Tramadol is a pain medication typically prescribed to patients in moderate to severe pain who will need pain medication for an extended period of time. An opiate agonist, this medicine alters the way the body feels pain. This medicine comes immediate and extended release form, but it's also available in other forms.

Available Doses
The dose prescribed varies depending on the condition for which this drug is prescribed. The maximum recommended dose of Tramadol is 400 milligrams a day. For patients on dialysis, the maximum recommended dose is 100 milligrams every 12 hours. For patients with liver disease or cirrhosis, the maximum recommended dose is 50 milligrams every 12 hours. Patients over 75 years of age should not take more than 300 milligrams a day.

Precautions and Risks
Inform your doctor of any allergies you have before starting this medicine. You should not take Tramadol if you have severe breathing problems or take medicine that depresses the nervous system such as sedatives. Tell your doctor if you have a history of certain bowel diseases, urinary problems, brain disorders, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, or intestinal problems. This drug may make you drowsy, so don't drive until you know how it will affect you. Tramadol is not recommended for use in pregnant women and the drug passes into breast milk. For patients who have used this drug for a long time, withdrawal may occur upon ending use of this drug, especially if the dose was high. Symptoms of withdrawal may be anxiety, sleeplessness, rapid breathing, or sweating. This medicine should not be used in patients with a history of drug or alcohol abuse, as this drug is highly addictive.

Side Effects
Common side effects are nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, headache, or drowsiness. Many Tramadol users will never experience any side effects as a result of this medication. Rare but severe side effects include extreme muscle stiffness, severe abdominal pain, vision changes, or seizures. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. An allergic reaction to this drug is possible, but rare. If you notice a rash, itching or swelling, or trouble breathing after taking Tramadol, seek medical attention. A rare but serious condition called serotonin syndrome could result from use of Tramadol. Seek medical attention if you experience mental changes, restlessness, fast heartbeat, severe dizziness, severe nausea or vomiting, or muscle twitches.

Drug Interactions
Tramadol should not be taken with MAO inhibitors. Tell your doctor if you're taking medicine to treat nausea or drugs that cause an increase in serotonin, such as St. John's Wort, Lithium, SSRIs, or medications used to treat migraine headaches. Some medications may affect the way this drug is absorbed into your body, so tell your doctor if you're taking medications like antibiotics or drugs used to treat seizures. Drowsiness may be increased if combined with antihistamines, anti-anxiety drugs, sleep medications, or muscle relaxants.

Overdose
Tramadol should be taken only at the dose prescribed by your doctor. Symptoms of overdose are shallow breathing, irregular heartbeat, loss of consciousness, or heart attack. If you experience any of these symptoms, call a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Disclaimer
This drug information is not intended to cover all uses, instructions, interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of this medication. It is for general informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of a medical doctor. Specific patients and conditions require specific instructions, and this information should be given by the prescribing doctor. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and any consequences resulting from the use of this information, including damages or adverse consequences to persons or property. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.