0 Information about Amaryl

What is Amaryl?

Amaryl (glimepiride) is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. This medication helps your body respond better to insulin produced by your pancreas.

Amaryl is used together with diet and exercise to treat type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes. Insulin or other diabetes medicines are sometimes used in combination with this medicine if needed.

Amaryl may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Amaryl

Do not use Amaryl if you are allergic to glimepiride, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

Before taking Amaryl, tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfa drugs, or if you have heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, an enzyme deficiency (G6PD), adrenal or pituitary gland problems, or if you are under-nourished.

Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can occur if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress. Symptoms include headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, tremor, irritability, or trouble concentrating. Carry hard candy or glucose tablets with you in case you have low blood sugar. Other sugar sources include orange juice and milk. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.

Amaryl is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.

0 Side Effects of Lisinopril

Side effects, some or all of which are serious and require immediate medical attention, include:

• Chills, infection
• Dark urine, decreased urination (oliguria)
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing (signs of angioedema), allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Hoarseness
• Itching
• Rapid weight gain, stomach pain
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting
• Chest pain or tightness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting (syncope)
• Dry cough
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Rash
• Diarrhea, loss of taste, nausea
• Drowsiness, headache, tiredness
• Change in mood/irrational behaviour
• Blurred vision
• Muscle cramps
• Fainting/blackouts
• Increased insulin sensitivity
• Sexual dysfunction
• Serious (possibly fatal) liver problems

Lisinopril causes the kidneys to retain potassium, which may lead to hyperkalemia. From a study of more than 1,000 patients who have hyperkalemia when using Lisinopril, the condition may happen more on older male users.

A rare but severe allergic reaction can occur that affects the bowel wall and secondarily causes abdominal pain. This "anaphylactic" reaction is very rare and must be given immediate medical attention.

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisinopril

0 Information about Lisinopril

Lisinopril (pronounced /laɪˈsɪnəprɪl/ ly-SIN-ə-pril) is a drug of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor class that is primarily used in treatment ofhypertension, congestive heart failure, and heart attacks and also in preventing renal and retinal complications of diabetes. It has been compared with omapatrilat, which is of similar function.

Historically, lisinopril was the third ACE inhibitor (after captopril and enalapril) and was introduced into therapy in the early 1990s. Lisinopril has a number of properties that distinguish it from other ACE inhibitors: It is hydrophilic, has a long half-life and tissue penetration, and is not metabolized by the liver.

Lisinopril was developed by Merck & Co. and is marketed worldwide as Prinivil or Tensopril and byAstraZeneca as Zestril. In India it is marketed byMicro Labs as Hipril. In the United States, a generic version is available. Like other ACE inhibitors, it is derived from the venom of the jararaca, a Brazilian pit viper (Bothrops jararaca). Lisinopril can also be used in conjunction with the diuretic Hydrochlorothiazide and drugs which combine these two medications are available under the brand namesPrinzide and Zestoretic.

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisinopril

0 Side Effects of Propecia

Side effects of finasteride include impotence (1.1% to 18.5%), abnormal ejaculation (7.2%), decreased ejaculatory volume (0.9% to 2.8%), abnormal sexual function (2.5%), gynecomastia (2.2%), erectile dysfunction (1.3%), ejaculation disorder (1.2%) and testicular pain. According to the product package insert, resolution occurred in men who discontinued therapy with finasteride due to these side effects and in most men who continued therapy. In December 2010, Merck acknowledged that depression is a side effect of Finasteride.

In December 2008, the Swedish Medical Products agency concluded a safety investigation of Propecia and subsequently advised that the use of Propecia may result in irreversible sexual dysfunction. The Agency's updated safety information lists difficulty in obtaining an erection that persists indefinitely, even after the discontinuation of Propecia, as a possible side effect of the drug. The UK's Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) say that erectile dysfunction that persists once use of Propecia has stopped has been reported to them. Similar labeling changes have been made by the Italian government. While European product warnings have been updated to warn of the possibility for permanent sexual dysfunction, the warnings remain unchanged in North America and currently state that sexual side effects are reversible.

Thousands of former finasteride users have reported permanent sexual side effects as a consequence of taking finasteride, despite discontinuing treatment with the drug. A recent literature review was published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine that states "clearly the sexual side adverse events do not resolve in all patients who discontinue use of finasteride." A 2003 double-blind, placebo controlled experiment for treatment of BPH showed that sexual side effects were more common with drug than placebo in the first year of treatment. Four percent of patients on finasteride and two percent of patients on placebo withdrew from treatment due to sexual adverse events. 50 percent of the patients on finasteride that withdrew and 59 percent of the patients on placebo that withdrew demonstrated persistent sexual side effects despite discontinuation of the treatment.

