Tramadol is a prescription drug that’s used to treat chronic pain.

The extended-release formulations of tramadol are typically given to people who need round-the-clock pain relief for an extended period of time. They’re not to be used for brief bouts of pain.

Tramadol is in a class of drugs called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It works by altering the way your brain and nervous system respond to pain.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this medicine in 1995.

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uses

What is Tramadol (Ultram) used for?

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warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Tramadol (Ultram)?

You should not take tramadol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

Tramadol should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old. should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years old. Do not give tramadol to anyone between 12 and 18 years old who have a risk of breathing problems such as obstructive sleep apnea, obesity, or lung problems. Ultram ER

Do not give tramadol to anyone younger than 18 years old who recently had surgery to remove the tonsils or adenoids.

May harm an unborn baby.If you use tramadol during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Do not breastfeed. Tramadol in breast milk can cause life-threatening side effects in a nursing baby.

  • severe asthma or breathing problems, a stomach or bowel obstruction (including paralytic ileus);
  • if you have recently used alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, or narcotic medications; or
  • if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.
  • depression, a mental illness, head injury, epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
  • an opioid overdose, or a drug or alcohol addiction; or
  • a metabolic disorder.
  • urination, gallbladder, pancreas, or thyroid problems;
  • a stomach disorder;
  • breathing problems, sleep apnea, mental illness, or suicide attempt; or
  • liver or kidney disease.

Seizures have occurred in some people taking tramadol. Your seizure risk may be higher if you have ever had:

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

Long-term tramadol may affect fertility in men or women. Pregnancy could be harder to achieve while either parent is using this medicine.

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User Reviews & Rating

Overall rating for Tramadol (Ultram)

Side Effects
3.3
Easy to Use
4.3
Effectiveness
3.5
Read Tramadol (Ultram) Reviews
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Side Effects

What are the side effects of Tramadol (Ultram)?

Get emergency medical help if you have (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling). signs of an allergic reactionor a severe skin reaction

Call your doctor at once if you have:

Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Tramadol can slow or stop your breathing, and death may occur, especially if you drink alcohol or use other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow breathing. A person caring for you should give naloxone and/or seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

Serious breathing problems may be more likely in older adults and people who are debilitated or have wasting syndrome or chronic breathing disorders.

Common side effects may include:

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.

  • headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery;
  • increased sensitivity to pain or if your pain gets worse;
  • seizure (convulsions), confusion, problems with thinking or memory, weakness, feeling unsteady;
  • noisy breathing, sighing, shallow breathing, breathing that stops during sleep, a slow heart rate or weak pulse, a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or
  • low cortisol levels--nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, worsening tiredness or weakness.
  • itching, constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain; or
  • dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, headache.
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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Tramadol (Ultram) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Do not breastfeed. Tramadol in breast milk can cause life-threatening side effects in a nursing baby.

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Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Tramadol (Ultram)?

Do not drink alcohol or any products that contain alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries. Also avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

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Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Tramadol (Ultram)?

Use Tramadol (Ultram) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine. Never use tramadol in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed.

Tramadol can be taken with or without food, but take it the same way each time.

Measure with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). liquid medicine

Never crush or break a tramadol pill to inhale the powder or mix it into a liquid to inject the drug into your vein. This practice has resulted in death.

You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop using tramadol suddenly. Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.

Never share tramadol with another person, especially someone with a history of drug addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medicine where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Do not change your dose or stop using tramadol without your doctor's advice. Ask a doctor before using any other opioid medications to treat or manage pain.

Swallow the capsule or tablet whole to avoid exposure to a potentially fatal overdose. Do not crush, chew, break, open, or dissolve.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep your medicine in a place where no one can use it improperly.

Do not keep leftover medicine. Ask your pharmacist about a drug take-back program. You may also mix the leftover medicine with cat litter or coffee grounds in a sealed plastic bag and throw the bag in the trash. Just one dose can cause death in someone using it accidentally or improperly.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Tramadol (Ultram)?

Since tramadol is used for pain, you are not likely to miss a dose. Skip any missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. use two doses at one time. Do not

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Overdose Signs

What happens if I overdose on Tramadol (Ultram)?

Your doctor may recommend you get naloxone (a medicine to reverse an opioid overdose) and keep it with you at all times. A person caring for you can give the naloxone if you stop breathing or don't wake up. Your caregiver must still get emergency medical help and may need to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on you while waiting for help to arrive.

Anyone can buy naloxone from a pharmacy or local health department. Make sure any person caring for you knows where you keep naloxone and how to use it.

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Tramadol (Ultram),  call your doctor or the Poison Control center
(800) 222-1222
If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Tramadol (Ultram), call 911
911
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What to Expect

If you’re taking a fast-acting form of tramadol, you can expect it to start working within 30 to 60 minutes.

The extended-release tablets and capsules are gradually released into your body over 12 or 24 hours.

Extended-release tramadol is used by people who have constant pain for a long time.

Some people who take tramadol for a prolonged period become tolerant to it.

The most common side effects are nausea or dizziness.

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Additional Dosage Information

Your dose will depend on how severe your pain is, how sensitive you are to the medicine, and other factors.

Usually, you’ll be prescribed the lowest possible dose to relieve your pain. You may need to have your dosage adjusted several times before you and your doctor determine what works best.

While dosages vary, you generally shouldn’t take more than 400 milligrams (mg) of tramadol a day.

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Secondary Uses

Researchers have studied tramadol as an “off-label” treatment to relieve conditions other than pain.

Some studies suggest tramadol may play a role in helping the following:

  • Anxiety and depression, especially when related to pain
  • Premature ejaculation
  • Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
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Medical Disclaimer

Drugs A-Z provides drug information from Everyday Health and our partners, as well as ratings from our members, all in one place. Cerner Multum™ provides the data within some of the Overview, Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, Pregnancy, Interactions, Dosage, Overdose, and Images sections. The information within all other sections is proprietary to Everyday Health.