Hi Tina: Tramadol is Ultram. Originally they said it was a non-narcotic, but recently it has been placed on the narcotic list. See below:
Generic Name: tramadol (TRAM a doll)
Brand Names: Ultram
What is the most important information I should know about tramadol?
Seizures have been reported as a rare side effect of treatment with tramadol. The risk of seizures may be increased in patients who take more than the prescribed dose, have a history of seizures or epilepsy, have head trauma, have a metabolic disorder, have a central nervous system infection, are experiencing alcohol or drug withdrawal, or are taking certain medications. Talk to your doctor about factors that may increase the risk of seizures during treatment.
Do not drink alcohol while taking tramadol. Alcohol may cause a dangerous decrease in breathing and/ or liver problems when used during treatment with tramadol.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Tramadol may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Do not take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. If the pain is not being controlled, talk to your doctor. Taking more than the prescribed amount of this medication could result in seizures or decreased breathing.
What is tramadol?
Tramadol is a pain reliever. Tramadol affects chemicals and receptors in the body that are associated with pain.
Tramadol is used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain.
Tramadol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tramadol?
Seizures have been reported as a rare side effect of treatment with tramadol. The risk of seizures may be increased in patients who have any of the conditions or are taking any of the medications listed below: Do not take tramadol without first talking to your doctor if you
· have a history of seizures or epilepsy;
· have a head injury;
· have a metabolic disorder;
· have a central nervous system infection;
· are experiencing alcohol or drug withdrawal;
· are taking a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), clomipramine (Anafranil), and others;
· are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);
· are taking a psychiatric medication such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphe****ne (Prolixin), haloperidol (Haldol), loxapine (Loxitane), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphe****ne (Trilafon), thioridazine (Mellaril), thiothixene (Navane), and others;
· are taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), or citalopram (Celexa);
· are taking a narcotic pain reliever such as codeine, fentanyl (Duragesic), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), meperidine (Demerol), hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab, others), morphine (MS Contin, MSIR, RMS, Roxanol, others), oxycodone (Roxicodone, Percocet, Percodan, others), propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet, others), and others;
· are taking promethazine (Phenergan) or prochlorperazine (Compazine);
· are taking sibutramine (Meridia);
· are taking bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban); or
· are taking cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril).
Before taking tramadol, tell your doctor if you have
· kidney disease;
· liver disease; or
· a history of alcohol or drug dependence.
You may not be able to take tramadol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Tramadol is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is also not known whether tramadol passes into breast milk. Do not take tramadol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you are over 75 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from tramadol. The maximum daily dose of tramadol for people over 75 years of age is 300 mg.
Tramadol is not approved by the FDA for use by children younger than 16 years of age. (from: Drugs.com)
I hope that helps. Also, I think maybe your best bet is to become honest with your doctor and tell him about your situation. Unless you have plans to go off Methadone altogether, then you'll just have to ride it out. Good luck whichever you decide to go.
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