Tramadol is used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. It may be used to treat pain caused by surgery and chronic conditions such as cancer or joint pain. Tramadol is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It works by decreasing the body's sense of pain.

Tramadol can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or take it for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.

Do not stop taking tramadol suddenly without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking tramadol, you may experience side effects. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually. If you suddenly stop taking tramadol you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as or cough; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; sweating; panic; or rarely, sneezing, or tingling in your hands or feet; runny nose, burning, pain, nervousness; hair standing on end; numbness, hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist).

Special precautions

Before taking tramadol,

• You should know that tramadol may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up from a lying position. To avoid this, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.
• Remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug. The manufacturer states that tramadol should not be taken with alcohol containing beverages.
• You should know that this drug may make you drowsy and may affect your coordination. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking tramadol.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking tramadol, call your doctor.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had seizures, breathing problems or lung disease, diabetes, increased intracranial pressure (increased pressure within the skull), infection in your brain or nervous system, head injury, or kidney or liver disease. Also tell your doctor if you drink or have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol, use or have ever used street drugs, or have overused prescription medications.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tramadol or any other medicines.

Side effects

Tramadol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dry mouth
• flushing
• sweating
• itching
• constipation
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• upset stomach
• heartburn or indigestion
• blurred vision
• drowsiness
• changes in mood
• increased muscle tightness
• shaking hands that you cannot control
• agitation
• nervousness or anxiety
• headache
• weakness
• dizziness

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• seizures
• seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)
• changes in urination
• difficulty swallowing or breathing
• hoarseness
• fast heartbeat
• swelling of the face, ankles, feet, hands, eyes, lips, tongue, throat, or lower legs
• difficulty swallowing or breathing
• itching
• flu-like symptoms
• sores on the inside of your mouth, eyes, nose, or throat
• rash
• hives

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• heart attack
• seizure
• coma
• unconciousness
• extreme drowsiness
• difficulty breathing
• decreased size of the pupil (the black circle in the center of the eye)
• vomiting
• confusion

Keep all appointments with your doctor.