Dependency

An expert clarified that there is a big difference between addiction and dependency. Those patients who are considered dependent on Tramadol do so because of an existing medical condition which needs to be addressed. These are cases where the use of this analgesic is required by a doctor. Regular dosage of tramadol for longer periods can cause dependency. So when it is not needed anymore, the patient and the doctor should carefully taper off the medication. This is to void withdrawal symptoms associated with Tramadol use.

Signs that a person is already addicted to Tramadol include using the drug in a manner not prescribed by the doctor usually taking at higher dosages and more frequent than the prescribed interval. Some patients may also report loss of medication in order to obtain more or ask for refills even if they still have enough supply of Tramadol. Signs of addiction also include getting prescriptions from several doctors and pharmacies just to get more tramadol. You are addicted to Tramadol if you start stealing the drug or ask others to give you a few pieces. If you always think of your next dose and becomes problematic on how and where to purchase your drug is also a sign that you are already addicted to Tramadol.

Those people who are considered addicted to Tramadol use may experience withdrawal syndrome. The symptoms vary from mild to severe which may include sweating, tremors, anxiety, insomnia, diarrhea, hallucinations and an increase in pain. If you are on tramadol medication, do not stop abruptly to avoid these symptoms.

How to Combat Addiction to Tramadol

The best thing to do to avoid addiction to this drug is to follow your doctor's advice. Self-discipline is a must. There are other methods which can help fight addiction to Tramadol. The Waismann Method of Accelerated Neuro-Regulation is one of the popular methods which use medicine to cleanse the Tramadol from patientsí opioid receptors. With this method, withdrawal symptoms are avoided but the patient is required to stay in the hospital for a few days. Drug treatment programs and counseling are also recommended.

Testimonies online revealed that the use of herbs can also help prevent addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Living a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and healthy diet should not be taken for granted. Caffeine also helps counteracts the effects of Tramadol. The use of herbal medicine plays a major part in preventing the symptoms. Some of these are kava-kava, eutherero root, gingko biloba, fish oil, and green tea. You can also take multi-vitamins and vitamin B supplements.

Kinds of Interactions with Tramadol use

There are many kinds of interactions with tramadol use that have been identified and it is important for every patient to be familiar with these interactions. Actually the use of tramadol is contraindicated with acute alcohol intoxication that shows depressed vital signs. Some may also involve changes in oneís metabolism. Take for example; carbamazepine lessens the analgesic effect of tramadol by increasing the metabolism.

Some of the kinds of interactions with tramadol use may happen once you take tramadol with MAOIs like carbex, eldepryl, marplan, nardil and parnate. Tramadol is also known to interact with some of these medications:

ïAlcohol or medicines with alcohol

ïAntidepressants

ïAntihistamines

ïBenzodiazepines

ïBurpropion

ïCarbamazepine

ïNarcotic pain relievers

ïDrugs used to aid sleep

ïMAO inhibitors

ïPsychiatric medicine

ïSibutramine

These are just some of the medicines that pose different kinds of interactions with tramadol use. There could be more medications that may possibly interact with tramadol so please ask your doctor about it.

Also, the potential for abuse and dependence with tramadol is low. But there are still cases that have been reported to show dependence and withdrawal for long-term tramadol use. Some experts have received reports of a withdrawal syndrome with tramadol so it is crucial to monitor patients on long-term treatment of tramadol in order to prevent abrupt cessation.

Prescription of tramadol is especially helpful if the pain management for some patients has not responded to simple analgesics and in which NSAIDs are contraindicated. So in order to lessen adverse effects, patients and their needs must be properly considered and the patientís medication history should be properly reviewed. It is important that patients should give their doctors a list of the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs or dietary supplements they used or currently using. Patients should also inform their doctor if they smoke, drink or use illegal drugs as these may possibly interact with tramadol.

Seizures can also happen to some patients who are taking tramadol. The risk of a seizure is greater if you are suffering from any of these conditions: a history of drug or alcohol addiction, history of epilepsy or other seizure disorder, head injury, metabolic disorder and many others. It is therefore crucial that you inform your doctor about your individual risk of having a seizure while taking tramadol. You may also need a tramadol dose adjustment or special tests if you are suffering from a kidney disease, liver disease, stomach disorder, and a history of depression, mental illness or with suicidal tendencies.

