Drug Uses

Ultram is used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. It also may be used to treat pain caused by surgery and chronic conditions such as cancer or joint pain. Ultram works by decreasing the brain's perception and response to pain. It also reduces the size or magnitude of the pain signal passed from one nerve to another. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How Taken

Ultram comes as a tablet to take it orally. It usually is taken every 4-6 hours as needed. It may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Ultram exactly as directed. Ultram can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Ultram, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease; liver disease; or a history of alcohol or drug dependence. You may not be able to take Ultram, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Ultram is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether Ultram passes into breast milk. Do not take Ultram without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you are over 75 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Ultram. The maximum daily dose of Ultram for people over 75 years of age is 300 mg. Ultram is not approved by the FDA for use by children younger than 16 years of age.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects

Although side effects from Ultram are not common, they can occur. The most frequently reported events were in the central nervous system (Migraine, Speech disorders) and gastrointestinal system (Gastrointestinal bleeding, Hepatitis, Stomatitis, Liver failure). Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: dizziness, headache, drowsiness, blurred vision, upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: fast heartbeat, redness, swelling, and itching of the face, numbness or tingling of the hands and feet, difficulty breathing, changes in urination, seizures.

Storage

Dispense in a tight container. Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15 - 30°C (59 - 86°F).

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Ultram overdose include difficulty breathing; shallow, weak breathing; and seizures.

More Information

Do not drink alcohol while taking Ultram. Alcohol may cause a dangerous decrease in breathing and/ or liver problems when used during treatment with Ultram. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Ultram may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Avoid sleeping pills, tranquilizers, sedatives, and antihistamines except under the supervision of your doctor. These drugs may increase drowsiness caused by Ultram.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.

Other info about Ultram at Wikipedia.org and other resources:

ULTRAM ER (Tramadol Hydrochloride) Tablet, Extended Release [Lake Erie Medical Surgical Supply DBA Quality Care Products LLC]
Updated Date: Dec 27, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Examining the use of tramadol hydrochloride as an antidepressant.
Tramadol (Ultram, Ultracet) is a centrally acting synthetic opioid with analgesic efficacy comparable to codeine. Antinociception is attributed to low but effective affinity for the mu-opioid receptor (μ), as well as reuptake inhibition of the monoamines norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5HT). Dual action antidepressants mirtazapine (Remeron), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and most notably venlafaxine (Effexor), which tramadol is closely related to in structure, also inhibit NE and 5HT reuptake. These medications are proven effective antidepressants and this shared monoaminergic action resulted in the research of tramadol as a potential treatment for depression. The present article intends to substantiate the use of tramadol in this manner by analyzing several decades of research which is prese...

ULTRAM ER (Tramadol Hydrochloride) Tablet, Extended Release [Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.]
Updated Date: Feb 14, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

ULTRAM ER (Tramadol Hydrochloride) Tablet, Extended Release [Rebel Distributors Corp]
Updated Date: Dec 10, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

ULTRAM (Tramadol Hydrochloride) Tablet, Coated [Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.]
Updated Date: Oct 21, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))