Generic Ultram

What is it?
Tramadol Hydrochloride is a non-narcotic analgesic used to treat severe post surgical pain and chronic pain.
FDA approved:

March 1995
Brand Names and International Availability:
Contramal (India); Exopen (Korea); Mabron (Thailand); Tadol (Taiwan); Tradol (Mexico); Tramal (Benin, Burkina-Faso, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory-Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra-Leone, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe; Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Republic-of-Yemen, Saudi-Arabia, Syria, United-Arab-Emirates, Taiwan, Hong-Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Bulgaria, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Colombia, Costa-Rica, Dominican-Republic, El-Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Thailand); Tramed (Taiwan); Tramol (Poland); Tridol (Korea); Ultram (US); Zipan (Korea)

How does it work?
Its action is not completely understood, however it does appear to have two actions. It binds with certain opioid receptors, this blocks pain impulses from reaching the brain, in the same way as with NSAIDs and opioids. In addition, it inhibits reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, altering the way the brain monitors pain signals.
Dosage:
For the treatment of painful conditions 50 mg to 100 mg can be taken as needed for relief every four to six hours, not to exceed 400 mg per day. For moderate pain tramadol 50 mg may be adequate as the initial dose, and for more severe pain, tramadol 100 mg is usually more effective as the initial dose.

How should I take it?
Take tramadol as ordered, usually with a full glass of water. If stomach upset occurs, take after meals. Do not take more than the doctor ordered.

Contraindications:

If you are over 65, you may need your dose adjusted.

Should not be used in people with a history of narcotic dependence.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Tramadol should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Should not be used by nursing mothers.

Use with caution in the elderly.
Drug Interactions:

May cause seizures if used with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI antidepressants or anoretics), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and other tricyclic compounds (e.g., cyclobenzaprine, promethazine, etc.), MAO inhibitors or opioids.

Use with caution with Digoxin and Warfarin.

Because of the potent nature of this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about any other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines and vitamins.
Possible side effects:

These side effects are not considered serious but are certainly annoying for those experiencing them. The most frequently reported side effects include constipation or diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, false sense of well being, feeling of unreality, mood changes, headache and indigestion

More serious side effects that you should report right away include changes in vision, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, fast or irregular heartbeat, hallucinations, passing urine more frequently than usual, or not passing urine as often as usual, skin rash, and seizures.

Precautions & Special Notes:

Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how tramadol affects you. Avoid alcohol while taking tramadol.