What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Ryzolt?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking
Ryzolt™ (
tramadol ER) if you have:
- A history of drug or alcohol dependence
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Liver disease, such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatitis
- Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- A head injury or high intracranial pressure
- Severe abdominal (stomach) pain
- Lung disease of any sort
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Breastfeeding.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Specific Ryzolt Warnings and Precautions
Some warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking Ryzolt include the following:
- Ryzolt should not be prescribed to people with suicidal tendencies. This medication can be lethal in the case of an overdose, especially if combined with alcohol.
- Ryzolt can cause seizures, especially in people with a history of seizures, who are withdrawing from alcohol or narcotics, who have a head injury, or who take certain medications (see Tramadol and Seizures for more information).
- Even though Ryzolt is not a controlled substance in most states, it still has a significant potential for abuse. It is not a good choice for people who have a history of alcohol or drug abuse (see Tramadol Abuse). Do not take the drug more frequently, longer, or at a higher dose than prescribed. If you feel you may be developing a problem with Ryzolt, please seek help from your healthcare provider.
- Ryzolt can cause a dangerous group of symptoms known as serotonin syndrome. This is most common when Ryzolt is combined with certain other medications (see Tramadol and Serotonin Syndrome for more information).
- Ryzolt can cause slow and irregular breathing. In severe situations, this may lead to life-threatening complications. This may be especially dangerous in people with lung problems.
- The medication can cause problems in people with head injuries or high intracranial pressure. Ryzolt should only be used with extreme caution in such circumstances.
- Ryzolt can interfere with the diagnosis of many conditions that cause severe abdominal (stomach) pain.
- Ryzolt can cause dizziness and drowsiness, and may increase the risk of falls in elderly people.
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Ryzolt affects you. Your reflexes and reaction times may be significantly affected, even if you feel fine.
- Ryzolt can potentially interact with several other medications (see Ryzolt Drug Interactions).
- Ryzolt is considered a pregnancy Category C medication. This means that it may not be safe for use during pregnancy, although the full risks are not known (see Tramadol and Pregnancy).
- Ryzolt passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start breastfeeding, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug (see Tramadol and Breastfeeding).