And lastly, tramadol is not yet known whether it can harm an unborn baby. Tramadol may lead to serious or fatal side effects to a newborn child if the mother uses the medication during pregnancy or during labor. So a pregnant woman must tell a doctor her condition or planning to get pregnant while using tramadol. It is also possible that tramadol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. And of course, tramadol should not be administered to children younger than 18 years old.

Patients taking tramadol must be regularly monitored especially during the early phase of therapy. Those suffering from chronic pain must also be monitored during dose titration and where there is dose escalation. Adverse reaction with tramadol may be common to patients hence they must be given proper guidance and advice regarding the proper action should reactions take place.

In particular, the potential for serious drug interactions should never be underestimated. Doctors must be very vigilant in their patientís condition as there are cases when the mechanism of interaction is very unclear hence the patientís condition should be closely monitored. Patients should never worry on alleviating their pain if they know the kinds of interactions with Tramadol use.

Do you need prescription for tramadol?

Do you need prescription for tramadol? Well, in some US states and in Canada, the use of tramadol still requires prescription. Though in some countries tramadol can be availed over-the-counter even without prescription. They don't classify Tramadol as a controlled substance like codeine, morphine, hydrocodone, methadone, Demerol, or oxycodone.

In some Asian countries, this substance is commonly used to treat labor pains and can be bought without a prescription. But in Sweden, this country has opted to classify tramadol as a controlled substance just like ascodeine and dextropropoxyphene where a normal prescription is required. And as of December 5, 2008, Kentucky classified tramadol as a Schedule IV controlled substance. Other states that have implemented restrictions on purchasing Tramadol are Arkansas, Georgia, and Massachusetts. The Military Pain Care Act of 2008 also requires base pharmacies to label tramadol as a controlled substance.

And with the advent of technology that we have today, tramadol is now readily available by remote prescription through internet pharmacies. This way, you donít have to go through the hassles of driving all the way to the pharmacy just to buy a tramadol. Through the help of the internet you can now purchase tramadol even at the comfort of your home. In the United States however, the Food and Drug Administration or the FDA said that it is illegal to obtain prescription drugs without valid prescription. But some foreign countries have no laws that dictate the legality of selling prescription drugs online to persons living in countries where it is illegal to obtain prescription drugs without the prescription.

Many foreign online pharmacies work much like what legal US online pharmacies do. But instead of a pharmacist that asks questions, you will be prompted to take some surveys. These surveys are not at all times the most accurate source of knowing whether or not the drug is safe to use and a genuine doctor or pharmacist is available.

Once the survey or conference with an online pharmacist is completed, the order will now be shipped to the buyer. The prescription is practically a free prescription and you can save huge bucks on money in purchasing tramadol online. Aside from the savings, they will ship it directly at your doorstep the soonest possible time.

Take note however that since the FDA outlaws purchasing prescription drugs from foreign sources, it may be potentially be a huge problem if you will get caught in doing this. To avoid any problems with law enforcers, many customers are advised to find a legal United States pharmacy that conforms to the standards of the FDA.

Tramadol, being a prescription drug, may be out of reach to persons who need it the most. And in this desperate situation, these individuals will certainly look for ways to obtain tramadol without prescription even by hook or by crook. Of course, it is still highly recommended to follow what the law states but others are still not stopped from using the less legal ways. Health authorities want people to be safe from all the possible harms caused by some medicines purchased illegally. Though online shopping for tramadol may seem to give you all the benefits, you may still get some disadvantages.

Remember that most of these online pharmacies are foreign-based and there are conflicting levels of standards implemented in the production of the drug. This will be reflected on the quality of the tramadol. There could be products offered in some online pharmacies that may be of lesser quality. Since tramadol is used as a painkiller, using inferior quality could only make your situation worse. So if you need a medicine that stops pain, ask your doctor that you need a prescription for Tramadol.

Difference between Tramadol and Ultram?

Millions of people live with pain everyday, whether it is chronic pain, daily pain, or severe pain. Of all the medications offered in the market today, the painkillers are by far the most common type. And one of the most popular medicines of this type is Tramadol. It has been used as an analgesic way back in the 1970s. Since its introduction in the market, branded versions of Tramadol were introduced and one of this is Ultram.

Ultram is effective in various types of moderate-to-severe pain like neurophatic pain. It has a dose-dependent efficacy that lies between that of codeine and morphine with pareteral potency likened to that of pethidine. Studies have also shown that this drug is more effective than NSAIDs when it comes to controlling post operative pain. And because the mode of action does not overlap with that of NSAIDs, Ultram is considered as a helpful agent to be combined with these drugs. The combination of tramadol and NSAIDs allows the former dose to be lessened and to result in a lower incidence of side effects.

