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August 20, 2008 on 1:58 pm | In Tramadol Information |
The generic version of Ultram is called Tramadol, and the pain medication is very similar to morphine. As an opiate, Tramadol affects the brain’s opioids receptors which manage pain. When taken per prescription for short time periods, Tramadol can be a safe way to manage pain. Although the drug can alleviate moderate to severe pain by changing the way your body reacts to pain, it is not as strong as either Oxycontin or Vicodin.
Tramadol can be prescribed for extended or immediate release. The immediate release version is generally prescribed in 50 mg doses, whereas the time release version is often available in 100, 200 or 300 mg doses. Time release Tramadol is most often taken by patients needing long-term pain management.
Make sure to take Tramadol as prescribed. Always swallow the pills whole instead of splitting, crushing or chewing them. As a member of the opiate family, the drug can be addictive when taken for long time periods. Therefore, you may end up building up a resistance to Tramadol and believe the drug is no longer working. Never increase your dosage or stop taking it suddenly as you may experience severe opiate withdrawal symptoms. You should discuss the situation with your doctor so he/she can gradually decrease your dose.
If you discuss your medical condition and any medications you are taking with your doctor, Tramadol can be safe to take. However, you can experience severe problems if you mix the drug with others such as Carbamazepine used to treat bipolar disorder or epilepsy. The effects of Tramadol are increased by approximately 50 to 60% when it is combined with the heart disease medication called Quinidine. Mixing Tramadol with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) can cause serious side effects including seizures. Never take the drug with other narcotic drugs, sedatives, tranquilizers, anesthetics or alcohol. Nursing or pregnant women should also avoid Tramadol.
Just like any medication, you may experience some side effects when taking Tramadol. The drug is safe to take if you don’t mix it with any other drugs, but it can be addictive. Many individuals end up addicted to the drug hen they take it for extended periods which can lead to a desire for even stronger opiates. This is why you should only take Tramadol under the guidance of a doctor or health care professional. If you take it according to your prescription and under medical guidance, Tramadol can be a safe and effective pain reliever.
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