Tramadol Information

Tramadol is an analgesic used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. The drug works by decreasing pain in the nervous system and certain areas of the brain.

You shouldn’t take Tramadol if you have severe diarrhea because of taking an antibiotic, are allergic to any ingredient in the drug, are taking sodium oxybate (GHB), nefazodone or carbamazepine or are intoxicated with opioids, sedatives, sleeping medications such as zolpidem or temazepam or narcotics such as codeine or morphine.

If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to consult with your doctor before taking Tramadol:

• Allergies to certain substances, foods or medicines
• Are pregnant, breast feeding or plan to become pregnant
• Are taking any prescriptions or nonprescription medications, (particularly depression medicines), dietary supplements or herbal preparations
• Are allergic to morphine or a morphine-related medicine such as hydromorphone
• Have a history of substance or alcohol abuse or suicidal behaviors or thoughts
• Are allergic to codeine or a codeine-related medicine such as dihydrocodeine, oxycodone or hydrocodone
• History of asthma or other lung or breathing problems
• Have seizures or epilepsy
• Recently suffered a brain or head injury, tumor, infection of the nervous system or brain or a brain infection
• History of intestinal or stomach problems or ulceration or chronic inflammation of the bowels
• Undergone recent abdominal surgery
• Kidney, thyroid, heart, liver or urinary problems or an enlarged prostate gland

Certain medications may interact with Tramadol so consult with your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• Oral anticoagulants such as warfarin because its side effects such as bleeding may be increased by Tramadol
• Carbamazepine because it may decrease the drug’s effectiveness and increase the risk of seizures
• Digoxin because the risk of side effects such as vomiting, nausea or a slow heartbeat may be increased
• Furazolidone and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors such as phenelzine
• Certain medicines for mental or mood disorders such as haloperidol or olanzapine, cyclobenzaprine, isoniazid, opioid pain medicatin such as hydrocodone or codeine, tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, sleeping medicines such as zolpidem, sodium oxybate (GHB), phenothiazines and weight loss medications such as phentermine because side effects such as difficulty breathing, seizures, liver problems or excessive drowsiness may be increased
• Selegiline, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine or nefazodone because they may cause serious and possible fatal reactions, including excessive sweating, seizures, confusion, fever, and restlessness

Consult with your doctor to inquire if Tramadol may interact with other medications you are taking because the above list is not complete. Don’t change the dose, stop or start any medication without first talking to your doctor.

Only use Tramadol as prescribed and check the label for instructions. Tramadol can be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

Tramadol may cause dizziness or drowsiness, and the effects may increase with certain medicines or alcohol. Therefore, take the drug with caution and don’t perform dangerous tasks or drive until you know how you will react. Don’t take medicines such as muscle relaxants or sleep aids that may cause drowsiness or drink alcohol while taking Tramadol.

Exercise, fever, hot weather or alcohol may increase dizziness caused by Tramadol. Try to stand or sit up slowly in the mornings and lie or sit down as soon as you feel dizzy. Also be sure to consult with your dentist or doctor before undergoing any surgical, dental or medical procedures while taking Tramadol. Elderly individuals may be more sensitive to the drug’s effects, and anyone younger than 16 should not take Tramadol.

Because Tramadol has been proven to cause harm to the fetus, you should not take it while pregnant or breast feeding. Tramadol may also begin to lose its effectiveness, or you may require higher doses to achieve the same effect after using the drug for extended periods. Be sure to consult with your doctor if you experience this condition known as tolerance, and never exceed your prescribed dose.

If you use Tramadol for long periods without a break, you may develop a dependency on the drug. If you stop taking Tramadol suddenly, you may also experience withdrawal symptoms that include: diarrhea, sneezing, fever, anxiety, pain, abnormal skin sensations, rigid muscles, tremors, shivering, trouble sleeping, sweating, rapid heartbeat, runny nose or hearing, feeling or seeing tings that are not there.

If common side effects of Tramadol such as nausea, increasing sweating, drowsiness, diarrhea, dizziness or loss of appetite become bothersome or persistent, consult with your doctor. However, you need to seek immediate medical attention if you suffer any of the following severe side effects:

• Fainting
• Muscle stiffness
• Tremors
• Fever
• Seizures
• Incoordination
• Agitation
• Severe allergic reactions such as swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or face, itching, difficulty breathing, hives, rash or a tightness in the chest

What is the shelf life of the pills?

The expiry date is listed on each blister. The date will vary depending on the particular batch. The shelf life is 2 years from the manufacturing date and varies depending on when the pills were manufactured.