Tramadol Pain Killers

How to take Tramadol

Tramadol is taken by mouth, take exactly as prescribed.

Tramadol is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Take Tramadol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose or use it more frequently or for a longer period than prescribed by your doctor. Tramadol pain medication can be habit-forming. If Tramadol is used for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop taking without first getting your doctor's consent. When used over an extended period of time, Tramadol may not work as well. Consult your doctor if Tramadol stops working as well.

Side Effects

Side effects that may go away after taking Tramadol for a while include dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, headache, or sweating. If these effects continue or are bothersome, consult your doctor. Consult your doctor as soon as possible if you experience skin rash, itching, seizures, or hallucinations. If you notice other side effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Tramadol Precautions

If, while taking Tramadol, you experience difficulty breathing or a tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or develop a rash or hives, consult your doctor immediately. Do not take any more Tramadol unless advised by your doctor to do so.

Avoid alcohol while you are taking Tramadol. Tramadol will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants.

Do not drive, operated machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Tramadol. Using Tramadol alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.

Before you begin taking any new medicine while you are taking Tramadol, either prescription or over the counter, check with your doctor first.

If you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Tramadol during pregnancy.

Tramadol is excreted in breast milk, therefore do not breast feed while taking Tramadol.

Drug Interactions

Tell 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 your doctors or pharmacists approval.

Tramadol Overdose

If an overdose of Tramadol is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of an overdose of Tramadol overdose may include cold and clammy skin, low body temperature, slowed breathing, slowed heartbeat, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, deep sleep, loss of consciousness, or seizures.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Tramadol, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double up the amount of Tramadol used to catch up.

Tramadol Storage

Tramadol should be stored at room temperature. Store Tramadol away from sunlight.

Keep Tramadol and all medications out of the reach of children.