Why is this medication prescribed?

Tramadol is used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. It also may be used to treat pain caused by surgery and chronic conditions such as cancer or joint pain.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Tramadol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken every 4-6 hours as needed. It may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tramadol exactly as directed.

Tramadol can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking tramadol,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tramadol, codeine, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other pain relievers; carbamazepine (Tegretol); MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate)]; medications for depression; quinidine; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; and vitamins.
  
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, a history of seizures, or a history of alcohol or drug abuse.
  
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking tramadol, call your doctor.
  
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking tramadol.
  
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from tramadol are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness
• headache
• drowsiness
• blurred vision
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• diarrhea

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• fast heartbeat
• redness, swelling, and itching of the face
• numbness or tingling of the hands and feet
• difficulty breathing
• changes in urination
• seizures

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.