What is Ultram?

Ultram is the brand name for the generic drug tramadol. It is an opioid pain medication that is used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. Tramadol works by altering how the brain senses and responds to pain. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain that are involved in transmitting pain sensations throughout the body. This helps reduce feelings of pain in the person taking tramadol.

Ultram comes in immediate-release and extended-release oral tablet forms. The immediate-release tablets are taken every 4-6 hours as needed for pain relief. The extended-release tablets are taken once a day and provide steady levels of tramadol over a 24-hour period.

The pharmaceutical business Janssen was the one that initially produced and sold Ultram. In 1995, the United States approved its initial usage. Many generic medication manufacturers now produce and market tramadol. You can easily buy Ultram online form our reputable online pharmacy and get up to 20% discount on all medicines.

Uses of Ultram

Ultram (tramadol) is a prescription pain medication used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. It is commonly recommended for ailments like:

• Chronic back pain
• Osteoarthritis pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Neuropathic pain

Ultram comes in several different dosage forms:

• Tablets – These are the most common. Tramadol tablets come in strengths ranging from 50 mg to 100 mg. The typical dose is 50-100 mg every 4-6 hours as needed.
• Extended-release tablets – These tablets release the medication slowly over 24 hours. Brand names for tramadol extended-release tablets include Ultram ER and Conzip.
• Capsules – Tramadol capsules may sometimes be prescribed, though tablets are more common. The capsules provide immediate release of the medication.
• Liquid – A tramadol oral solution may be prescribed for those who have difficulty swallowing pills.

Effectiveness of Ultram

Ultram (tramadol) is considered an effective pain reliever, especially for moderate acute pain. It works similarly to opioid pain medications by binding to opioid receptors in the brain that transmit pain signals. However, Ultram is not technically classified as an opioid since it also inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine like antidepressant drugs.

Compared to other common prescription pain relievers, Ultram tends to be moderately effective. It does not provide as strong analgesia as potent opioids like morphine or oxycodone. However, Ultram is less likely to cause dependency and has a lower risk of side effects. This makes it preferable for many patients over narcotic painkillers.

Ultram is often prescribed for short-term management of moderate pain following surgery, dental procedures, or injuries. It can provide pain relief levels similar to codeine. Ultram is also sometimes used for certain chronic pain conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and nerve pain. However, evidence of its effectiveness for long-term use is limited.

Overall, Ultram can provide noticeable pain relief for acute pain or flares of chronic pain. But it is considered a relatively mild analgesic and may not be strong enough to manage severe pain on its own. Finding the right dose along with using Ultram with additional pain medications like NSAIDs is often necessary for adequate pain control.

Dosage Information

Ultram comes in tablet form and is available in doses of 50 mg and 100 mg.

The recommended starting dosage for adults is 50 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain relief. The maximum daily dose is 400 mg per day.

For patients over 75 years old, the recommended starting dosage is 50 mg every 12 hours.

Doctors may adjust the dosage up or down depending on the severity of the pain and the patient’s response to treatment. It’s important to follow dosage instructions carefully and not increase dosage without consulting a doctor first. Some factors doctors consider when adjusting dosage include:

• The patient’s age
• Other medical conditions
• Other medications being taken
• Kidney and liver function

The lowest effective dose should be used for pain management. Taking more than prescribed or taking more frequently than directed does not offer additional benefits and can increase the risk of side effects. If pain is not adequately controlled with the recommended dosing, a doctor should be consulted about the need for dosage adjustments.

Warnings & Precautions

Ultram has some important warnings and precautions to be aware of before taking it:

• Contraindications: Ultram should not be used in people who are allergic to tramadol or other opioid medicines. It is also contraindicated in people with acute intoxication with alcohol, hypnotics, centrally acting analgesics, opioids or psychotropic drugs.
• Risk of dependency/addiction: Ultram does carry a risk of dependence and addiction, even at the recommended doses. People with a history of drug or alcohol abuse are at an increased risk. Dependency can occur after just a few days or weeks of regular use. Withdrawal symptoms can occur if Ultram is stopped suddenly after regular use.
• Interactions with other drugs: Ultram should not be combined with alcohol or other CNS depressants, as this increases the risk of dangerous side effects. There are also serious interactions possible with MAO inhibitors, SSRIs, TCAs, and other serotonergic drugs which can lead to serotonin syndrome. Other interactions are possible with blood thinners, heart medications, and more, so a doctor should be consulted about any other medications being taken.

Side Effects

Ultram can cause side effects, even at the recommended dosage. The most common side effects of Ultram include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Headache
• Vomiting

Some more serious side effects to watch out for include:

• Serotonin syndrome – Symptoms can include agitation, hallucinations, fast heartbeat, fever, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and coma. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience these.
• Seizures – Ultram can raise the risk of seizures. The risk may be higher if you have a history of seizures or take Ultram with other drugs that increase seizure risk.
• Breathing problems – Potential signs of breathing problems include slow, shallow breathing, respiratory depression, and apnea. Seek emergency help if you experience severe breathing difficulties while taking Ultram.
• Allergic reaction – Seek medical help immediately if you experience swelling, rash, itching, fever, and swollen glands. Ultram can cause life-threatening allergic reactions in some people.