Tramadol is probably one of the most popular drugs for relieving moderate to severe pain that your doctor can prescribe to you. It comes in a variety of different brand names and here are some basic information that you should know before you start taking it.
Before you can start taking Tramadol, you will, of course, need a prescription. To get this valuable piece of paper, you should visit your doctor and explain the situation to him. Of course, he will have a few questions to ask you before he stamps the prescription and sends you to the pharmacy, but that shouldn’t be a problem.
Don’t take Tramadol if you are allergic to it. The most common signs of allergies are: hives, problems breathing, swelling of face, lips or tongue. If you experience any of these, stop taking this drug at once and call a doctor.
Tramadol should not be prescribed to people who are using certain medications, like drugs for anxiety or depression and narcotic pain killers. Tell your doctor about any other drug that you are currently taking. You also need to inform him about your medical history and if you were ever addicted to certain street drugs or alcohol. You should also tell him if you are suffering from any kidney or liver disease before he can write you a prescription.
Tramadol can cause several side effects. Some of them, like: upset stomach, drowsiness, headache, or dizziness will not be serious, unless they remain persistent. Other side effects, such as shallow breathing, skin rash, fainting and seizures can be a lot more serious and you should call your doctor as soon as you experience them.
Don’t forget to take your Tramadol as per the prescription and the doctor’s instructions. If you do forget to take it, or were not able at the particular moment, take your dosage of Tramadol as soon as you remember. If, however, it is already time to take the next dose (let’s say that you need to take it in the next 30 minutes), you should skip the previous dose completely and continue with the next one. Whatever you do, do not compensate for the missed dose by taking more in the following. The only thing that you will achieve that way is to risk potential overdose and that can be a pretty nasty experience. If you do get overdosed, you need to call for immediate medical help or to have someone drive you to the nearest hospital for detox.
Tramadol is usually taken 4 times per day and also once before bed. The pill is taken orally, with a glass of water and regardless of food. Don’t break or crush the pill, just swallow it whole. When you are not taking Tramadol, you should keep it in its package and stored away from direct heat, moisture and light, so that the pills don’t get damaged in any way. Also, remember that Tramadol is for short-term use.