tramadol / acetaminophen

• Risk factors: Mental health conditions (e.g., depression) | History of or family history of substance abuse

Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) has a risk of addiction, abuse, and misuse. Your body can develop tolerance to Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen), which means that more medication is needed to treat the same pain. You may become physically dependent on Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) if you have been using it continuously, which means that you'll feel withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly. Take only the prescribed dose. People with a history of substance abuse shouldn't take Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) if an alternative medication is available.

Since Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) can cause potentially life-threatening and deadly side effects, the manufacturers are required to provide healthcare providers with the resources to prescribe this medication properly and safely. Your provider or pharmacist will discuss the risks and benefits with taking Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) before you start the medication.

• Risk factors: People age 65 or older | People who are severely ill | Lung disease

Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) can cause irregular or slowed breathing that can put you in a coma and can even cause death. Don't take more than what your provider prescribed to you. Always check with your provider before starting any new medications or supplements. Make sure to take special precautions to store this medication in a safe place away from the reach of children. If a child accidentally uses this medication, they may overdose, develop breathing problems, and potentially have a deadly outcome. If this happens, call the poison control center right away at 1-800-222-1222.

• Risk factors: Children with obstructive sleep apnea or lung disease | Children who are obese | Adenoid or tonsil surgery in children

Some people have a gene that causes them to process Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) too fast. Children who have this gene can be especially sensitive to this quick metabolism (breakdown) of Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen), which can result in slowed breathing and even death. Deadly breathing problems have also occurred in children who received Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) following removal of their tonsils or adenoids. This medication shouldn't be used in children younger than 12 years old or children between 12 and 18 years old who are at high risk for breathing problems.

• Risk factors: Long-term use of Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) during pregnancy

There is a high risk that your newborn baby could develop withdrawal symptoms if you've been using Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) for a long period of time during pregnancy. These withdrawal symptoms can be deadly for infants. If you're pregnant or think you may be pregnant, discuss with your provider about all of the risks that are associated with this medication before starting it.

Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) can interact with other medications, which can change how it affects your body and pain overall. Some medications can increase the levels of Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) in your body and cause potentially deadly respiratory depression (slowed breathing). Other medications can lower the levels of Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) in your body and lead to poor control of your pain. Some examples of medications that might interact with Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) include, certain anbiotics, antifungals, and medications used for anxiety or depression. It's also very important to avoid alcohol while on this medication, because the combination can lead to serious side effects such as slowed breathing, low blood pressure, and extreme sedation. While taking Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen), don't start any new prescription or over-the-counter medications until confirming with your provider or pharmacist that it is safe to do so.

• Risk factors: Taking more than 4 grams of acetaminophen a day | Taking multiple products containing acetominophen

Acetaminophen, which is in Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen), has been associated with liver failure. You are at higher risk if you're taking more than one product containing acetaminophen and taking more than 4 grams a day. If you suspect that you took more than this maximum daily dose, get medical help right away, even if you're feeling okay.

• Risk factors: Using other medications that affect serotonin | Using monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within 14 days of Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen)

Serotonin syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition caused by higher levels of serotonin in the brain. Your risk goes up if you use Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) with other medications that affect serotonin, such as antidepressants, lithium, triptans, and St. John's wort. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion. If you notice any of these symptoms, get medical attention right away.

• Risk factors: History of seizures | Taking with antidepressants, medications that can cause seizures, or other opioids

Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) can raise your risk of seizures. If you have a history of seizures, taking medications that can cause seizures, or have risk factors for getting seizures, let your provider know so that they can monitor for new or worsening of symptoms.

Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) shouldn't be given to people who have a history of substance or alcohol abuse, or to people who are depressed or suicidal, because this medication can worsen those problems.

• Risk factors: Using Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) for more than a month

Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) can cause your adrenal glands to not make the right amount of hormones for your body to function properly. If you experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and low blood pressure while taking this medication, let your provider know. Your provider may need to do a proper exam to rule out adrenal problems.

Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) can cause a sudden drop in your blood pressure. You may feel dizzy and lightheaded. If you're sensitive to low blood pressures, change positions slowly, such as going from sitting to standing. If you always get low blood pressure symptoms, you may need to try a different pain medication.

People who have brain or head injuries are at higher risk of developing extreme sedation and breathing problems while taking Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen). Let your provider know about all of your medical conditions before starting this medication.

If you have certain stomach conditions or digestive tract blockage, don't use Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen), because it can worsen your problems. Let your provider know if you experience stomach pain, feeling of fullness in your stomach, or extreme constipation while taking this medication.

• Risk factors: Abrupt discontinuation of Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen)

Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) shouldn't be used for more than 5 days. If you are instructed by your provider to take this medication for longer than 5 days, don't stop taking it all of a sudden on your own. Doing so can cause withdrawal symptoms and the return of your pain. Withdrawal symptoms can include restlessness, yawning, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased irritability. Your provider will work with your to lower your dose slowly to avoid side effects.

Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) can affect your abilities to think, focus, and react. Be careful driving, operating machinery, or doing any dangerous activities until you know how this medication affects you.

Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) can cause serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions. If you experience hives, swelling of your face, throat, or tongue, or difficulty breathing while taking this medication, get medical help right away. You will need to stop taking Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) and switch to a different medication.

In some rare cases, Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) can cause serious skin reactions. If you notice a rash, blisters, or skin peeling after taking Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen), you should stop using it right away and get medical attention as quickly as possible.