What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Tramadol?
- 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 intercranial pressure
- Severe abdominal (stomach) pain
- Lung disease of any sort
- A history of drug or alcohol dependence
- 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 Precautions and Warning With Tramadol
Warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking
tramadol include the following:
- Tramadol can cause seizures, especially in people who have a history of them, 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 tramadol is not a controlled substance in most states, it still has a significant potential for abuse. Tramadol 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 tramadol, please seek help from your healthcare provider.
- Tramadol can cause slow and irregular breathing. In severe situations, this may lead to life-threatening complications, which may be especially dangerous in people with lung problems.
- The medication can cause problems in people with head injuries or high intercranial pressure. Tramadol should only be used with extreme caution in such circumstances.
- Tramadol can interfere with the diagnosis of many conditions that cause severe abdominal (stomach) pain.
- This medication 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 tramadol affects you. Your reflexes and reaction times may be significantly affected, even if you feel fine.
- Tramadol can potentially interact with several other medications (see Tramadol Drug Interactions).
- Tramadol 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).
- Tramadol does pass through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug (see Tramadol and Breastfeeding).
