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Q) What is Ultram?
A) Ultram is the brand name of the generic drug
Tramadol (TRA-ma-doll). Ultram is an analgesic used to treat
or prevent pain. Ultram is not a non steroidal anti
inflammatory drug, nor is it a narcotic.
Q) How does Ultram
work?
A) Ultram binds to certain opiod pain receptors
in the body. By blocking the reuptake of the neuro chemicals
norepinephrine and serotonin, it modifies the pain message
resulting in pain relief.
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Q) What are
the side effects of Ultram?
A) The side effects of Ultram are: dizziness, nausea,
drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, headache, sweating, difficulty
breathing or tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips,
a develop of a rash or hives.
Q) What are the symptoms of an Ultram
overdose?
A) The symptoms of an overdose of Ultram are: skin
rash, itching, seizures, hallucinations, cold and clammy skin, low
body temperature, slowed breathing, slowed heartbeat, drowsiness,
dizziness, lightheadedness, seizures, deep sleep, and loss of
consciousness.
Q) Is Ultram addictive?
A) Introduced in 1995, no control was recommended
based on review of its uncontrolled use in 40 other countries.
However, once released in the
U.S.,
abuse became readily apparent. It is addictive. It is a
"non-narcotic" pain reliever. Large doses can interfere with ability
to breathe, especially if taken with alcohol.
People
dependent on narcotics may experience drug withdrawal symptoms if
they take Ultram. This central acting synthetic analgesic,
opiate-type pain reliever has affinity, although low, for opiate
receptors and has other mechanisms of function as
well.
Q) What medical complications come with the abuse
of Ultram?
A) Seizures have been reported in patients receiving
ULTRAM. The risk of seizures is increased with doses of ULTRAM above
the recommended range. ULTRAM increases the seizure risk in patients
taking certain medications (e.g. tricyclic antidepressants,
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, opioids) and may enhance
the seizure risk in patients taking MAO inhibitors, neuroleptics, or
other drugs that reduce the seizure threshold or in patients with a
medical history that may suggest increased risk of
seizure. |