What is Ultram?

Ultram is a narcotic-like pain reliever that is prescribed as treatment of moderate to severe pain. Ultram extended-release is used when treatment is needed around the clock. Ultram may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Store Ultram at room temperature and keep away from moisture and heat. Ultram can be habit-forming. Discuss with your doctor if you feel Ultram is not working as well in relieving pain. Do not change your dose without your doctors' advice. Do not stop using Ultram without talking to your doctor. You could need to slowly lessen the dose.
Withdrawal symptoms can come about when you stop using Ultram. Withdrawal symptoms include:

• anxiety.
• sweating.
• nausea.
• diarrhea.
• tremors.
• chills.
• hallucinations.
• trouble sleeping.
• breathing problems.

Call your doctor if you have withdrawal symptoms after you stop using Ultram.

How does Ultram work?

Ultram works by decreasing the brain's sensitivity and response to pain. It reduces the size or magnitude of the pain signal passed from one nerve to another. If you use the Ultram extended-release tablet, the tablet shell may pass into your stools This is normal and does not mean that you are not receiving enough of the medicine.

How to Take Ultram?

Take Ultram exactly as it was prescribed for you. Avoid consumption in larger doses than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not take more than 300 milligrams of Ultram in one day. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Ultram can be taken with or without food, take it the same way each time. Do not crush the Ultram tablet. This medicine is for oral (by mouth) use only. Swallow the pill at once. It is specially made to discharge medicine gradually in the body. Breaking the pill causes too much of Ultram to be released at one time.

Side effects of Ultram

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:

• hives
• difficulty breathing.
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Serious side effects:

• seizure (convulsions).
• a red, blistering, peeling skin rash.
• shallow breathing, weak pulse.

Less serious side effects:

• dizziness, drowsiness, weakness.
• nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite.
• blurred vision.
• flushing (redness, warmth, or tingly feeling).
• sleep problems (insomnia).

Side effects apart from those listed could occur. Discuss anything that bothers you with your doctor.

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking Ultram?

You should not take Ultram if you have a history of drugs or alcohol addiction. Seizures could occur in some people taking Ultram.
Discuss the following with your doctor:

• history of drug or alcohol addiction.
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder.
• history of head injury.
• a metabolic disorder.

Talk to your doctor regarding your individual risk of having a seizure from this medicine.
Before taking Ultram, disclose to your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or any event of:

• kidney disease.
• liver disease.
• a stomach disorder.
• history of depression, mental illness, or suicide attempt.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Ultram, or need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby and may cause serious or fatal side effects in a newborn if the mother uses the medication during pregnancy or labor. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Ultram can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

What should I avoid while taking Ultram?

• alcohol; Do not drink alcohol when you're on Ultram. Alcohol can cause a hazardous decline in your breathing when used along with Ultram.
• narcotic pain medicine.
• sedatives or tranquilizers (such as Valium).
• medicine for depression or anxiety.

With the two below mentioned medications; it can slow your breathing or increase drowsiness when used together with Ultram:

• medicine for mental illness (such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia).
• street drugs.

Powder from a crushed Ultram tablet should not be inhaled or diluted with liquid and injected into the body.

Using this medicine by inhlation or injection may cause life-threatening side effects, overdose, or death.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet.
Be careful regarding activities that require you to be awake and alert.