Important Information about Tramadol, Pain Treatment

Tramadol is a very effective painkiller because of its qualities as an opioid, but its potency requires responsibility and diligence on the part of the patient to avoid side effects.

Make sure you consult your doctor and discuss your medical history honestly and openly with your doctor to prevent any health hazards.

Dosing

Tramadol doses vary depending on the patient, but the highest daily dose permissible is 400mg/day for immediate-release tablets, and 100mg tablets up to 300mg/day with extended-release tablets. Doses are typically taken every 4-6 hours as needed in 50mg or 100mg tablets.

Extended-release tablets allow you to take only one pill daily due to their slower effect.

Patients will often start at 25mg per day and can up their dosage by 25mg every 3 days until they reach 100mg as needed to treat their symptoms. After that point, if appropriate, the patient may up their dosage by 50mg every 3 days until they reach 300mg per day.

If you are taking Tramadol in pill form, make sure you swallow the pill whole as prescribed; do not chew, crush, or snort the pill as this could cause serious health risks.

If you overdose, contact a poison control center immediately. Symptoms of an overdose include decreased pupil size, difficulty breathing or remaining awake, passing out, coma, seizure, or heart attack.

Contraindictions

Many medications can alter the effects of Tramadol on the body and cause adverse reactions. Make sure you are not consuming any of the following before taking Tramadol, and be sure to consult with your doctor how to handle your pain if you are.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) and Selective Serotonin Inhibitors (SSRIs)

MAOIs and SSRIs affect receptors in the brain similarly to Tramadol, and using them in conjunction with Tramadol significantly increases the risk of seizures and serotonin toxicity, which is life threatening.

Anti-seizure Medication

Carbamazepine—known by brand names Carbatol, Equetro, and Tegretol—reduces the effects of Tramadol

Antiarrhythmic Medication

Quinidine increases the effects of Tramadol by up to 60 percent.

The Importance Of Habit

You can take Tramadol after a meal or on an empty stomach, but the rate at which it is absorbed in your body should be kept routine. Make a plan as to how you will take Tramadol each day and abide by that schedule.

If you vary when you take Tramadol, you may receive an unusually quick uptake and your body's tolerance may go up, resulting in dependence issues.