Tramadol Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (TRAH-muh-dall)
Tramadol Oral Uses
This medication is used to relieve ongoing, moderate pain in people who need all-day pain relief ("around the clock" dosing). It is similar to narcotic pain medications. It works on certain nerves in the brain that control how you experience pain.
How To Use Tramadol Oral
Take this medication by mouth, either always with food or always without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. If nausea occurs, consult your doctor or pharmacist about ways to decrease it (e.g., antihistamines, lying down for 1 to 2 hours with as little head movement as possible).
Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet. Doing so would release the tramadol into your bloodstream all at once, possibly causing serious (sometimes fatal) side effects.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce the risk of side effects, your doctor may tell you to gradually increase your dose when starting long-acting tramadol. The maximum recommended dose is 300 milligrams a day.
If you have severe kidney disease (e.g., on dialysis) or severe liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), regular-release tramadol is recommended instead of the long-acting form.
Pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well.
Follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions for the safe use of non-narcotic pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details regarding your treatment.
This medication may cause dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for an extended time or if it has been used in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal reactions (e.g., anxiety, sweating, sleeplessness, shaking, diarrhea, rapid breathing) may occur if you suddenly stop this drug. To prevent withdrawal reactions when stopping extended, regular treatment with this drug, gradually reduce the dosage as directed. Also, if you are taking regular doses of narcotic medications for ongoing pain (e.g., cancer pain), starting tramadol may cause a withdrawal reaction. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.
Rarely, abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction) is possible with this medication. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.
When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
Tell your doctor if your pain does not decrease or if it worsens.
