Ultram

Generic Name: tramadol (TRAM a dol)

Brand name: Ultram, Ultram ER

Drug interactions:

Tramadol can impair thinking and the physical abilities required for driving or operating machinery. Tramadol should be avoided in patients intoxicated with alcohol, hypnotics, and narcotics. Large doses of tramadol administered with alcohol or anesthetic agents can impair breathing. Tramadol can increase the risk of seizure in epileptic patients, especially with simultaneous use of tricyclic antidepressants, such as Elavil. No dosage adjustment or reduction is necessary in healthy elderly patients 65-75 years of age. Patients over the age of 75 years, and those with liver and kidney dysfunction may need lower dosages. The safety of tramadol in children has not been established. Tramadol may rarely be habit forming. Tramadol should be avoided in patients with a history of opiate addiction or hypersensitivity to opiate medications.

The most important information you 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 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.

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.

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.