Ultram, a brand name for the opioid tramadol, is a strong prescription pain medicine. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain in adults when other treatments are not effective or are not tolerated. However, it is associated with serious health risks, including addiction, abuse, overdose, and death. It is crucial to understand the potential dangers of Ultram, especially for individuals who have experienced a stroke. As stroke survivors are typically prescribed medications to manage blood pressure, prevent blood clots, and treat underlying heart problems, it is essential to consult a doctor before taking Ultram to ensure it does not interfere with existing medications and is safe for your specific condition.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Generic Name | Tramadol |
Brand Names | Ultram, Ultram ER, ConZip, Qdolo, TraMADol Hydrochloride ER (Eqv-Ryzolt), TraMADol Hydrochloride ER (Eqv-Ultram ER) |
Drug Class | Opioids (narcotic analgesics) |
Use | Treat moderate to severe pain |
Form | Extended-release |
Use Frequency | Around-the-clock |
User Age | Not for children under 12 years old |
Side Effects | Slowed or stopped breathing, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, itching, headache, increased sensitivity to pain, seizure, confusion, weakness, low cortisol levels |
Addiction Risk | Yes |
Overdose Risk | Yes |
Drug Interactions | Alcohol, other opioids, benzodiazepines, MAO inhibitors, central nervous system depressants |
Precautions | History of head injury, seizures, liver or kidney disease, thyroid problems, gallbladder or pancreas issues, mental illness, suicide attempts, drug or alcohol addiction, metabolic disorder |
What You'll Learn
Can I take Ultram if I have severe asthma or breathing problems?
Ultram is a strong prescription pain medicine that contains an opioid (narcotic). It is used for the management of moderate to severe pain in adults when other treatments do not work well enough or cannot be tolerated. It acts in the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain.
Ultram should not be taken if you have severe breathing problems, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, or if you have recently consumed alcohol or taken sedatives, tranquilizers, narcotic medication, or an MAO inhibitor.
Ultram can slow or stop your breathing and may be habit-forming. Misuse of this medicine can cause addiction, overdose, or even death, especially in children or those without a prescription.
Therefore, if you have severe asthma or other breathing problems, it is not advisable to take Ultram.
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Can I take Ultram if I have recently had surgery?
Ultram is a strong prescription pain medicine that contains an opioid (narcotic) and is used for the management of moderate to severe pain in adults. It is not suitable for children under 12 years of age and should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years old who has recently had surgery to remove their tonsils or adenoids.
Ultram is not recommended for use in children and adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 years who have recently had surgery, especially tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. In addition, it should be avoided in adolescents within this age group who have other risk factors that may increase their sensitivity to the respiratory depressant effects of tramadol, the active ingredient in Ultram.
If you have recently had surgery and are considering taking Ultram, it is important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider first. They will be able to advise you based on your individual circumstances, including your medical history, the type of surgery you have had, and any other medications you are taking. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking Ultram or any other medication.
It is worth noting that Ultram has been discontinued in the US, but generic versions may be available.
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Can I take Ultram if I have a history of addiction?
Ultram is a brand name for the drug tramadol, an opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is highly addictive, and misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or even death. In fact, in 2016, nearly 1.6 million Americans aged 12 and older reported misusing tramadol within the past 12 months.
Ultram is no longer considered a "safe" opioid, and public health officials are concerned about increasing rates of use. This is reflected in the warning labels for the drug, which advise doctors not to prescribe it to people with a history of substance abuse or addiction.
If you have a history of addiction, it is strongly advised that you do not take Ultram, as it is highly addictive and can be dangerous if misused. The potential for addiction is increased if you have a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
If you are currently taking Ultram and have a history of addiction, it is important to be aware of the signs of addiction and abuse. These can include:
- Spending a lot of time in a euphoric state
- The onset of seizures
- Withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped
- Frequent mood swings
- Planning each day around taking your medication
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or others, it is important to seek professional help.
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Can I take Ultram if I have a mental illness?
Ultram is a strong prescription pain medicine that contains an opioid (narcotic) used for pain management in adults when other treatments do not work well enough or are not tolerated. It is a generic drug with the brand name discontinued in the US. It acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain.
Ultram is associated with a high risk of addiction, abuse, and overdose, which can be fatal. It is crucial to take Ultram exactly as prescribed by a doctor. Before taking Ultram, it is essential to inform your doctor about any history of mental illness or suicide attempts.
Ultram may not be suitable for individuals with mental illness, as it can cause or worsen mental health problems. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare provider. The potential side effects of Ultram include:
- Increased risk of addiction, abuse, and overdose
- Slowed or stopped breathing
- Seizures
- Allergic reactions
- Serotonin syndrome
- QT prolongation (rare)
- Withdrawal symptoms upon stopping
It is important to note that Ultram may also interact with other medications and substances, such as alcohol, and can cause severe side effects or increase the risk of overdose. Therefore, it is crucial to inform your doctor about any other medications or substances you are taking before starting Ultram.
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Can I take Ultram if I am pregnant?
Ultram is a strong prescription pain medicine that contains an opioid (narcotic). It is used for the management of moderate to severe pain in adults when other treatments do not work well enough or are not tolerated. It is important to take Ultram exactly as prescribed by a doctor.
Ultram is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it can cause harm to the unborn baby. Prolonged use of Ultram during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognised and treated. If opioid use is required for a prolonged period in a pregnant woman, she should be advised of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and appropriate treatment should be available.
Ultram may also cause severe, possibly fatal, breathing problems in the unborn baby. It may also slightly increase the risk of birth defects if used during the first two months of pregnancy. Additionally, using Ultram for a long time or in high doses near the expected delivery date may harm the unborn baby. Babies born to mothers who use this drug for a long time may develop severe (possibly fatal) withdrawal symptoms, including crying that doesn't stop, slow/shallow breathing, irritability, shaking, vomiting, diarrhoea, poor feeding, or difficulty gaining weight.
Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before taking Ultram. The benefits and risks of using Ultram during pregnancy should be discussed with your doctor.
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