Ultram
Generic name: Tramadol hydrochloride
Brand names: Ultram
Why is Ultram prescribed?
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Ultram is prescribed to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain.
Most important fact about Ultram
You should not drive a car, operate machinery, or perform any other potentially hazardous activities until you know how Ultram affects you.
How should you take Ultram?
It's important to take Ultram exactly as prescribed. Do not increase the dosage or length of time you take Ultram without your doctor's approval.
- If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at once.
- Storage instructions...
Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Ultram.
- Side effects may include:
Agitation, anxiety, bloating and gas, constipation, convulsive movements, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, feeling of elation, hallucinations, headache, indigestion, itching, nausea, nervousness, sweating, tremor, vomiting, weakness
Why should Ultram not be prescribed?
Avoid Ultram if it has ever given you an allergic reaction. Also avoid Ultram after taking large doses of sleeping pills such as Halcion, Dalmane, and Restoril; narcotic pain relievers such as Demerol, morphine, Darvon, and Percocet; or psychotherapeutic drugs such as antidepressants and tranquilizers. And do not take Ultram after drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
Special warnings about Ultram
If you have stomach problems such as an ulcer, make sure your doctor is aware of them. Ultram may hide the symptoms, making them difficult to diagnose and treat.
Ultram can cause mental and physical addiction. If you've ever had a problem with narcotic painkillers such as Percocet, Demerol, or morphine, you should avoid Ultram. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if you stop taking Ultram abruptly. Such symptoms include anxiety, sweating, insomnia, pain, nausea, tremor, diarrhea, and respiratory problems. A gradual decrease in dosage will help prevent these symptoms.
Do not take more than the recommended dose of Ultram, since larger doses have been known to cause seizures, especially if you have epilepsy or are taking medications that also increase the risk of seizures. Among such medications are almost all antidepressant drugs, plus narcotics and major tranquilizers such as Loxitane and Stelazine.
If you have liver or kidney disease, be sure your doctor knows about it. Your dosage may have to be reduced.
Before you have any kind of surgery, make sure the doctor knows you are taking Ultram.
If you have any kind of breathing problem, use Ultram with caution or take a different kind of painkiller. Ultram can impair respiration, especially if taken with alcohol.
If you have experienced a head injury, consult your doctor before taking Ultram. The medication's effects may be stronger and could hide warning signs of serious trouble.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Ultram
Ultram may increase the drowsiness caused by alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking Ultram.
Avoid Ultram, too, if you are taking the seizure medication Tegretol.
If Ultram is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Ultram with the following:
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
Drugs known as MAO inhibitors, including the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate
Serotonin-boosting antidepressants such as Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft
"Tricyclic" antidepressants such as Elavil, Norpramin, and Tofranil
Major tranquilizers such as Thorazine and Stelazine
Narcotic pain relievers (Demerol, morphine, Darvon, Percocet)
Promethazine (Mepergan, Phenergan)
Quinidine (Quinidex)
Sleeping pills (Halcion, Dalmane, Restoril)
Tranquilizers (Valium, Xanax)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
There have been reports of serious harm to developing babies when Ultram was used during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.
Ultram appears in breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. If Ultram is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for Ultram
ADULTS
The usual starting dose for chronic pain is 25 milligrams once a day in the morning. The daily dosage is then increased every 3 days until it reaches 200 milligrams taken in four doses of 50 milligrams each. After the phase-in period, Ultram may be taken in doses of 50 to 100 milligrams every 4 to 6 hours, depending on the severity of pain. If rapid pain relief is needed, the phase-in steps can be skipped, though side effects will be more likely. The maximum dosage under any circumstances is 400 milligrams a day (300 milligrams for those over age 75).
For people with kidney problems, the usual starting dose is 50 to 100 milligrams every 12 hours; and the maximum per day is 200 milligrams. For those with cirrhosis, the usual dose is 50 milligrams every 12 hours.
CHILDREN
Safety and effectiveness in children under 16 years of age have not been established.
Overdosage
An overdose of Ultram can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.
- Symptoms of Ultram overdose include:
Difficult or slowed breathing, drowsiness, coma, seizures, cardiac arrest
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