This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Ultram is an atypical opioid which is a centrally acting analgesic, used for treating moderate to severe pain.

How to Take

The usual starting dose of Ultram for adult to treat chronic pain is 25 milligrams once a day in the morning. The daily dosage is then increased every 3 days until it reaches 200 milligrams taken in four doses of 50 milligrams each. After the phase-in period, Ultram may be taken in doses of 50 to 100 milligrams every 4 to 6 hours, depending on the severity of pain. If rapid pain relief is needed, the phase-in steps can be skipped, though side effects will be more likely. The maximum dosage under any circumstances is 400 milligrams a day (300 milligrams for those over age 75).

For people with kidney problems, the usual starting dose is 50 to 100 milligrams every 12 hours; and the maximum per day is 200 milligrams. For those with cirrhosis, the usual dose is 50 milligrams every 12 hours. Safety and effectiveness in children under 16 years of age have not been established.

Warning and Precautions

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

Ultram 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 Ultram. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if you stop taking Ultram 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 Ultram, 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 Ultram.

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

If you have experienced a head injury, consult your doctor before taking Ultram. The medication's effects may be stronger and could hide warning signs of serious trouble.

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

Ultram appears in breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. If Ultram hydrochloride is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Symptoms of Ultram overdose include: difficult or slowed breathing, drowsiness, coma, seizures, cardiac arrest.

Storage

Store Ultram at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Ultram out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects of Ultram 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, and weakness.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Ultram. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.