Miriam Allen tells you about the indications and safe use for Tramadol. She also gives you valuable guidelines for talking to your doctor about Tramadol.

What is Tramadol?

Tramadol is a pain reliever that is similar to a narcotic and works by reducing the transmission of pain. When you buy cheap Tramadol, it comes one of in several forms, including tablet, orally-disintegrating tablet or extended release tablet.

How should I use Tramadol?

When you buy cheap Tramadol, you should do so under the close supervision of a doctor and in strict adherence to that doctor’s instructions.

Your health care provider will probably start you on a low dose of Tramadol and gradually increase it. Your dose should not be increased more often than every three days for most forms of Tramadol and not more often than five days if you are taking the extended-release form.

Tramadol should be swallowed hole. Do not crush, chew or split your tablet. If you are taking the orally-disintegrating tablet, place it on your tongue and wait for it to dissolve. You do not have to take water with the orally-disintegrating tablet.

Tramadol can be addictive. Never take more Tramadol than your doctor has prescribed. Taking too much Tramadol could be fatal. If you have an urge to take more Tramadol that your doctor has prescribed, then call your doctor immediately. Call your doctor if your mood or behavior changes after taking Tramadol.

Before you stop taking Tramadol, consult with your physician. Your doctor will likely wean you off to Tramadol to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms of withdrawal include tingling or burning in your hands and feet, numbness, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and difficulty falling or staying asleep. Other withdrawal symptoms include nervousness, chills, nausea, diarrhea or even hallucinations. Call your physician if you experience any of these withdrawal symptoms of Tramadol.

How do I store Tramadol?

When you buy cheap Tramadol, store it in a cool, dry place. Keep it and all other medications away from children. Keep your Tramadol in its original container.

What if I forget a dose?

Take your missed dose as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and continue with your usual schedule. Never double a dose.

What should my doctor know about me?

Tramadol has the potential for adverse reactions in some people. You should tell your doctor if you are allergic to cough medicines, codeine, Vicodin, Diluadid, OxyContin or Darvin. Tell your doctor about any bad reactions you’ve had to any medication even if it is not listed above.

Tell your doctor about any medications, both prescription and non-prescription, vitamins or herbal supplements that you take.

Tell your physician if you have experienced seizures or any condition that caused pressure on your brain, such as a head injury, brain tumor, brain or spinal infection or stroke.

Tell your doctor if you have ever experienced depression or suicidal thoughts. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or use street drugs.

Tell your doctor if you have breathing difficulties, kidney disease or liver disease. Also, tell your physician if you plan on becoming pregnant or if you become pregnant while taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

If you are scheduled to undergo surgery, tell the doctor or dentist performing the surgery that you are taking Tramadol.

Is there anything else I should talk to my doctor about?

There are certain dietary considerations regarding the use of Tramadol, especially concerning grapefruit juice. Alcohol can make the side effects of Tramadol worse. Talk to your doctor before using alcohol. Tramadol may cause drowsiness, so talk to your doctor if you plan on driving while taking Tramadol. Talk to your doctor about what you should do if you experience break-thru pain that is not relieved by your prescribed dose of Tramadol.

What are Tramadol’s side effects?

If the following side effects are severe or do not go away, talk to your doctor. These side effects are dry mouth, diarrhea, nausea, headache, sleepiness, dizziness, loss of appetite, vomiting, flushing, difficult falling or staying asleep and weakness.

Some potential side effects are serious. If you experience any of the following, seek medical attention right away. Serious side effects include hoarseness, difficulty breathing or swallowing, rash, blister, seizures, shallow or slow breathing, swelling of any body part, hives or fever.

What if I take too much Tramadol?

An overdose of Tramadol is life-threatening. Symptoms of overdose include heart attack, coma, slow or shallow breathing, seizures and extreme drowsiness. If you suspect that you or a loved one has overdosed on Tramadol, call 911 immediately.

What else should I do if I am taking Tramadol?

Always carry a list of your prescriptions with you that also includes supplements and herbal products. Carry this list near your driver’s license or I.D. so that emergency personnel can find it. Tell your family where you keep the list and always take it with you to doctors’ appointments.