Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Ultram, Ultram ER

Generic Name: tramadol (Pronunciation: TRAM a dol)

• What is tramadol (Ultram, Ultram ER)?
• What are the possible side effects of tramadol (Ultram, Ultram ER)?
• What is the most important information I should know about tramadol (Ultram, Ultram ER)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tramadol (Ultram, Ultram ER)?
• How should I take tramadol (Ultram, Ultram ER)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Ultram, Ultram ER)?
• What happens if I overdose (Ultram, Ultram ER)?
• What should I avoid while taking tramadol (Ultram, Ultram ER)?
• What other drugs will affect tramadol (Ultram, Ultram ER)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is tramadol (Ultram, Ultram ER)?

Tramadol is a narcotic-like pain reliever.

Tramadol is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Tramadol extended-release is used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain when treatment is needed around the clock.

Tramadol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Tramadol 50 mg-EON

round, white, imprinted with E 311

Tramadol 50 mg-MYL

round, white, imprinted with M, T7

Tramadol 50 mg-PAR

round, white, imprinted with G, TI 50

Tramadol 50 mg-PP

oval, white, imprinted with R 714

Tramadol 50 mg-TEV

oval, white, imprinted with 93, 58

Tramadol 50 mg-URL

round, white, imprinted with MP 717

Tramadol 50 mg-WAT

round, white, imprinted with 466, WATSON

Ultram 50 mg

oblong, white, imprinted with ULTRAM, 06 59

What are the possible side effects of tramadol (Ultram, Ultram ER)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using tramadol and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting;
• seizure (convulsions);
• a red, blistering, peeling skin rash; or
• shallow breathing, weak pulse.

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness, weakness;
• nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite;
• blurred vision;
• flushing (redness, warmth, or tingly feeling); or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about tramadol (Ultram, Ultram ER)?

You should not take tramadol if you have ever been addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Seizures (convulsions) have occurred in some people taking tramadol. You may be more likely to have a seizure while taking tramadol 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.

Take tramadol 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 tramadol in one day.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. A tramadol overdose can be fatal. Overdose symptoms of a tramadol overdose may include drowsiness, shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, extreme weakness, cold or clammy skin, feeling light-headed, fainting, or coma.

Tramadol may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Tramadol should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Tramadol 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.

Do not stop using tramadol suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, tremors, chills, hallucinations, trouble sleeping, or breathing problems. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication.

Do not crush the tramadol 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 inhalation or injection can cause life-threatening side effects, overdose, or death.