Seizures have been reported in patients taking tramadol. Your risk of seizures is higher if you are taking higher doses than recommended. Seizure risk is also higher in those with a seizure disorder or those taking certain antidepressants or opioid medications.
Tramadol should not be used if you are suicidal or prone to addiction.
You should not take tramadol if you have severe breathing problems, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, or if you have recently used alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, narcotic medication, or an MAO inhibitor (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others).
Tramadol can slow or stop your breathing, and may be habit-forming. MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription. Keep this medicine where others cannot get to it.
Tramadol should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old, or anyone younger than 18 years old who recently had surgery to remove the tonsils or adenoids. Ultram ER should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years old.
Taking tramadol during pregnancy may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.
Fatal side effects can occur if you use this medicine with alcohol, or with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take tramadol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
severe asthma or breathing problems;
a stomach or bowel obstruction (including paralytic ileus);
if you have recently used alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, or narcotic medications; or
if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days (such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine).
Tramadol should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old. Ultram ER should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years old.
Do not give this medicine to anyone younger than 18 years old who recently had surgery to remove the tonsils or adenoids.
Seizures have occurred in some people taking tramadol. Your seizure risk may be higher if you have ever had:
a head injury, epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
drug or alcohol addiction; or
a metabolic disorder.
To make sure tramadol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
breathing problems, sleep apnea;
liver or kidney disease;
urination problems;
problems with your gallbladder, pancreas, or thyroid;
a stomach disorder; or
mental illness, or suicide attempt.
If you use tramadol during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks.
Ask a doctor before using tramadol if you are breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you notice severe drowsiness or slow breathing in the nursing baby.
How should I take tramadol?
Take tramadol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Never use tramadol in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to take more of this medicine.
Never share tramadol with another person, especially someone with a history of drug addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medicine where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Stop taking all other opioid medications when you start taking tramadol.
Tramadol can be taken with or without food, but take it the same way each time.
Swallow the capsule or tablet whole to avoid exposure to a potentially fatal overdose. Do not crush, chew, break, open, or dissolve.
Measure liquid medicine with the supplied syringe or a dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Never crush or break a tramadol tablet to inhale the powder or mix it into a liquid to inject the drug into your vein. This practice has resulted in death.
You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop using tramadol suddenly. Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep track of your medicine. You should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription.
Do not keep leftover tramadol. Just one dose can cause death in someone using it accidentally or improperly. Ask your pharmacist where to locate a drug take-back disposal program. If there is no take-back program, mix the leftover medicine with cat litter or coffee grounds in a sealed plastic bag throw the bag in the trash.
