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Uses:
Tramadol is used to relieve moderate to
moderately severe pain. It also may be used to treat pain
caused by surgery and chronic conditions such as cancer
or joint pain. Tramadol works by decreasing the brain's
perception and response to pain. It also reduces the size
or magnitude of the pain signal passed from one nerve to
another. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other
uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How
To Take This Medication:
Tramadol comes as a tablet to take it orally.
It usually is taken every 4-6 hours as needed. It may be
taken with or without food. 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 for a longer period
than your doctor tells you to.
Side Effects:
Although side effects from Tramadol are
not common, they can occur. The most frequently reported
events were in the central nervous system (Migraine, Speech
disorders) and gastrointestinal system (Gastrointestinal
bleeding, Hepatitis, Stomatitis, Liver failure). Tell your
doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go
away: dizziness, headache, drowsiness, blurred vision, upset
stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience any of
the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: fast
heartbeat, redness, swelling, and itching of the face, numbness
or tingling of the hands and feet, difficulty breathing,
changes in urination, seizures.
Precautions:
Before taking Tramadol, tell your doctor
if you have kidney disease; liver disease; or a history
of alcohol or drug dependence. You may not be able to take
Tramadol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special
monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions
listed above. Tramadol is in the FDA pregnancy category
C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful
to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first
talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not
known whether Tramadol passes into breast milk. Do not take
Tramadol without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. If you are over 75 years of age,
you may be more likely to experience side effects from Tramadol.
The maximum daily dose of Tramadol for people over 75 years
of age is 300 mg. Tramadol is not approved by the FDA for
use by children younger than 16 years of age.
Overdose:
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms
of a Tramadol overdose include difficulty breathing; shallow,
weak breathing; and seizures.
Notes:
Do not drink alcohol while taking Tramadol.
Alcohol may cause a dangerous decrease in breathing and/
or liver problems when used during treatment with Tramadol.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing
other hazardous activities. Tramadol may cause dizziness
or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness,
avoid these activities. Avoid sleeping pills, tranquilizers,
sedatives, and antihistamines except under the supervision
of your doctor. These drugs may increase drowsiness caused
by Tramadol.
Missed Dosage:
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. Store at
25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15 - 30°C
(59 - 86°F).
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