Ultram or tramadol hydrochloride is available in 50 mg. caplets. An extended release capsule is also available. Ultram is offered in blister packs of 10 pcs. each pack or 100 pcs. per bottle. The inactive ingredients in the tablet are corn starch, lactose,hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate 80, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide and wax. The drug should be stored at controlled room temperature from 15C to 30C. The recommended dosage of Ultram is 50 mg. 3 to 4 times daily depending on your condition. Maximum daily dose should not exceed 400 mg.

Aside from effective pain management, Ultram can also be very useful for the elderly population suffering from osteoarthritis because unlike the NSAIDs, Ultram does not aggravate high blood pressure and cardiovascular complications. And of course, the effectiveness of Ultram does not end there as the benefits of this drug are immense. It has also been used with positive results for the management of labor pains even without respiratory depression of the neonate. It is effective for the treatment of pain from myocardial ischaemia, renal colic and acute trauma.

There are however some recorded side effects of Ultram. This drug is generally well tolerated and the most common side effects include nausea and vomiting. However, respiratory depression rarely happens during Ultram treatment at equipotent doses. But large doses of this drug may aggravate the respiratory effects of other drugs.

Some would ask what is the difference between tramadol and ultram? These two terms are actually used interchangeably. Again, Tramadol is the generic name and Ultram is the brand name. This drug is a centrally-acting analgesic. Though this drug is a synthetic analog of codeine, it has a lower affinity of opioid receptors than codeine. It is also used to treat postoperative, dental, cancer and acute musculosketetal pain and as an adjuvant to NSAID therapy in patients with osteoarthritis.

It is important to note that Ultram should not be administered to patients who have previously demonstrated hypersensitivity to tramadol and other component of this product or opioids. It is also contraindicated in a situation where opioids are contraindicated, including acute intoxication with alcohol, hypnotics, narcotics, and a whole lot more.

Ultram can also cause dependence. If you ever had an issue with narcotic painkillers like morphine, you need to avoid ultram. Withdrawal symptoms may also take place if you stop taking ultram abruptly. The symptoms may include anxiety, insomnia, sweating, pain, nausea, tremor, diarrhea, and respiratory problems. A gradual decrease in dosage of this drug will definitely prevent any of the symptoms from showing.

Actually there is no difference between tramadol and ultram. Whether you purchase the generic version of Tramadol or the branded Ultram, both drugs will be very helpful in helping you treat moderate to severe pain.

Can you overdose on Tramadol?

Taking too much of any medication can lead to overdose. This can also happen if you take too much Tramadol. This drug is an effective treatment for moderate to severe pain and mostly used with prescription from a doctor. However, there are some people who self-medicate which is a risky thing to do. Before taking any pain reliever, it is very important to assess the level or kind of pain that one feels. There is an appropriate pain medication for different levels of pain. Although Tramadol is popular for its pain killing action, it should only be used for a more severe condition.

Following the dosage prescribe by your doctor will not lead to any overdose of the drug. Doctors know how potent the drug is so they will just give you the right dosage that will ease the pain. Remember that Tramadol is not a cure for a disease but only used to control or manage the pain caused by other health problems. If Tramadol is needed for longer periods, your doctor should give you an advice on what to do. There are reports that Tramadol can lead to dependence if used for longer periods.

Normal Dosage of Tramadol

The normal dose of Tramadol ranges from 25-100 milligrams every 4-6 hour for 16 years old and above. Please take note that the dosage should not exceed 400 mg. per day. Your doctor may also base the dosage on your body weight which is also being followed in prescribing tramadol to children.

For patient who shows intolerance to the drug, the dosage can be adjusted to 25 mg per day. This can be adjusted to 25 mg every 3 days to reach 100 mg per day taken 4 times daily. If the patient can take more dosage and still needs higher dose to ease the pain, the doctor can increase it to 50 mg every 3 days to reach 200 mg day. This should be taken at 50 mg 4 times daily.

The recommended dosage for extended release tablets is 100 mg daily which may be increased by 100 mg every 5 days. However, this should not exceed 300 mg per day. Tramadol can be taken with or without food but you have to drink plenty of water. To avoid an upset stomach, the drug should be taken after meals. Tramadol is taken orally and should not be crushed, chewed or dissolved for injection.

