General Information/Uses

The prescription medication tramadol is a narcotic-like drug that is typically used to treat chronic pain. It is often prescribed to treat acute lower back pain and fibromyalgia. It can also be used to treat acid reflux and restless leg syndrome (RLS). The drug is an opioid analgesic and is related to codeine.

How to Take This Drug

This drug is typically taken orally and should always be consumed exactly as the patient’s doctor directs. Doses should usually be taken within 4 to 6 hours of each other. It is not advisable to consume more than 300 mg of this drug per day.

It is not necessary to take tramadol with a meal. However, it should be taken at the same time every day and with a full glass of water. The medicine should never be crushed or diluted. If a tablet is accidentally crushed, the patient should be careful not to inhale the powder. Consumption of crushed/powdered tablets, particularly delayed-release tablets, may cause an overdose.

Because of the risk of withdrawal symptoms, the patient should not stop using the drug without first consulting his or her doctor. Tramadol withdrawal symptoms include sweating, chills, tremors, hallucinations, breathing problems, and nausea.

Warnings/Precautions

Seizures are a rare side effect of tramadol. However, they are more likely to occur if the patient has a metabolic disorder, a head injury, is taking antidepressants, or has a history of seizures. Consumption of alcohol, narcotic medications, or street drugs may increase the patient’s risk.

If the patient suffers from depression, a stomach disorder, or liver or kidney disease, his or her doctor should be informed before the drug is taken.

If the patient is allergic to morphine, codeine, or any other opiate narcotics, he or she may not be able to take tramadol. The drug may not react well with antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, cold medications, and herbs or natural supplements such as St. John’s Wort.

Female patients should speak to their doctors about whether or not they should take this drug while pregnant. Consumption of this drug during pregnancy may cause birth defects and may create complications during the labor process. Women who are nursing should not take the drug because it can pass through breast milk and may harm the baby.

Tramadol should not be taken by children under the age of 18 or by those who have a drug or alcohol addiction.

Side Effects

Some patients may be allergic to tramadol and may experience symptoms such as severe airway constriction, hives, and swelling of the face, throat, or tongue. Because allergic reactions can be fatal, the patient should seek medical help immediately if he or she develops these symptoms.

Some of the drug’s more serious side effects include seizures, hallucinations, fainting, breathing problems, and changes in heart or pulse rates. Some patients may develop skin problems such as blistering, itching, redness, or rashes that cause peeling.

Some of the less serious side effects of this drug include fatigue, sensory impairment, dry mouth, and insomnia. The drug may cause intestinal problems such as constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Overdose Information

It is possible to overdose on tramadol. Signs of an overdose include severe fatigue, clammy skin, fainting, breathing problems, slow heart rate, and coma. If any of these symptoms occur, the patient must seek medical help at once.

Additional Information

Patients should use this drug with caution because it may lead to addiction. The patient should always follow his or her doctor’s instructions to the letter. Also, the medicine should be kept in a safe place so that no one may use it improperly. The patient should speak to his or her doctor about how to avoid addiction and withdrawal symptoms.

This drug is usually only given to patients who have acute or chronic pain. It should not be taken more than is necessary. However, those who suffer from severe, chronic pain will find it highly effective.

The drug is often given to patients with severe lower back pain. However, it is usually not prescribed unless other treatments have failed. In these cases, the drug can be given intravenously if necessary.

Disclaimer

The information given here does not cover all of this drug’s risks, side effects, drug interactions, or uses. This is general information that is not meant to give specific instructions. The owners of this article disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy of this information as well as any dangers or damages to persons or property that may occur because of it.