Drug Name

Ultram (Tramadol)

Drug Uses

Ultram is prescribed to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain when treatment is needed around the clock. Ultram may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How Taken

Use Ultram as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Ultram by mouth with or without food, but take it the same way each time.
• Swallow Ultram whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
• Continue to take Ultram even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• Do not take more than 300 milligrams of tramadol in one day.
• Take this medication with a full glass of water.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Ultram is used to relieve pain, including pain after surgery. The long-acting tablets are used for chronic ongoing pain. The effects of Ultram are similar to those of narcotic analgesics. Although tramadol is not classified as a narcotic, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence.

Missed Dose

If your medical doctor or dentist has directed you to take this medicine according to a regular schedule and you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store Ultram at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Ultram out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Ultram if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Zyban;
• you have severe diarrhea due to taking an antibiotic;
• you are intoxicated with alcohol, other opioids or narcotics (e.g., morphine, codeine), sedatives or sleeping medicines (e.g., temazepam, zolpidem), or other medicines;
• you are taking nefazodone, carbamazepine, or sodium oxybate (GHB).

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important:

• Ultram may cause drowsiness and dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Ultram with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Ultram ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Ultram may cause dizziness; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase this effect. To prevent it, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of this effect.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Ultram before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Use Ultram with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Ultram should not be used in children younger than 16 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Ultram has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Ultram while you are pregnant. Ultram is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Ultram.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• constipation;
• diarrhea;
• dizziness;
• drowsiness;
• increased sweating;
• loss of appetite;
• nausea.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue);
• agitation;
• fainting;
• fever;
• incoordination;
• muscle stiffness or tremor;
• seizures.

More Information

Ultram is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.