Tramadol is an opioid pain reliever that acts by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. It also enhances the inhibitory effects of other painkillers on pain transmission in the brain and spinal cord.
Take this medication as directed by your doctor. Do not share it with other people. Store it in a safe place to prevent theft and misuse.
Dosage
Tramadol is a strong pain reliever that works to change the way your brain perceives pain. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain that can’t be treated with other medicines. It is also used to reduce nerve pain in conditions like fibromyalgia. It acts on the opioid receptors in your brain to prevent the brain from receiving pain signals. It is also a central nervous system depressant that slows down your breathing and heart rate. It is an effective medication for a variety of conditions, but it may not work as quickly for some patients as other medications.
It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking this medication. Tramadol should only be taken orally. It is available as a tablet, extended-release capsule, and liquid to take by mouth. It is usually prescribed in a dose of 50 to 100 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain. You should not exceed a maximum daily dose of 400 mg per day.
If you are unable to swallow the extended-release tablets or ConZip capsules whole, you can dissolve them in water before you drink them. Do not split, crush, or chew the pills, as this will cause too much of the drug to be released at once and increase your risk of side effects. This medication can interact with other drugs and vitamins and herbal supplements. You should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbs.
Your doctor will check your blood pressure, heart rate, and kidney function regularly while you are taking tramadol. They will also monitor your breathing, especially when you first start the medicine and after any increases in your dose. They will also want to know if you have any medical conditions, such as lung disease, liver disease, stomach/intestinal problems, mental/mood disorders, or history of addiction.
If you take too much tramadol, you may feel very sleepy or sick and have trouble breathing. This can be dangerous, so it is important to keep track of the amount you take. If you accidentally take a high dose, call your doctor or go to A&E right away.
Side effects
Tramadol can cause serious side effects, including seizures, liver damage, breathing problems, and death. It can also cause addiction and overdose, even when used as prescribed. This medication must never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep this medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away tramadol is against the law.
Common side effects of order tramadol 50mg may include nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, or headache. These effects usually go away as your body gets used to the medicine. Tell your doctor if they continue or become worse.
This drug may increase serotonin, which can lead to a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin (see Drug Interactions). Symptoms may include agitation, hallucinations, loss of coordination, fast heartbeat, severe dizziness, unexplained fever, sweating, diarrhea, or twitching muscles. Get emergency help right away if you have these symptoms.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication, use a special medication dose cup or oral syringe from the pharmacy to measure your dose. Do not use household spoons, as they are not accurate and might cause you to take too much medication.
You should drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich foods to prevent constipation while you are taking tramadol. If you are having trouble urinating, talk to your doctor. You can also try over-the-counter laxatives.
Tramadol can interact with certain medications, including sedatives, antidepressants, and narcotic pain relievers. You should tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications and supplements you are taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
If you are having a surgery, tell your doctor before starting this medication. You should not take this medication during labor or delivery, as it could cause harm to the baby. If you have a stomach ulcer, bowel disease, or liver disease, you should not use this medication. It may also interact with certain foods, including fried or fatty foods.
Precautions
Taking tramadol can raise your risk of becoming addicted to it or developing an opioid abuse problem, especially if you take it for a long time or in high doses. Your doctor will carefully weigh the benefits of pain relief against this risk, and may recommend a different medication or dose for you.
Tramadol is a schedule IV controlled substance and must be taken with care to prevent drug misuse, addiction, and overdose. Keep this medication in a safe place to prevent theft or abuse, and keep it away from children. Do not drink alcohol or take other drugs that can cause sleepiness while you are taking this medication. Doing so increases your risk for dangerous side effects, including breathing problems and an inability to think clearly or concentrate.
Your doctor should also monitor you closely for signs of serotonin syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening reaction. This can happen if you take tramadol with other medications that affect the levels of serotonin in your body, such as antidepressants, MAOIs (including linezolid and phenelzine), and certain migraine medications.
It is important to talk to your doctor before you start any new medication, including over-the-counter medications and supplements, and tell them about any health issues you have, such as a history of drug use or mental health disorders. You should also discuss your treatment goals with them, as they may be different from those of other patients.
Non-pharmacologic treatments, such as physical therapy and rehabilitation, can help reduce your need for prescription medications like tramadol and improve your quality of life. Non-invasive procedures, such as nerve blocks, epidural steroid injections, or radiofrequency ablation, can also be used to relieve chronic pain and improve your function. Your doctor can recommend a specialized program that combines these techniques and other modalities to optimize your pain management. You should also seek out social and psychological support, if necessary, to address your symptoms.
Overdose
If you take too much tramadol, you may feel very sleepy or sick and have trouble breathing. You could also become unconscious and need emergency treatment in hospital. If you think you have taken too much, call triple zero (000) immediately. Ask for an ambulance. In some cases, you will be given naloxone, a medicine that reverses the effects of opioid overdose. Make sure that someone who cares for you knows where to get naloxone and how to use it.
Tramadol is a strong painkiller from a group of medicines called opiates or narcotics. It can be used to treat moderate to severe pain, including after surgery and serious injuries. It works by changing the way your brain responds to pain. It is available only on prescription and comes as tablets, capsules or liquid drops that you swallow. It can also be given by injection, but this is usually only done in hospital.
It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions exactly. Never take more than the prescribed dose and do not use it for longer than recommended. Taking too much can cause overdose and death. Signs of overdose include not responding to sound or touch, very slowed breathing, extreme sleepiness, and cold or clammy skin. Taking too much can also increase your risk of getting seizures. It is important to tell your doctor if you have a history of seizures.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is best to avoid using tramadol. It can pass into breast milk and may harm the baby. It is also not safe to take during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Tramadol can interact with some medications and supplements, including SSRIs, antidepressants, MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine), and SNRIs. It can also increase your risk of getting serotonin syndrome, a serious reaction that can be life-threatening.
You should not drive or operate machinery while taking tramadol. It can impair your thinking and affect your judgement. You should also not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine. You may be more sensitive to the effects of tramadol if you have certain health conditions, such as liver disease or a neuromuscular disorder.