Tramadol is a pain killer used to treat moderate to severe stages of pain. It is a synthetic agent as 4-phenyl-piperidine analogue of codeine. It is believed to function like morphine. Additionally, its actual actions are not known till date. Therefore, it is suggested to take this medicine only after a consultation with a doctor or physician. Tramadol is the generic form of Ultram.
Tramadol functions in the brain. It thwarts the receptors in the brain which convey the message of pain in the entire body. It is safe to take the medicine, if taken for short durations of time and under the doctor’s observation. The medicine should be taken during emergency situations. The medicine is available in variations differing in milligrams. For the immediate release normally 50 mg is given and in extended time release 100 mg, 200 mg and 300 mg could be prescribed after studying the condition of the patient.
It is recommended to take the medicine in the same form as prescribed by physician. One should not crush it, chew or split it during use. Tramadol should be taken as a whole. The consumer will not get addictive to the medicine if taken for short durations of time. If the medicine is taken for longer period of time then it is commonly found that the medicine acquires a resistance. In this condition you may feel that Tramadol is not working at all in your pain management. The medicine will lose its effectiveness.
The long term users of the medicines are recommended not to start or stop Taking the Medicine by themselves. The patient should not increase or decrease the dosage also without consulting the doctor. The dosage of the medicine or any change in the prescription should only be made after the check up and consulting the doctor or the physician. If you feel any unpleasant side effects of the medicine on the body, you need to visit the doctor soon.
It is better to be honest with the doctor about your current medications and adverse reactions of any particular medicine on the body. Then only he will be able to suggest the better medications. Tramadol can be taken in combination with Carbamazepine; it is normally prescribed for the treatment of epilepsy and bi polar disorder. Carbamazepine also reduces the effect of Tramadol.
Tramadol has some side effects if not taken with proper care. The only issue lies in the addictive properties of the medicine. Therefore, the medicine should be taken under the guidance of an expert physician.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
All You Need to Know About Tramadol
Tramadol is a narcotic-like drug used to soothe from moderate to severe body pains. It works in similar ways as morphine and can be addictive. Thus, there is a tendency of the drug being abused. It is available in both original and generic forms and is administered as tablets, capsules or in liquid forms.
Dosage
The recommended dose for extended release tablets is 100mg per day which can be increased by 100mg every five days but not to exceed 300mg per day. These tablets should be swallowed whole and should NEVER be crushed or chewed.
The immediate release tablets should be taken every 4 to 6 hours with the maximum dosage of 400mg per day. The patient is advised to start of by taking 25mg daily which is then increased to 50mg every three days. It can be taken with a glass full of water or with food.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, DO NOT take a double dose. In case of an overdose, seek medical help immediately. Never stop medication suddenly as it causes unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
Points to Note Before Taking Tramadol
The more serious adverse effects are: convulsions, difficulty in breathing accompanied by weak pulses and red blistering and peeling of the skin. The less serious effects are: nausea, blurred vision, insomnia, dizziness and drowsiness as well as loss of appetite.
Dosage
The recommended dose for extended release tablets is 100mg per day which can be increased by 100mg every five days but not to exceed 300mg per day. These tablets should be swallowed whole and should NEVER be crushed or chewed.
The immediate release tablets should be taken every 4 to 6 hours with the maximum dosage of 400mg per day. The patient is advised to start of by taking 25mg daily which is then increased to 50mg every three days. It can be taken with a glass full of water or with food.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, DO NOT take a double dose. In case of an overdose, seek medical help immediately. Never stop medication suddenly as it causes unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
Points to Note Before Taking Tramadol
- You should not take this drug if you are an addict, was an addict or have recently used any of the following: alcohol, stress and depression relievers, medication for mental illnesses, sedatives or tranquilizers and any narcotic Pain Medicine.
- Inform your physician if you are suffering from kidney, liver or stomach diseases and if you have a history of depression, suicidal attempts or mental illness.
- The drug can produce an allergic effect hence the need to let the doctor know if you are allergic to any medicine.
- It's not recommended for pregnant and lactating mothers not unless directed by a doctor.
The more serious adverse effects are: convulsions, difficulty in breathing accompanied by weak pulses and red blistering and peeling of the skin. The less serious effects are: nausea, blurred vision, insomnia, dizziness and drowsiness as well as loss of appetite.
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