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.

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.