Shoreline

Hi Fairy, Here is some basic info from drugs.com
TRAMADOL

Description: Although tramadol is not a narcotic, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. Tramadol passes into breast milk and may cause unwanted effects in nursing babies.

Although Tramadol, the active ingredent in Ultram and Ultracet "tramadol + tylenol" is not classified as an opiate, IT does have opiate properties. It's anelgesic action comes from this drugs ability to bind to the MU opiate receptor,The same opiate receptor that all opiates bind to that create anelgesia. Due to it's opiate like properties discontinuing abruptly can cause withdrawal syndrome.

Tramadol also has selective serritonin reuptake inhibitor action "SSRI" Much like Pxail, prozac and other anti depressants in this catagory that are also used to treat pain through their abilty to reduce substance P, a neuro inflamatory agent. Neither antidepressant or mds that bind to opiate receptrs should be topped abruptly.

There is usaully a titration perriod when tramadol is first initiated. You start at a lowwer dose and slowly increase untill you find maximum benefit , although you can't exceed doses higher than 400 mgs per day. It can potentiate the action of other CNS depressants and opiates and should be used with caution when first initiated as to avoid intolerable side effects.

So abrupt discontinuation of Tramadol products can cause withdrawal symptoms similar to both opiate withdrawal and anti depressant abstinence syndrome. Neither class of meds should be discontinued abruptly.

It was first touted as the safe alternative to mild narcotic pain relievers such as Hydrocodone and codeine. All opiates bind to the MU receptor along with other opiate receptors. They now place warnings about discontinuing TRamadol products abruptly. Even moderate doses should be tapered down to prevent severe withdrawal symptoms. The longer you take it the more like you will have a problem if you discontinue this med abruptly.

The max daily dose is 400 mgs a day and exceding this dose can cause seizures, do not exceeed 400 mgs a day.

It's not quite the benign pain reliever it was first marketed as and the DEA has been considering scheduling this med, as it does any med with potential for abuse of physical dependence.

Just be safe, report any adverse effects imediately and don't discontinue it abruptly.
The full prescribing info can be found at the manufacturers web site.
[url]http://www.ortho-mcneil.com/products/index.html[/url]
Good luck, Dave