Type of Tramadol Overdose

An overdose to Tramadol can be classified into 2 types. It can be accidental or intentional. There are some cases where the patient increased the dosage to cope up with the missed dose. Children who accidentally ingested the drug can also lead to overdose. But it is more common that the cause of overdose is intentional. Patients who become dependent on Tramadol usually increase the dosage without the approval of their doctor. For example, a patient hides his Tramadol use to his family and get prescriptions from other doctors. It even reaches to a point where he is taking 50 mg 8 times daily which is way beyond the normal dose.

If you feel that that the medicine is not working well for you, consult your doctor first. Your doctor can adjust the dosage for you and at the same time he could suggest of other methods of decreasing the pain. If your body can't take more of the drug, it will lead to complications and side effects. Seizures are common to those people who overdose on Tramadol. Serotonin syndrome may also happen if the drug is taken with stimulants or antidepressants. Other signs of Tramadol overdose include extreme drowsiness, slow heartbeat, cold and clammy skin, shallow or labored breathing, extreme weakness, fainting, feeling light-headed, cardiac arrest or coma.

There is a higher risk of seizures for patients with the following conditions:

- a history of epilepsy or other seizure disorder

- a history of drug or alcohol addiction

- suffering from metabolic disorder

- a history of head injury

- taking an antidepressant or muscle relaxant

- taking medicine for nausea and vomiting

It is also important to tell your doctor about other health conditions. A special test or an adjustment in the dosage of Tramadol is needed for some diseases like kidney, liver, and stomach disorder. The doctor should be aware if you have any history of depression, mental illness, or thoughts of suicide

Can children use Tramadol?

Even adults can make mistakes in taking medications. Though this is already a usual scenario, adults especially parents, should be very careful in giving medicine to their children as they are still very vulnerable. A study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics disclosed that half of the kids today do not properly take their medicines. It is the responsibility of the parents to make sure that their children take the right medicines the proper way. Anyone caring for younger children must take all the preventive steps to avoid accidental poisonings from medicines or supplements.

Medications are intended to keep our children healthy and comfortable. However a single wrong step can lead to tragedy. The proper storage of medicine at home is also important in order to prevent children from accidentally administering the wrong substance. Many cases of poisoning are recorded because of the childrenís natural curiosity.

There are also times when our children may experience and complain moderate to severe pain. And as parents, of course, the very first thing we need is to do is to alleviate the pain our children suffer. There are now many drugs today and choosing the right one for your child will definitely give you a headache. In choosing the proper medication for your child, you need first to decide which of the active ingredients you would like, according to the kind of pain your child is suffering, the age and the general state of health. One of the many painkillers we have today is tramadol. But can children use tramadol? This is just but one of the most common questions that parents ask.

The effect of tramadol on the body is actually similar to the effects of narcotics. It is effective in relieving moderate to severe pain. But since it is not a narcotic, it does not have as many of the side effects which have made medical narcotic use so dangerous. There are also reported cases of dependence on tramadol. Signs of dependence may include getting tolerant to the dose, withdrawal symptoms, and a continuing feeling that the dose needs to be increased.

So, can children use tramadol? Generally, Tramadol should not be given to children younger than 16 years old. The safety and effectiveness in children still needs more studies. However there are already some cases and clinical studies where Tramadol is used on children especially after surgery to minimize the pain.

In one study, doctors used Tramadol in children 2-7 years old to manage post-operative pain. The researchers from the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran found out that using Tramadol in children provides superior analgesic effects as compared to the controlled group. However, they noted more episodes of nausea and vomiting as a side effect for Tramadol treatment.

In another study in Finland which was published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia, they found out that Tramadol is well tolerated and an effective analgesic after operation for children 1-3 years old. It offers an advantage over traditional opioids for relief of post-operative pain. The recommended dosage for this age group is 1ñ2 mg kgñ1 three or four times daily. However, the researchers recommend further evaluation of the effects of tramadol use on pediatric surgery. They were not sure if higher doses of Tramadol improve analgesic effects without increasing the adverse reactions to the drug.

Before giving tramadol to your child, please consult your pediatrician first. It is better to bring your child to a health care provider if they are suffering from extreme pain which can be caused by other health conditions. If you have tramadol at home, it would be wise if you treat all medicines, supplements and related treatments as dangerous to children by keeping them safely and securely placed in the medicine cabinet. Take note that kids are naturally curious, so lock your cabinet to give you peace of mind.