How to Get a Prescription For Tramadol
Tramadol, a prescription medication that is used to treat chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia and arthritis among other conditions. Tramadol can have serious side effects. However, if taken as prescribed by your doctor, you can reduce these.
It is possible to become addicted to this medication. Never share it with anyone else, as it can lead to slowed or stopped breathing, coma or death.
Prescription Requirements
Tramadol, a controlled drug, must only be prescribed by doctors. This medication is also known as an opioid agonist, and it acts on the central nervous system to relieve pain. Because it has the potential for misuse, abuse, addiction and overdose, tramadol is regulated by the federal government and subject to certain restrictions that ensure its safe use.
Law requires doctors who prescribe tramadol to examine patients carefully before prescribing it. They also must adhere to strict requirements for record keeping. The prescription must be written in the proper form and must state the amount and duration of treatment. A doctor should also inform the patient of any risks or benefits associated with the drug. Patient should never take more than prescribed. The doctor must also not refill the medication unless the patient returns to the office for an updated assessment.
A prescription for tramadol can only be refilled by the doctor at least once every six months. A special prescription form must be used that contains information on the patient and the condition being treated. The doctor is also required to provide the patient with a Medication Guide that provides important safety information, including how to take the drug and possible side effects.
Medications like tramadol are often used to treat sudden (breakthrough) pain, but they can be used for chronic pain, too. The chronic use of narcotics may lead to physical or mental dependence. If the drug is suddenly stopped, severe withdrawal symptoms can occur. Doctors can gradually reduce the dosage before completely stopping the drug to help avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Because this medication is associated with serious breathing problems, it should not be taken in people who are debilitated or have a disease that affects the nerves that control movement of the lungs and other muscles. This medication can increase seizures for people who have a history with epilepsy and other seizure disorders.
Obtaining a Prescription
Tramadol, a powerful painkiller that belongs to the opiate or narcotic drug group is available in many different strengths. It works by changing the way your brain and nervous system respond to pain. Only available on prescription, it is available as tablets, liquids (solutions), extended-release tablets or capsules that are taken by mouth. It also can be given by injection, but this is only done in hospital.
Before you start taking tramadol, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to it or any other medication or food. Tell them about any medical issues you may have, such as heart problems, liver disorders, stomach or intestinal conditions like narrowing or blockage. While you’re taking tramadol, your doctor might need to perform blood tests. They can use these to check the health of your liver and see if your medicine has any adverse effects on your kidneys.
Speak to your doctor regarding the risks associated with this medication, such as misuse or addiction. You can also discuss other pain medications that may work better for you. If your doctor thinks you are at risk of misuse, abuse, or addiction, they will likely prescribe a lower dose or another type of pain medication. If you use a higher dose than your doctor prescribed, you may have serious side effects like vomiting, hallucinations, diarrhea, sweating, trouble breathing, seizures, shivering, or spasmodic jerking of the muscles.
Tramadol can interact with other drugs and increase your risk of dangerous or life-threatening side effects. Tramadol interacts with other drugs, increasing your chances of experiencing dangerous side effects. Tramadol can interact with illegal drugs and have dangerous side effects if you take them.
Store tramadol away from children and animals. Never flush or throw away any unused medicine. Ask your pharmacist about a medication take-back program. You can throw away leftover medications in a plastic bag sealed with coffee grounds or cat litter if there’s no such program.
Generic Forms
Tramadol is a synthetic opioid that acts in the brain and spine to relieve pain. The drug is listed as a step 2 pain reliever by the World Health Organization and contains about 1/10th of the strength of morphine. Tramadol is available in immediate-release tablets under the brands Ultram, Ultram ER and Conzip or extended-release capsules. Ultracet is also available in a combination of acetaminophen and tramadol. Tramadol may be habit-forming and can cause severe breathing problems if taken in high doses or for long periods of time. Tramadol can also cause seizures. This risk is greater for people who have had a previous history of mental illness or depression.
Always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking this medicine. Do not take more or less than is prescribed. It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, herbal and dietary supplements, as well as vitamins. It helps to avoid possible medication interactions. Tramadol can interact with some drugs that increase your chances of having a seizure, such as alcohol and other sedatives, tranquilizers, narcotics, and some antidepressants; and it should not be used if you have a blockage in your stomach or intestines; or kidney or liver disease.
Other conditions may also increase the risk of severe breathing issues while you are taking this medicine. These include a history or head trauma, a brain tumor or infection, a narrowing in your lungs or serious breathing difficulties during childhood. It can reduce the effectiveness of other medications used to treat schizophrenia or depression, as well as decrease your chances of experiencing a seizure.
Tramadol may cause you to be drowsy, making it unsafe for you to operate heavy machinery or drive while on it. It can also interact with certain medicines that affect the blood levels of serotonin, such as SSRIs and MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, tranylcypromine). It is a good idea to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start any new medications while you are taking this one.
Availability
Generic tramadol is available in a variety of forms, and you can save money by buying them at your local pharmacy. You can also buy tramadol in extended-release form, which your doctor might prescribe for around-the-clock pain treatment. Tramadol combined with non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs and acetaminophen can help reduce pain.
You will likely be prescribed a small dose and gradually increase it to prevent side effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, twitching, or shaking. Your doctor will monitor other factors such as your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.
It is important that you take this medication as directed by your physician. It is not recommended for children under 12 years of age. Also, it should not be used with the following medications: any other opioids, such as morphine or codeine; a blockage or narrowing of the stomach or intestines; severe liver disease; seizures; depression; suicidal thoughts or actions; or if you have a history of alcoholism or drug abuse.
When taking tramadol, your doctor will likely recommend that you drink plenty of fluids and not eat large amounts of fat or protein, as these foods can slow down your digestive system. Your doctor will also want to keep tabs on your breathing and kidney function, especially if you’re increasing or decreasing your dosage.
Tell your doctor about any health issues you may have, including kidney or liver diseases, a narrowing or blockage of the stomach or intestines, a muscle or nerve disorder such as a spinal cord injury, diabetes, gall bladder, or pancreas disorders, high sodium levels in your blood, or mental illnesses.
Tell your doctor about any prescription or over-the counter medications you are taking, especially St. John’s Wort or Tryptophan. These drugs can cause tramadol to interact and have dangerous side effects.