Use of Tramadol

Tramadol is used by people who suffer from chronic pain and require treatment for long periods of time. It is also used to treat surgery induced pain and chronic conditions such as cancer and joint pain.

“Chronic pain affects a large segment of the U.S. population, with an estimated 45 percent of all Americans seeking care for persistent pain at least once during their lifetime,” said Dr. Warren A. Katz, clinical professor of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, director of the Osteoporosis Center and Rheumatology at the Rothman Institute. “Tramadol ER is an important new option for patients who suffer from moderate to moderately severe chronic pain, and for the physicians who treat them.”

What you should know before using Tramadol

Do not take Tramadol if you have ever been addicted to drugs or alcohol. Take Tramadol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Do not exceed 300 milligrams of Tramadol in one day. Talk to your doctor before stopping this medication.

Do not consume alcohol while taking Tramadol; it may cause breathing and liver problems. Before taking this medication tell your doctor if you have:

* a brain tumor
* a history of drug abuse or addiction
* a head injury
* heart disease
* frequently drink alcohol-containing drinks
* kidney disease or problems going to the bathroom
* kyphoscoliosis
* liver disease
* lung disease, asthma, or breathing problems
* seizures
* stomach problems
* taken isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, or selegiline in the past 2 weeks
* an unusual reaction to Tramadol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

Tramadol may be habit-forming. Tell your doctor if you feel the medicine is not helping relieve your pain. Do not change your dose without talking to your doctor.

You may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Tramadol. These symptoms include anxiety, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, tremors, chills, hallucinations, trouble sleeping, or breathing problems. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

Keep tramadol away from children. Store it at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

How do I take Tramadol?

Always take Tramadol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow each dose with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food, but take it the same way each time every day.

Do not crush, break or chew the tablets. Tramadol is to be taken orally (by mouth). Powder from a crushed tablet should not be inhaled or diluted with liquid and injected into the body. Inhaling or injecting Tramadol can cause life-threatening side effects, overdose, or death.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take Tramadol at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take more to make up for the missed dose.

Side effects of Tramadol

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible include:

* allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
* anxiety
* breathing difficulties, wheezing
* changes in vision
* confusion
* dizziness or fainting spells
* hallucinations
* passing urine more frequently than usual, or not passing urine as often as usual
* redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
* seizures

Less serious side effects include:

* constipation
* diarrhea
* drowsiness
* headache
* insomnia
* nausea, vomiting
* sweating
* slow or fast heartbeat
* unusually weak or tired

If side effects persist or worsen while taking Tramadol, speak with your doctor or healthcare professional right away.