Tramadol Capsules

What’s the dose?

• Depending on the severity of the pain, the initial dose is 50 or 100 mg at 4-6 hourly intervals. 
• For acute pain an initial dose of 100 mg is usually necessary. For pain associated with chronic conditions an initial dose of 50 mg is advised.
• The lowest analgesically effective dose should generally be selected. 
• Daily doses of 400 mg active substance should not be exceeded, except in special clinical circumstances.
• Tramadol SR preparations are long acting and only need to be taken twice daily.

Could they interact with other tablets?

Tramadol should not be taken together with MAO inhibitors (certain medicines for the treatment of depression). The pain-relieving effect of Tramadol may be reduced and the length of time it acts may be shortened, if you take medicines which contain: 

• carbamazepine (for epileptic fits)
• pentazocine
• nalbuphine or buprenorphine (pain killers)
• ondansetron (prevents nausea)

The risk of side effects increases:

• if you take tranquillizers
• sleeping pills
• other pain relievers such as morphine and codeine (also as cough medicine)
• and alcohol while you are taking Zydol

You may feel drowsier or feel that you might faint. If this happens tell your doctor.

• if you are taking medicines which may cause convulsions (fits), such as certain antidepressants. The risk having a fit may increase if you take Tramadol at the same time. Your doctor will tell you whether Tradol is suitable for you.
• if you are taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (often referred to as SSRIs) or MAO inhibitors (for the treatment of depression). Tramadol may interact with these medicines and you may experience symptoms such as confusion, restlessness, fever, sweating, uncoordinated movement of limbs or eyes, uncontrollable jerking of muscles, or diarrhoea.
• if you take coumarin anticoagulants (medicines for blood thinning), e.g. warfarin, together with Tramadol. The effect of these medicines on blood clotting may be affected and bleeding may occur.

Herbal supplements should be used with caution and only after informing your doctor first.

What are the possible risks or side-effects?

Common side effects include:

• dizziness
• headache
• drowsiness
• nausea
• vomiting
• constipation
• dry mouth
• sweating
• fatigue

Can I drink alcohol while taking it?

Do not drink alcohol during treatment with Tramadol as its effect may be intensified.

What if I’m pregnant/breastfeeding?

• Tramadol should not be used during pregnancy. 
• It is not recommended while breast feeding, although, after a single dose it is not usually necessary to interrupt breast feeding.

If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.

Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children
Please Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.

References:

http://patientsville.com/medication/tradol_side_effects.htm

http://www.drugs.com/uk/zydol-50mg-capsules-1486.html

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/aches-and-pains/a7805/zydol-sr-tramadol/

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