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Tramadol (pronounced Tra-ma-dole) is widely available under the brand name of Ultram.
The Uses of Tramadol
Tramadol is a highly effective drug treatment for the relief of moderate to severe pain. The substance acts upon specific areas of the brain and nervous system, as an analgesic, reducing the pain sensation.
Using Tramadol with Other Medication
As a powerful drug, Tramadol is not suitable for all, and it is advised that people considering using Tramadol should first seek medical advice.
Tramadol should be considered with care by those who are currently using – or are known to have allergies to – any of the following drugs:
- Alcohol
- Morphine, Codeine, etc.
- Sedatives, drugs to aid sleep, depression medication
- Dietary supplements
- Nefazodone
- Carbamazepine
- Sodium oxybate
Tramadol is also known to occasionally react with other medications. These include (but are not limited to):
- Carbamazepine
- Olanzapine, haloperidol
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Isoniazid
- Opioid pain medicine
- Phenothiazines
- Sleeping medicines
- Sodium oxybate (GHB)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Weight loss medicines
- Furazolidone
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- Nefazodone
- Selegiline, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs
- Oral anticoagulants
- Digoxin
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Those with certain pre-existing medical conditions should be aware that using Tramadol may have adverse side-effects, and ensure that their doctor is aware of these conditions before they begin a program of treatment.
Those who should avoid using Tramadol include those with an allergy to any ingredient in the Tramadol substance, and those who have suffered with severe diarrhea as a result of using other antibiotic treatments.
People who have recently suffered with head or brain injuries (including brain tumors, infections and pressure in the brain), intestinal dysfunction, epilepsy or seizures should seek medical advice before beginning a program of Tramadol. As should those with problems of the lungs, bowels, heart, liver, kidneys, thyroid, prostate or bladder, and those who have recently had abdominal surgery.
As a powerful pain killer, those who have previously suffered with drug or alcohol addiction or depressive and/or suicidal tendencies should be sure to seek medical advice before using Tramadol.
Women who are pregnant, currently trying for a baby or breast-feeding should also avoid using Tramadol.
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