Finasteride is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that it is known to cause birth defectsin an unborn baby. Women who are or who may become pregnant must not handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets, because the medication could be absorbed through the skin. Finasteride is known to cause birth defects in a developing male baby. Exposure to whole tablets should be avoided whenever possible, however exposure to whole tablets is not expected to be harmful as long as the tablets are not swallowed.

It is not known whether finasteride passes into breast milk, and thus should not be taken by breastfeeding women. Finasteride may pass into the semen of men, but Merck states that a pregnant woman's contact with the semen of a man taking finasteride is not an issue for concern.

Finasteride is known to affect blood donations, and potential donors are typically restricted for at least a month after their most recent dose.

Many sports organizations have banned finasteride because it can be used to mask steroid abuse. Since 2005, finasteride has been on the World Anti-Doping Agency's list of banned substances. However, it was removed from the list in 2009. Notable athletes who used finasteride for hair loss and were banned from international competition include skeleton racer Zach Lund,bobsledder Sebastien Gattuso, footballer Romário and ice hockey goaltender José Théodore.

In December 2009, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in the UK announced new drug safety advice on finasteride and the potential risk of male breast cancer. The agency concluded that, although overall incidence of male breast cancer in clinical trials for finasteride 5 mg was not significantly increased, a higher risk of male breast cancer with finasteride use cannot be excluded. A warning on this risk will be included in the product information.

0 Information about Propecia

Finasteride (marketed by Merck under the trademark names Proscar and Propecia, also available under several generic names) is a synthetic antiandrogen that inhibits type II 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Finasteride was initially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1992 under the brand name Proscar, as treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In 1997, the FDA approved finasteride to treat male pattern baldness (MPB) under the brand name Propecia.


Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finasteride

0 Side Effects of Soma

The usual dose of 350 mg is unlikely to engender prominent side effects other than somnolence, and possibly mild euphoria or dysphoria. The medication is well tolerated and without adverse effects in the majority of patients for which it is indicated. In some patients however, and/or early in therapy, carisoprodol can have the full spectrum of sedative side effects and can impair the patient's ability to operate a firearm, motorcycle, and other machinery of various types especially when taken with medications containing alcohol, in which case an alternative medication would be considered. The intensity of the side effects of carisoprodol tends to lessen as therapy continues, as is the case with many other drugs.

The interaction of carisoprodol with opioids, essentially all opioids and other centrally-acting analgesics, but especially those of the codeine-derived subgroup of the semi-synthetic class (codeine, ethylmorphine, dihydrocodeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, nicocodeine, benzylmorphine, the various acetylated codeine derivatives including acetyldihydrocodeine, dihydroisocodeine, nicodicodeine and others) which allows the use of a smaller dose of the opioid to have a given effect, is useful in general and especially where injury and/or muscle spasm is a large part of the problem. The potentiation effect is also useful in other pain situations and is also especially useful with opioids of the open-chain class such as methadone, levomethadone, ketobemidone, phenadoxone and others. In recreational drug users, deaths have resulted from carelessly combining overdoses of hydrocodone and carisoprodol.

Meprobamate and other muscle relaxing drugs often were subjects of misuse in the 1950s and1960s. Overdose cases were reported as early as 1957 and have been reported on several occasions since then.

Carisoprodol, meprobamate, and related drugs such as tybamate have the potential to produce physical dependence with prolonged use. Withdrawal of the drug after extensive use may require hospitalization in medically-compromised patients.

Because of potential for more severe side effects, this drug is on the list to avoid in the elderly.

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carisoprodol 

0 Information about SOMA

Carisoprodol is a centrally-acting skeletal muscle relaxant. It is a colorless, crystalline powder, having a mild characteristic odor and a bitter taste. Carisoprodol is slightly soluble in water and freely soluble in alcohol,chloroform and acetone. The drug's solubility is practically independent of pH. Carisoprodol is manufactured and marketed in the United States by Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc. under the brand name SOMA, and in the United Kingdom and other countries under the brand names Sanoma and Carisoma. The drug is available by itself or mixed with aspirin and in one preparation (Soma Compound With Codeine) along with codeine and caffeine as well.

Although reports from Norway have shown that carisoprodol has abuse potential as a prodrug of meprobamate and/or potentiator of hydrocodone, dihydrocodeine, codeine and similar drugs, it continues to be prescribed in North America, alongside orphenadrine and cyclobenzaprine. In Europe, doctors favor cyclobenzaprine. In the United Kingdom, benzodiazepines are preferred instead. All of the above plus chlorzoxazone are used in Canada.

