Important Information About Tramadol

Important Information About Tramadol
While Tramadol is non-narcotic, it has many of the same effects narcotics do. It carries a risk of dependency and should be used with caution. Due to this, people who have a history of drug or alcohol problems should not take Tramadol. Tramadol has been found to cause seizures in some patients, so those with seizure disorders may not take the drug as it exacerbates the problem. It is possible that the use of antidepressants, anti-nausea drugs, or muscle relaxers together with Tramadol will increase the incidence of seizures, so Tramadol must be used with caution or avoided by patients taking those drugs. Children under the age of 18 should not use Tramadol. Tramadol is in FDA pregnancy category C, which indicates that it is possible to transfer the drug to a child during gestation or later through breast milk. As a result, Tramadol should not be used by pregnant or nursing women.

Before Taking Tramadol
Do not ingest any alcohol prior to taking Tramadol. If you have taken any other drugs, you should discuss it with your doctor before taking this drug. Because Tramadol can react badly with many different drugs, it’s important to disclose every drug you have taken or plan to take, including herbal remedies and over the counter drugs. If you have a history of drug or alcohol dependency, liver, kidney, or stomach problems, or depression, tell your prescribing physician. While you may still be able to use Tramadol with these conditions, it must be closely monitored. If you are allergic to any medications or have ever had an allergic reaction tell your doctor before taking Tramadol.

How Should I Take Tramadol?
Tramadol must be taken just as prescribed. The dosage is intended to be swallowed whole and may not be crushed, chewed or snorted. Because Tramadol is designed to work over time, a sudden concentrated dosage can lead to overdose or even death. Many doctors recommend taking Tramadol with food because it can cause mild stomach upset, but generally it is permissible to take the drug with a glass of water as well. Never stop taking Tramadol suddenly; this medication causes some degree of dependency and should be stopped slowly. Follow your doctor’s directions for weaning off of Tramadol.

What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Do not double dose Tramadol to compensate for missed dosages. Should you forget to take a dose, and it is a couple of hours or less after it was scheduled, you may take it then. However, if it’s nearly time to have your next dose, simply wait to take that next regularly scheduled dose.

What Happens If I Overdose?
If you think you may have taken too much Tramadol, seek medical attention at once. Symptoms of Tramadol overdose include dizziness, extreme somnolence, muscular weakness, and fainting. Since overdose can even result in death, quick response to an overdose is essential.

What Should I Avoid While Taking Tramadol?
You need to avoid alcohol while taking Tramadol because it can cause dangerously decreased respiration when taken together. It is best to avoid medications which will cause increased drowsiness when combined with Tramadol whenever possible. Such medicines include cold and flu medication, sleeping pills, and anti-anxiety medications. Check with your doctor before combining any drug with Tramadol.

Tramadol Side Effects
Serious side effects of Tramadol are quite rare, but if you experience seizures, severe skin rash, or a slowed pulse, you should stop taking the drug immediately and seek your physician’s advice. Tramadol can cause a number of minor side effects which vary by person but can include drowsiness, nausea, loss of appetite, vision problems, or nervousness.

What Other Drugs Will Affect Tramadol?
Drugs which can interact badly with Tramadol include MAO inhibitors and antidepressants. Seizures can result when Tramadol is combined with these. Other medicines which can affect Tramadol include: Quinidine, St. John’s Wort, Rifadin, Nizoral, Tegetrol, Lenoxin, or Coumadin. Since any medication can potentially affect the function of Tramadol, it is important that you disclose all of your medications to your doctor.