Ultram
What is Ultram ?
Ultram is a narcotic-like pain reliever.
Ultram is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Ultram extended-release is used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain when treatment is needed around the clock.
Ultram may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Description
Drug Name
Ultram (Tramadol)
Drug Uses
Ultram 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. Ultram 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 Taken
Ultram 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 Ultram exactly as directed. Ultram 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.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Tramadol is an effective pain reliever (analgesic). Its mode of action resembles that of narcotics, but it has significantly less potential for abuse and addiction than the narcotics. Tramadol is as effective as narcotics in relieving pain but does not depress respiration, a side effect of most narcotics. Tramadol is not a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID), and does not have the increased risk of stomach ulceration and internal bleeding that can occur with the use of NSAIDs.
Missed Dose
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).
Warnings and Precautions
Before taking Ultram, 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 Ultram, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Ultram 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 Ultram passes into breast milk. Do not take Ultram 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 Ultram. The maximum daily dose of Ultram for people over 75 years of age is 300 mg. Ultram is not approved by the FDA for use by children younger than 16 years of age.
Possible Side Effects
Although side effects from Ultram 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.
What is the most important information I should know about Ultram ?
You should not take Ultram if you have ever been addicted to drugs or alcohol.
Take Ultram exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Do not take more than 300 milligrams of Ultram in one day.
Do not crush the Ultram tablet. This medicine is for oral (by mouth) use only. Powder from a crushed tablet should not be inhaled or diluted with liquid and injected into the body. Using this medicine by inhlation or injection can cause life-threatening side effects, overdose, or death. Seizures (convulsions) have occurred in some people taking Ultram. You may be more likely to have a seizure while taking Ultram if you have a history of seizures or head injury, a metabolic disorder, or if you are taking certain medicines such as antidepressants, muscle relaxers, or medicine for nausea and vomiting.
Do not stop using this medication suddenly without talking to your doctor. You may need to gradually reduce the dose. Withdrawal symptoms may occur when you stop using Ultram. Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, tremors, chills, hallucinations, trouble sleeping, or breathing problems. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these withdrawal symptoms after you stop using Ultram.
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. A Ultram overdose can be fatal. Symptoms of a Ultram overdose may include drowsiness, shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, extreme weakness, cold or clammy skin, feeling light-headed, fainting, or coma. While you are taking Ultram, do not drink alcohol or use drugs that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, other pain medications, muscle relaxants, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). These drugs may slow your breathing or increase drowsiness when used together with Ultram. Ultram can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
What does Ultram look like ?
Tramadol is available with a prescription under the brand names Ultram and Ultram ER. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
Tramadol 50 mg--white, capsule-shaped, film-coated tablets.
Ultram ER 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg--white, round extended-release tablets.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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