The Many Benefits of Tramadol

There are many different kinds of pain; there is persistent pain from a chronic condition, there is short term pain for an injury or illness, and there is pain that lasts only a few hours after some sort of strain or fall. Naturally, the very short term pain rarely ever needs a pain reliever, but the other two varieties do tend to require some sort of management.

Fortunately, there are many different pain relievers, and among the most popular for both long term and short term pain due to illness or injury is the prescription medication known as Tramadol.

This is not one of the NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), but is instead something known as an opiate agonist. This simply means that the medication is capable of communicating with the pain receptors in the brain in order to change the way that the brain transmits sensations throughout the body.

This is the primary reason that the medication can be used as an immediate release, as well as an extended release, formulation. In fact, Tramadol is persistently prescribed as the primary medication in an all around pain management program. This is due to the fact that it also comes in a few different dosages as well as different formulations.

For example, someone dealing with a long term and painful condition would be given the extended release formulation of Tramadol-Ultram; beginning with the lowest dosage. This would allow that person to be able to deal with any sort of progression of their condition or pain by simply transitioning into the next higher dosage.

It is something often used for conditions such as arthritis, but that is not the only issue that it can help to manage. It is now available in many online venues simply because it is so widely prescribed and used by many people for extended periods.

Drug Uses
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. Tramadol works by decreasing the brain's perception and response to pain. It also reduces the size or magnitude of the pain signal passed from one nerve to another. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How Taken
Tramadol comes as a tablet to take it orally. 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.
Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Tramadol, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease; liver disease; or a history of alcohol or drug dependence. You may not be able to take Tramadol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Tramadol is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether Tramadol passes into breast milk. Do not take Tramadol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you are over 75 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Tramadol. The maximum daily dose of Tramadol for people over 75 years of age is 300 mg. Tramadol is not approved by the FDA for use by children younger than 16 years of age.
Missed 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.
Possible Side Effects
Although side effects from Tramadol are not common, they can occur. The most frequently reported events were in the central nervous system (Migraine, Speech disorders) and gastrointestinal system (Gastrointestinal bleeding, Hepatitis, Stomatitis, Liver failure). Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: dizziness, headache, drowsiness, blurred vision, upset stomach, vomiting, and 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.
Storage
Dispense in a tight container. Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15 - 30°C (59 - 86°F).
Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Tramadol overdose include difficulty breathing; shallow, weak breathing; and seizures.
More Information
Do not drink alcohol while taking Tramadol. Alcohol may cause a dangerous decrease in breathing and/ or liver problems when used during treatment with Tramadol. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Tramadol may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Avoid sleeping pills, tranquilizers, sedatives, and antihistamines except under the supervision of your doctor. These drugs may increase drowsiness caused by Tramadol.
Disclaimer
This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.