Generic Tramadol
Tramadol is used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain.
It may be used to treat pain caused by surgery and chronic conditions
such as cancer or joint pain. Tramadol is in a class of medications
called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It works by decreasing the
body's sense of pain.
How to Use:
This medication comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It may be taken
with or without food. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of
tramadol and gradually increase your dose not more often than every
3 days. Tramadol may be taken every 4-6 hours as needed. If you
take too much tramadol, you may experience serious side effects.
Ask your doctor about the maximum number of tablets that you may
take for each dose or for a 24-hour period. Follow the directions
on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist
to explain any part you do not understand. Take tramadol exactly
as directed. Tramadol can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger
dose, take it more often, or take it for a longer period of time
than prescribed by your doctor. Call your doctor if you find that
you want to take extra medication or notice any other unusual changes
in your behavior or mood.
Side Effects:
This medication is generally well tolerated and side effects are
usually transient. Commonly reported side effects include nausea,
constipation, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, and vomiting. Less
commonly reported side effects include itching, sweating, dry mouth,
diarrhea, rash, visual disturbances, and vertigo.
Precautions:
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tramadol
or other narcotic pain medications such as meperidine (Demerol),
morphine, codeine (or medications that contain codeine such as Tylenol
with Codeine), hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin), hydromorphone (e.g.,
Dilaudid), oxycodone (e.g., Percocet), propoxyphene (e.g., Darvon,
Darvon N) or any other medications. Tell your doctor and pharmacist
what other prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins,
nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
Drug Interactions:
This medication can impair thinking and the physical abilities required
for driving or operating machinery. It should be avoided in patients
intoxicated with alcohol, hypnotics, and narcotics. Large doses
of this medication administered with alcohol or anesthetic agents
can impair breathing. This medicine can increase the risk of seizure
in epileptic patients, especially with simultaneous use of tricyclic
antidepressants, such as Elavil.
Overdose:
Seek immediate medical help in case of overdose. Symptoms of overdose
may include confusion, vomiting, decreased size of the pupil (the
black circle in the center of the eye); difficulty in breathing;
extreme drowsiness, unconsciousness, seizure and heart attack.
Notes:
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist
any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Missed Dose:
You should take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose
to make up for a missed one.
Storage:
Dispense in a tight container and store at 25 degrees C (77degrees
F). |
