tramadol

Tramadol is a controlled medication that has a risk for addiction and misuse. Take the medication exactly as prescribed. Don't change the dose or how often you take it without talking to your provider first. Misusing tramadol (i.e., taking it differently than prescribed, breaking the extended-release forms) might cause it to work less well. It can also raise the risk for serious and sometimes life-threatening side effects, such as dangerously slow breathing, inability to stay awake, and overdose. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the lowest amount of tramadol that's necessary for the shortest period of time possible.

Tramadol can cause dangerously slow breathing, which can be life-threatening. This can happen to anyone. But having certain genes or medical conditions (e.g., COPD, asthma, head injury, high pressure in the brain) might raise your risk. You also might be at higher risk if you take certain medications like benzodiazepines, other opioids, and sleep medications. If you experience breathing problems, call 911.

Take tramadol exactly as prescribed. Taking too much tramadol or taking it more often than prescribed can lead to an overdose. Symptoms of an overdose include not responding to sound or touch, extremely slowed breathing, extreme sleepiness, slow heartbeat, and cold or clammy skin. Be sure you and your loved ones know how to recognize an overdose. Your provider will likely prescribe naloxone (Narcan, Zimhi), an opioid antagonist that can treat an opioid overdose. Make sure you carry naloxone with you at all times in case you experience an overdose. Call 911 right away if this happens. Store your medication out of reach from children, pets, or visitors to prevent accidental exposure or overdose.

Long-term use of tramadol during pregnancy can cause your unborn baby to become dependent on the medication. This is because the medication can pass through the placenta to your unborn baby. Once your baby is born, they can experience withdrawal symptoms, such as high-pitched crying, poor feeding and sucking behavior, trembling, abnormal sleep patterns, and seizures. This condition is called neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated in time. Let your healthcare provider know if you've used tramadol during pregnancy or if you notice these symptoms in your baby.

Tramadol can interact with a lot of common medications. Some medications (e.g., erythromycin, ketoconazole, ritonavir (Norvir)) can raise tramadol levels in your body. This can raise your risk for tramadol side effects and even potentially life-threatening slowed breathing.

Tramadol can cause extreme sleepiness and lower your ability to think, react, and focus. Drinking alcohol or taking other medications that cause sleepiness can make these side effects worse. Make sure you know how this medication affects you before driving or doing activities that require your concentration. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you feel too sleepy from taking tramadol.

Serotonin syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition where there's too much serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemicals in your brain responsible for your mood. Your risk for this condition goes up if you use tramadol with other medications that affect serotonin levels, such as certain antidepressants, MAOIs (e.g., phenelzine (Nardil)), linezolid (Zyvox), and certain migraine medications. Make sure your provider knows about all the medications you take or plan to take (including over-the-counter medications and supplements). They can check that your medications are safe for you. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include fast heart rate, muscle stiffness or spasms, high fever, and confusion. Get medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms.

Tramadol can raise your risk of seizures. Your risk might be higher if you take other medications that raise seizure risk or if you take higher doses of tramadol than recommended. If you've had a seizure before, discuss with your provider to see if tramadol is right for you.

Tramadol can cause extremely low blood pressure. A drop in blood pressure can happen when you stand from a sitting or lying down position. This can lead to dizziness and fainting. To avoid falling, get up slowly if you've been sitting or lying down. If dizziness or lightheadedness doesn't go away, talk to your healthcare provider.

Some people taking opioids like tramadol have had low adrenal hormone levels. This might be more likely to happen after taking opioids for longer than 1 month. Symptoms include tiredness, weakness, not feeling hungry, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Let your provider know if you experience these symptoms. If your adrenal hormone levels drop too low, you might need to stop tramadol and be treated with corticosteroids.

If taken regularly for a long time, tramadol can cause your body to rely on the medication to function (dependence). You might experience withdrawal if you stop taking the medication suddenly. Withdrawal symptoms include runny nose, yawning, sweating, chills, return of pain, restlessness, anxiety, and irritability. Don't lower your dose or stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your healthcare provider first. Your provider will slowly lower your dose to prevent withdrawal symptoms. If you have concerns about taking tramadol because of this risk, talk to your healthcare provider about alternative pain medications.