The following information is a summary about Tramadol. It is not intended to
replace a doctor's instructions.
USESTramadol is used for pain
relief.
DIRECTIONSTake this
medication by mouth as prescribed. It is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as
needed. Use this medication 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, this medication may not work as well and may require
different dosing. Consult your doctor if the medication stops working
well.
SIDE EFFECTS This medication
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 this medication: 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.
PRECAUTIONSTell 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. Caution is advised when using this
drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the
drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Tramadol is excreted into
breast milk. Because the effects on a nursing infant are not known, consult your
doctor before breast- feeding.
DRUG
INTERACTIONSTell 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.
MISSED DOSEIf you miss a dose,
take it as soon as rememberher corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone). 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.
NOTES Do not share this medication with others.
Medical examinations including the nose are generally performed during prolonged
use of this product to check for side effects. Inform all your doctors you use
(or have used) this medication.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near
the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing
schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE Store at room temperature between 36 and
77 degrees F (2 -25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
