What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Tramadol (Ultram)?

Tramadol is a highly effective painkiller medication that is widely used in various cases of moderate to strong pain. Tramadol is also often used for relieving chronic pain as well. It is known to address most types of head, back and joint pain as well as help manage pain under such chronic conditions as arthritis and osteoporosis.

Tramadol is somewhat similar in its effect and mechanism of action to narcotic analgesics and opiate drugs. It doesn't provide strong narcotic effects like previous generations of narcotic painkillers and anesthetics, still it poses a certain risk of addiction and tolerance development. That is why it is very important to discuss the possible use of Tramadol or any of its brand or generic variations with your doctor before you start the course. Only you doctor is capable of identifying the right dosage and duration of course that would be most beneficial and free of risk to you.

What should I tell my doctor?

First of all tell your doctor if you ever had a history of drug or alcohol abuse. It is most likely that you won't be able to take Tramadol if you were addicted to any substances in the past. Also inform your doctor if you have recently consumed any of the following substances:

• alcohol
• recreational drugs
• narcotic painkillers
• sleep aids
• mental illness drugs

Tell your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions:

• kidney illness
• liver disease
• stomach disorders
• depression or mental illness

With such conditions your dosage of Tramadol is very likely to be modified in order to avoid the development of any possible adverse reactions. Tramadol is a potential risk to the unborn baby, so if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or nursing – discuss the potential use of Tramadol with your doctor and do not take it without professional consent.

Why my doctor is likely to tell me?

In case your doctor finds it safe to prescribe you with Tramadol there will be certain indications you should follow when taking Tramadol. Take the drug exactly as prescribed by your physician. Do not exceed or lower the dosage, do not take the drug for a longer period of time than indicated in your prescription label. Do not chew or crush the tablet, take it as a whole with a full glass of water. Try taking it around the same time everyday in order to develop a schedule and maximize the drug's effectiveness. Do not stop taking Tramadol immediately, the dosage should be decreased gradually by the end of the course. Otherwise you risk experiencing heavy withdrawal effects.