ULTRAM

Who is Ultram for ?

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. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

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.

When should I be careful taking Ultram ?

Before taking tramadol,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tramadol, codeine, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other pain relievers; carbamazepine (Tegretol); MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate)]; medications for depression; quinidine; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, a history of seizures, or a history of alcohol or drug abuse.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking tramadol, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking tramadol.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

Side Effects

Although side effects from tramadol are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness
• headache
• drowsiness
• blurred vision
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• 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