Tramadol consumer information — essential safety information

What is Tramadol?

This is a synthetic form of the more powerful opiate drugs. It offers relief to moderate to severe pain. You have the choice of the conventional tablet and an extended relief capsule which relieves pain over longer periods of time. It is also used to treat the pain of fibromyalgia and to bring calm to the muscles with restless leg syndrome.

What should you know about Tramadol?

Some people find their thinking processes and reaction times slow when they first start taking Tramadol. Until you know how the drug affects you, do not drive or operate any kind of equipment that might be dangerous should your concentration fail. If the drug is not offering the level of pain relief you were expecting, do not increase the dosage. Discuss this reaction with a doctor. Indeed, simply increasing the dosage may put you at risk of dependence.

What should you discuss with your doctor before using Tramadol?

If you have recently had a head injury or you have any history of seizures, get a doctor’s approval to taking Tramadol. Seizures are more likely if you take Tramadol. You must also take advice if you are depressed and taking one of the standard range of antidepressants. Finally, it is not unknown for people to become dependent on Tramadol so you should not start taking it if you have any history of alcohol or prescription drug abuse. You should also take care if anyone in your family or circle of friends has addiction problems. Having Tramadol in your home may be a temptation to them.

Dosage

Take the dose based on your body weight and the degree of pain you are experiencing. Always drink the tablet or capsule down whole with plenty of water. If you crush or chew the tablet the active ingredients are absorbed into your bloodstream too quickly and can cause side effects.

What are the main side effects?

The less serious problems are feelings of dizziness or drowsiness. You can feel weak and your stomach may be upset resulting in nausea and vomiting. Some find it more difficult to sleep normally. But for a few, there is real danger if your mood changes for the worse, you become confused or agitated. This can be accompanied by hallucinations. A few people taking Tramadol have committed suicide. In physical terms, you should go immediately to an Emergency Room if you have chest pain, you find it difficult to breathe and your heart is racing.