Brand name:
CONTRAMAL (Tramadol, Ultram)
Pronounced: UL-tram
Generic name: Tramadol hydrochloride
Why is Contramal rx prescribed?
Contramal rx is prescribed to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain.
Most important fact about Contramal rx
You should not drive a car, operate machinery, or perform any other
potentially hazardous activities until you know how Contramal rx affects
you.
How should you take Contramal rx?
It's important to take Contramal rx exactly as prescribed. Do not increase
the dosage or length of time you take Contramal rx without your doctor's
approval.
If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for
your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular
schedule. Never take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions...
Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature.
Contramal rx side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Contramal rx.
* Side effects may include:
Agitation, anxiety, bloating and gas, constipation, convulsive movements, diarrhea,
dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, feeling of elation, hallucinations, headache,
indigestion, itching, nausea, nervousness, sweating, tremor, vomiting, weakness
Why should Contramal rx not be prescribed?
Avoid Contramal rx if it has ever given you an allergic reaction. Also avoid
Contramal rx after taking large doses of sleeping pills such as Halcion,
Dalmane, and Restoril; narcotic pain relievers such as Demerol, morphine,
Darvon, and Percocet; or psychotherapeutic drugs such as antidepressants
and tranquilizers. And do not take Contramal rx after drinking excessive
amounts of alcohol.
Special warnings about Contramal rx
If you have stomach problems such as an ulcer, make sure your doctor
is aware of them. Contramal rx may hide the symptoms, making them difficult
to diagnose and treat.
Contramal rx can cause mental and physical addiction. If you've ever had
a problem with narcotic painkillers such as Percocet, Demerol, or morphine,
you should avoid Contramal rx. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if you stop
taking Contramal rx abruptly. Such symptoms include anxiety, sweating, insomnia,
pain, nausea, tremor, diarrhea, and respiratory problems. A gradual
decrease in dosage will help prevent these symptoms.
Do not take more than the recommended dose of Contramal rx, since larger
doses have been known to cause seizures, especially if you have epilepsy
or are taking medications that also increase the risk of seizures.
Among such medications are almost all antidepressant drugs, plus narcotics
and major tranquilizers such as Loxitane and Stelazine.
If you have liver or kidney disease, be sure your doctor knows about
it. Your dosage may have to be reduced.
Before you have any kind of surgery, make sure the doctor knows you
are taking Contramal rx.
If you have any kind of breathing problem, use Contramal rx with caution
or take a different kind of painkiller. Contramal rx can impair respiration,
especially if taken with alcohol.
If you have experienced a head injury, consult your doctor before
taking Contramal rx. The medication's effects may be stronger and could hide
warning signs of serious trouble.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Contramal rx
Contramal rx may increase the drowsiness caused by alcohol. Do not drink
alcohol while taking Contramal rx.
Avoid Contramal rx, too, if you are taking the seizure medication Tegretol.
If Contramal rx is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Contramal rx with the following:
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
Drugs known as MAO inhibitors, including the antidepressants Nardil
and Parnate
Serotonin-boosting antidepressants such as Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft
"
Tricyclic" antidepressants such as Elavil, Norpramin, and Tofranil
Major tranquilizers such as Thorazine and Stelazine
Narcotic pain relievers (Demerol, morphine, Darvon, Percocet)
Promethazine (Mepergan, Phenergan)
Quinidine (Quinidex)
Sleeping pills (Halcion, Dalmane, Restoril)
Tranquilizers (Valium, Xanax)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
There have been reports of serious harm to developing babies when
Contramal rx was used during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.
Contramal rx appears in breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. If
Contramal rx is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue
breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for Contramal rx
ADULTS
Overdosage
An overdose of Contramal rx can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek
emergency medical treatment immediately.
