Use of Tramadol

What is Tramadol used for?

Tramadol is a treatment for moderate to severe pain. It is used for people with most types of neuralgia and may also help people with depression and anxiety because it works to increase GABA, noradrenalin and serotonin, which are often depleted in patients with mood disorders. It is important to note, though, that the medical community has not yet endorsed the use of Tramadol for pain associated with mood disorders.

Your doctor will give you specific instructions about how to use Tramadol. Read the label on your medication and follow dosing instructions exactly as specified.

Tramadol is taken orally and can be taken with or without food.
Do not take extra Tramadol to make up for a missed dose. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the time for your next dose. In that case, skip the dose you missed and continue with your regular dosing schedule.

If you have questions about Tramadol, ask your doctor or medical provider. People who should avoid Tramadol include:

those who are allergic to any of its ingredients
those who are taking an antibiotic that causes severe diarrhea.
those who have ingested large quantities of alcohol or who are taking opioids, narcotics, sleep aids or sedatives.
those who are taking nefazodone, carbamazepine or sodium oxybate (GHB).

If any of the above situations apply to you, consult your doctor about the use of Tramadol.

Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following apply to you before you take Tramadol:

You are pregnant or may become pregnant or you are breastfeeding
You are taking antidepressant medications or any other medication, including over-the -counter remedies, herbs or nutritional supplements
You have any kind of allergies.
You are allergic to substances that contain codeine or codeine-related ingredients.
You have a history of substance abuse, alcoholism or suicidal tendencies.
You have had a recent head or brain injury, brain tumor, pressure in the brain or infection of the brain or nervous system.
You have a history of gastrointestinal problems, respiratory problems (including asthma), epilepsy, seizures, chronic bowel inflammation or ulcers.
You have recently had abdominal surgery.
You have heart, liver or kidney problems, a thyroid condition, an enlarged prostate or a urinary tract condition.

Be aware that certain medications may interact with Tramadol. Talk to your health care provider before combining Tramadol with any other medications, especially:

Carbamazepine, which may decrease the effectiveness of Tramadol and increase the risk of seizures.
Medications for mood disorders, other opioid pain medications, sleeping pills, sodium oxybate (GHB), tricyclic antidepressants, or weight loss medications. Combining these medications with Tramadol can result in an increased risk of severe drowsiness, difficulty breathing, liver problems or seizures.
Antidepressants, including MAO inhibitors and SSRIs, which may interact with Tramadol to produce severe and potentially fatal reactions that include restlessness, fever, severe sweating, disorientation, twitching and seizures.
Anticoagulants (blood thinners) because increased bleeding may result if these drugs are combined with Tramadol.
Digoxin, which can combine with Tramadol to cause increased risk of nausea, vomiting or decreased heartbeat.

Other drugs may have serious interactions with Tramadol as well, so it is important to talk to your doctor before combining Tramadol with other substances, even if they are not listed here. Talk to your doctor before deciding to stop, start or change the dose of any medication you may be taking.