Tramadol is the generic form of the drugs Ultram and Ultram ER. According to Drugs.com, an online drug resource, tramadol is classified as a miscellaneous analgesic. Tramadol provides pain relief like a narcotic but is not a controlled medication. The extended-release form of this medication is used to treat chronic pain in need of 24-hour control.
Important Facts
According to Drugs.com, tramadol should not be used by patients with known drug or alcohol addictions. This medication can be habit forming and should never be shared. Stopping tramadol suddenly can cause adverse reactions such as nausea, diarrhea, tremors, chills, anxiety, hallucinations and breathing difficulties. Notify a health care provider prior to discontinuing this medication.
Before Using
Drugs.com states that prior to taking tramadol, a health care provider should be notified of the following: recent use of narcotic pain medications, alcohol, tranquillizers, antidepressants, antipsychotics or illegal street drugs. Tramadol has caused seizures in some patients. Patients with any of the following medical histories are at a higher risk of having seizures while taking tramadol: drug or alcohol addiction; seizure disorders such as epilepsy; head injury; and antidepressant, anti-emetic or muscle relaxer use.
Proper Use
According to Drugs.com, tramadol should be taken with a full glass of water at the same time every day with or without food. Do not crush or chew the extended-release form of this medication. Altering the form of this medication in any way can cause an excess amount of the drug to be delivered into the body, causing possible adverse reactions. If a dose of this medication is missed, take the skipped dose as soon as it is remembered unless it is time for the next scheduled dose. Do not double up doses of tramadol.
Side Effects
Mayo Clinic lists the following side effects of tramadol: stomach discomfort, blisters under the skin, bloating, bloody urine, increase in blood pressure, vision disturbances, balance problems, chills, seizures, dark urine, problems voiding, irregular heart rate, fainting and dizziness. According to Drugs.com, tramadol can cause life-threatening allergic reactions such as: hives; trouble breathing; and swelling of throat, tongue, face and lips. Notify a health care provider immediately if any adverse reactions occur.
Dosing
Mayo Clinic states dosages of tramadol will be different for each patient. Follow the instructions provided by the health care provider. The typical starting dose of tramadol for chronic pain is 100 mg of the extended-release tablet daily, not to exceed 300 mg in a day. Non-extended release dosing may include 25 mg up to 100 mg every four hours as needed for pain. This dose should not exceed 400 mg in 24 hours.
Availability
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, tramadol is approved for the treatment of pain and comes in 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg and 300 mg strengths. Tramadol is available in extended-release capsules, extended-release tablets, disintegrating tablets and regular tablet forms.