As of November 2007, carisoprodol (Somadril, Somadril comp.) has been taken off the market in Sweden due to problems with dependence and side effects. The agency overseeing pharmaceuticals has considered other drugs used with the same indications as carisoprodol to have the same or better effects without the risks of the drug. In May 2008 it was taken off the market in Norway as well.

In the EU, the European Medicines Agency has issued a release recommending that member states suspend marketing authorization for this product in the treatment of acute (not chronic) back pain.

In the United States, while carisoprodol is not a controlled substance under federal regulations, as of February 2010, carisoprodol is considered to be a schedule IV controlled substance by the states of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon and Texas (scheduled using the state's new controlled substance program which requires physicians to obtain, and include, a state "DPS" number as well as a DEA number on all controlled substances prescriptions), Utah, and Washington. It is a Schedule III controlled substance in West Virginia. The rest of the United States, excluding the above named states, falls under the DEA scheduling for the medication, which considers carisoprodol a non-scheduled chemical, meaning that carisoprodol is considered a general prescription medication by the federal government of the United States, with oversight provided solely by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

On March 26, 2010 the DEA issued a Notice of Hearing on proposed rule making in respect to the placement of carisoprodol in schedule IV of the Controlled Substances Act.

Abusers of carisoprodol usually seek its potential dissociative, euphoric, and heavy sedating, relaxant, and anxiolytic effects. Also, because of its potentiating effects on narcotics, it is often abused in conjunction with many opioid drugs.

As with most psychoactive substances, tolerance can form very rapidly. This causes the abuser to continually increase dosage to obtain desired effects. As with any drug, this can be dangerous for a multitude of reasons. For this reason, those with a background of addiction should not be prescribed carisoprodol.

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carisoprodol

0 Adding Variation

So I decided to add variation to this blog. From now on I'll also add articles and reviews for other drugs.

0 More In-depth Information

Tramadol is used for:

Treating moderate to moderately severe pain.

Tramadol is an analgesic. It works in certain areas of the brain and nervous system to decrease pain.
Do NOT use Tramadol if:

    * you are allergic to any ingredient in Tramadol
    * you have had a severe allergic reaction (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue) to codeine or another opioid (eg, morphine)
    * you have severe or persistent diarrhea caused by antibiotic use
    * you have suicidal thoughts or actions, or have a history of alcohol or other substance abuse
    * you are intoxicated with alcohol, other opioids or narcotics (eg, codeine, morphine), sedatives or sleeping medicines (eg, temazepam, zolpidem), or another medicine
    * you have severe liver or kidney problems
    * you are taking carbamazepine, nefazodone, sodium oxybate (GHB), a thioxanthene (eg, thiothixene), or another product that contains tramadol

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Tramadol:

Some medical conditions may interact with Tramadol. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

    * if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
    * if you are taking any prescription (especially depression medicines) or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
    * if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
    * if you have liver, kidney, or thyroid problems; a blockage in the bladder; diabetes; heart problems (eg, cor pulmonale); high blood pressure; pancreas problems; prostate problems; or metabolism problems
    * if you have or recently have had any head injury, brain injury or tumor, increased pressure in the brain, or infection of the brain or nervous system
    * if you have recent stomach or bowel surgery, or any other stomach or bowel problems (eg, pain, inflammation, ulcers)
    * if you have a history of lung or breathing problems (eg, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]) or a seizure disorder (eg, epilepsy)
    * if you drink alcohol, are going through withdrawal from alcohol or other substances, or if you have a history of alcohol or other substance abuse, mood or mental problems (eg, depression), or suicidal thoughts or actions

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Tramadol. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

    * Alpha-2 receptor blockers (eg, yohimbine), azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), linezolid, lithium, macrolide antibiotics (eg, erythromycin), nefazodone, quinidine, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (eg, duloxetine), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine, paroxetine), St. John's wort, tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline), or "triptans" (eg, sumatriptan) because serotonin syndrome may occur
    * Anorexiants (eg, phentermine), butyrophenones (eg, haloperidol), cyclobenzaprine, furazolidone, loxapine, certain medicines for mental or mood disorders (eg, olanzapine), molindone, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (eg, phenelzine, selegiline), other opioid pain medicines (eg, codeine, hydrocodone), phenothiazines (eg, promethazine), sleeping medicines (eg, zolpidem), sodium oxybate (GHB), thioxanthenes (eg, thiothixene), or tiagabine because the risk of side effects, including excessive drowsiness, trouble breathing, liver problems, or seizures, may be increased
    * Carbamazepine because it may decrease Tramadol's effectiveness; the risk of seizures may also be increased
    * Other products containing tramadol because they may increase the risk of Tramadol's side effects
    * Rifampin because it may decrease Tramadol's effectiveness
    * Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or digoxin because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Tramadol

