Ultram Side Effects

Ultram is a brand name of the generic drug tramadol. It is a pain medication that is known for its narcotic-like mechanism of action and effectiveness against moderate to moderately severe pain associated with various health conditions. Ultram is a synthetic drug designed to bind to the opioid receptors in the brain. These receptors play an important role in the transmission of pain sensations throughout the body. Once inhibited by the drug, they can no longer do the said task, thus effectively making pain stop in its tracks. Ultram is a prescription drug, and there are many reasons for this classification. Ultram has been linked to several side effects. Also, as an opiate, has habit-forming tendencies. It also poses the risk of overdose and of seizures and other serious adverse reactions.

Other Ultram Side Effects

Ultram, just like any highly potent pain medication, can cause a variety of side effects. These side effects are hard to predict, but the most commonly reported side effects are constipation, dizziness, diarrhea, drowsiness, headache, nausea, sleeping problems, weakness, vomiting, and dry mouth. These are mostly minor and are expected to disappear after a couple of weeks. If they go on for long and if intensity increases, it is important to see a doctor. However, if you experience any of these severe side effects, you should not wait before going to a doctor: chest pain, painful urination, agitation, fainting, hallucinations, irregular heartbeat, weak coordination, changes in mood and mental state, depression, swollen or blistered skin, severe dizziness, and severe allergic reactions characterized by rashes, hives, itching, difficulty in breathing, and swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue, or the entire face. Several other side effects were reported on a case to case basis, and these tend to affect various parts of the body. The most common are those affecting the nervous system such as dizziness and headaches as well as gastrointestinal problems such as constipation. Aside from the common side effects, some patients also experienced sore throat, blurred vision, upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, influenza, bronchitis, decrease in appetite, back pain, limb pain, neck pain, tremors, decreased sweating, dermatitis, hot flushes, sneezing, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, dyspnea, sinus congestion, among several others. These, however, recorded incidence rates ranging between 1% and 5%, which means they are pretty rare. A more detailed list of possible side effects may be available from your doctor or from FDA. It is important to be informed of what side effects could possibly come up to ensure safety. FDA also has a hotline which you can use to report unusual side effects caused by Ultram intake.

Most Serious Side Effect

The most serious side effect that are commonly warned against when it comes to Ultram medication is seizures. The risk of seizures is higher in patients who have a history of seizure disorders such as epilepsy, a history of head injury, a metabolic disorder, a history of addiction to drug or alcohol, and those who are also taking antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and nausea medications along with Ultram. To make sure you are not at risk of experiencing seizures caused by Ultram, discuss the matter with your doctor.

Ultram ER Side Effects

If you are taking Ultram ER or extended release tablets, the list of possible list does not really deviate from the previous list. The extended release tablets are tablets that are taken only once a day. It is especially formulated to release a specific amount of the drug into the body’s system at periodic intervals so the patient does not have to take it frequently.

Ultram Drug Abuse and Dependence

The risk for experiencing side effects after taking Ultram is higher if the dose is also higher. It is not recommended to use Ultram longer than the period prescribed by the doctor. Extended use of Ultram can lead to drug abuse and possible addiction. Physical dependence on the drug means that the patient has to undergo withdrawal upon abrupt cessation of the medication. To avoid experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, tremors, body aches, sweating, and diarrhea, among others, it is important to ask your doctor for advice on how to properly and gradually stop the medication.

Ultram Overdose

There is another risk also associated to drug abuse, and that’s overdose. Patients who have become dependent on the drug tend to need increasingly higher dosages. This can easily lead to an overdose. Ultram overdose is characterized by cold and clammy skin, slow heartbeat, lightheadedness, slow breathing, drowsiness, low body temperature, deep sleep, seizures, and unconsciousness. If an overdose on Ultram is suspected, the local poison control center should immediately be contacted.