1. Ultracet Spells Pain Relief
Ultracet is a compound drug that contains tramadol and acetaminophen, both analgesics to control pain. By combining the two drugs, Ultracet pain medication lasts longer and works faster than either medication alone. Your doctor may prescribe Ultracet for acute pain lasting no more than five days, such as following minor surgery. Ultracet contains 37.5 mg of tramadol and 325 mg of acetaminophen. Ask your doctor about dosage.
2. Keep a List of Your Medications
Tramadol can cause seizures, even in patients who are taking the recommended dosage. However, the risk goes up notably when mixed with certain medications or alcohol. Patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants (SSRIs), such as Lexapro, Zoloft, Paxil and Prozac, or those taking tricyclic antidepressants, such as Elavil, are at a greater risk of seizure. MAO inhibitors and other opioids (painkillers) also add to the risk. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist of all medications you take.
3. Ultracet Side Effects
Ultracet might cause nausea, constipation, dry mouth, diarrhea, dizziness or drowsiness. These symptoms usually are mild and go away on their own. However, if they get worse, call your doctor. More serious side effects are rare. If you experience appetite loss, trouble sleeping or increased sweating, call your doctor. The most serious side effects are unlikely but worth noting. Call your doctor or go to the emergency room if you have chest pain, ringing in your ears, vomiting, blurred vision, severe headache, seizures, trouble swallowing, fainting, black stools, or mental or mood changes. Overdose of tramadol can depress the central nervous system and respiration. An acetaminophen overdose can destroy your liver, causing death. Symptoms of an overdose include shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, weakness, jaundice, stomach pain, fainting or cold and clammy skin. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency help.
4. Long-Term Use Requires Gradual Cessation
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) notes that tramadol may have a higher potential for abuse than originally thought. Don't abruptly stop taking Ultracet if you have been taking it long term. Ultracet withdrawal usually presents with flu-like symptoms. However, panic attacks and hallucinations, along with numbness and tingling in the extremities may also occur in a small portion of patients. The best way to avoid Ultracet withdrawal is to take the medication as prescribed for as short of a period as possible, and ask your doctor how to wean yourself off the medication gradually.
5. Pain Relief for Quality of Life
When surgery or an injury causes pain, it usually resolves on its own. In these cases, short-term use of tramadol in people who tolerate it well is no problem. But if you experience chronic pain, you and your doctor should weigh the risks of long-term tramadol use with the benefits. Pain relief is unarguably necessary for quality of life, so ask your doctor about other pain management options such as exercise, physical therapy or chiropractic.
