Brand name:
CONTRAMAL (Tramadol, Ultram)
Pronounced: UL-tram
Generic name: Tramadol hydrochloride
Why is Contramal rx prescribed?

Contramal rx is prescribed to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain.
Most important fact about Contramal rx

You should not drive a car, operate machinery, or perform any other potentially hazardous activities until you know how Contramal rx affects you.
How should you take Contramal rx?

It's important to take Contramal rx exactly as prescribed. Do not increase the dosage or length of time you take Contramal rx without your doctor's approval.

If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at once.

Storage instructions...

Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature.
Contramal rx side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Contramal rx.

* Side effects may include:
Agitation, anxiety, bloating and gas, constipation, convulsive movements, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, feeling of elation, hallucinations, headache, indigestion, itching, nausea, nervousness, sweating, tremor, vomiting, weakness

Why should Contramal rx not be prescribed?

Avoid Contramal rx if it has ever given you an allergic reaction. Also avoid Contramal rx after taking large doses of sleeping pills such as Halcion, Dalmane, and Restoril; narcotic pain relievers such as Demerol, morphine, Darvon, and Percocet; or psychotherapeutic drugs such as antidepressants and tranquilizers. And do not take Contramal rx after drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
Special warnings about Contramal rx

If you have stomach problems such as an ulcer, make sure your doctor is aware of them. Contramal rx may hide the symptoms, making them difficult to diagnose and treat.

Contramal rx can cause mental and physical addiction. If you've ever had a problem with narcotic painkillers such as Percocet, Demerol, or morphine, you should avoid Contramal rx. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if you stop taking Contramal rx abruptly. Such symptoms include anxiety, sweating, insomnia, pain, nausea, tremor, diarrhea, and respiratory problems. A gradual decrease in dosage will help prevent these symptoms.

Do not take more than the recommended dose of Contramal rx, since larger doses have been known to cause seizures, especially if you have epilepsy or are taking medications that also increase the risk of seizures. Among such medications are almost all antidepressant drugs, plus narcotics and major tranquilizers such as Loxitane and Stelazine.

If you have liver or kidney disease, be sure your doctor knows about it. Your dosage may have to be reduced.

Before you have any kind of surgery, make sure the doctor knows you are taking Contramal rx.

If you have any kind of breathing problem, use Contramal rx with caution or take a different kind of painkiller. Contramal rx can impair respiration, especially if taken with alcohol.

If you have experienced a head injury, consult your doctor before taking Contramal rx. The medication's effects may be stronger and could hide warning signs of serious trouble.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Contramal rx

Contramal rx may increase the drowsiness caused by alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking Contramal rx.

Avoid Contramal rx, too, if you are taking the seizure medication Tegretol.

If Contramal rx is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Contramal rx with the following:

Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
Drugs known as MAO inhibitors, including the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate
Serotonin-boosting antidepressants such as Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft
" Tricyclic" antidepressants such as Elavil, Norpramin, and Tofranil
Major tranquilizers such as Thorazine and Stelazine
Narcotic pain relievers (Demerol, morphine, Darvon, Percocet)
Promethazine (Mepergan, Phenergan)
Quinidine (Quinidex)
Sleeping pills (Halcion, Dalmane, Restoril)
Tranquilizers (Valium, Xanax)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

There have been reports of serious harm to developing babies when Contramal rx was used during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.

Contramal rx appears in breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. If Contramal rx is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for Contramal rx

ADULTS
Overdosage

An overdose of Contramal rx can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.

* Symptoms of Contramal rx overdose include:
Difficult or slowed breathing, drowsiness, coma, seizures, cardiac arrest