Before taking Tramadol

Like any prescription medication, Tramadol has certain warnings that you must pay full attention to before taking the drug. If you disregard these warnings, there is a real risk of highly unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects. These will not only make the drug ineffective against the pain, but may also induce it.

Never take Tramadol if you are currently using alcohol or recreational substances, have a history of addiction or have suffered from intoxication in the last few days. The risk substances include: narcotic analgesics, alcohol, antidepressants, sedatives, mental disorder treatments, recreational drugs.

Tramadol is known to cause seizures in certain circumstances. It was observed that seizers are most likely to take place when the person has one of the following conditions:

• drug or alcohol abuse history;
• seizure or epilepsy history;
• head injuries in the past;
• metabolic disorders;
• currently taking muscle relaxants, antidepressants or nausea and vomiting treatments.

You should discuss with your doctor the risk of developing seizures while taking Tramadol before starting the treatment. Also, make sure to inform your doctor about any allergic reactions that you had on drug or have any of the following medical conditions:

• kidney or liver disease;
• a stomach disorders;
• previous mental disorders or suicidal tendencies.

If this is the case your doctor is likely to adjust the dose of Tramadol for you in order to achieve better effects without aggravating the conditions.

Tramadol makes part of the FDA pregnancy category C, which means that the drug wields potential danger to the fetus and may result in damage and even fatal effects in the newborn. So make sure to inform your doctor about pregnancy or expectations of becoming pregnant anytime soon if you start a course of Tramadol treatment. Tramadol is known to pass into breast milk and to be harmful for the newborn baby. Tell your doctor about breastfeeding if he or she prescribes you with Tramadol. The effects of Tramadol on teenagers and toddlers aren't well studied so the drug should not be taken by persons younger than 18 years of age.

Follow your doctor's prescriptions when taking Tramadol and do not alter the dose unless the doctor tells you to. Do not exceed a 300 milligram maximum of daily Tramadol intake otherwise you may experience severe side effects and overdose symptoms.

Tramadol tablets should be taken with a glass of water regardless of the meal as food doesn't affect the absorption of the drug. However, it is recommended that you take the drug the same time on a regular basis.

The tablets should not be crushed and are for oral intake only. Consuming the drug any other way can result in dangerous side effects and even lethal overdose. Take the pills or delayed-release tablets integrally without chewing – just swallowing.

In case of extended-release Tramadol tablets, the shell of a tablet can enter your stools. This is nothing to worry about because you're receiving the drug as needed.

Remember that Tramadol can form a habit and may cause withdrawal effects if you suddenly stop taking the medication. Tell your doctor if you had history of substance addiction or abuse in the past.