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Tramadol may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use Tramadol:

Use Tramadol as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

    * Take Tramadol by mouth with or without food.
    * If you miss a dose of Tramadol and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Tramadol.
Important safety information:

    * Tramadol may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Tramadol with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
    * Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers, narcotic pain medicines) while you are using Tramadol; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
    * Tramadol may cause dizziness; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase this effect. To prevent it, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of this effect.
    * Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
    * Tramadol may increase your risk of seizures. Your risk may be greater if you also have certain medical conditions, use certain medicines, or if you use a lot of alcohol. Talk to your doctor to see if you may have a greater risk of seizures while taking Tramadol.
    * Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Tramadol before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
    * Serotonin syndrome is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Tramadol. Your risk may be greater if you take Tramadol with certain other medicines (eg, "triptans," MAOIs). Symptoms may include agitation; confusion; hallucinations; coma; fever; fast or irregular heartbeat; tremor; excessive sweating; and nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.
    * Use Tramadol with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially constipation, weakness or tiredness, severe lightheadedness, and indigestion.
    * Tramadol should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 16 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
    * PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Tramadol has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Tramadol while you are pregnant. Tramadol is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Tramadol.

When used for long periods of time or at high doses, Tramadol may not work as well and may require higher doses to obtain the same effect as when originally taken. This is known as TOLERANCE. Talk with your doctor if Tramadol stops working well. Do not take more than prescribed.

Some people who use Tramadol for a long time without a break may develop a physical need to continue taking it. This is known as physical DEPENDENCE. If you suddenly stop taking Tramadol, you may experience WITHDRAWAL symptoms, including anxiety; diarrhea; fever, runny nose, or sneezing; goose bumps and abnormal skin sensations; nausea; vomiting; pain; rigid muscles; rapid heartbeat; seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not there; shivering or tremors; sweating; and trouble sleeping.
Possible side effects of Tramadol:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

    Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; increased sweating; itching; nausea; trouble sleeping; vomiting; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

    Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); agitation; chest pain; difficult or painful urination; disorientation; excessive sweating; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations; loss of coordination; mood or mental changes (eg, depression); red, blistered, swollen, or peeling skin; seizures; severe dizziness or lightheadedness; severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; severe or persistent headache; slow or shallow breathing; suicidal thoughts or behaviors; tremor.



If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include bluish skin; cold, clammy skin; difficult, shallow, or slow breathing; drowsiness leading to unresponsiveness or coma; excessive sweating; limp muscles; pinpoint pupils; seizures; slow or irregular heartbeat.
Proper storage of Tramadol:

Store Tramadol 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 Tramadol out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:

    * If you have any questions about Tramadol, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
    * Tramadol is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
    * If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
    * Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Tramadol. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

0 Tramadol - 10 Things You Should Know

Tramadol, the generic version of Ultram, is a synthetic analgesic medication. The exact mode of action of tramadol is unknown but it is said to work like morphine. Tramadol binds to opioid receptors in the brain -- receptors that transmit the sensation of pain throughout the body. Here are 10 things you should know about tramadol to ensure its safe use.


1 - Tramadol is prescribed to treat moderate to moderately severe pain.


Tramadol belongs to the class of drugs known as opiate agonists. Primarily, tramadol works by changing the way the body senses pain. Some people mistakenly believe that tramadol is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), but it is not.


2 - Tramadol is available in immediate release and extended release formulations.


Tramadol may be prescribed as an immediate release tablet (50 mg.) or as an extended release tablet (100, 200, or 300 mg.). The extended release tablets are usually reserved for patients with chronic pain who require continuous, long-term treatment. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage schedule for you.


3 - Tramadol extended release tablets must be taken whole, not split, chewed or crushed.


It is important to take tramadol properly and to follow prescribing instructions. If taken improperly or in a way that is not recommended, serious side effects and even death can result.


4 - Tramadol can be habit-forming for some people.


Do not take more tramadol than has been prescribed for you. Taking more tramadol or taking it more often can cause dependency on it. You should also not stop taking tramadol without first consulting your doctor. You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stopped it suddenly. You doctor will likely decrease your dose of tramadol gradually.


5 - Drug interactions are possible with tramadol.


Be aware of the following possible drug interactions:


Carbamazepine reduces the effect of tramadol

Quinidine increases the concentration of tramadol by 50% to 60%

Combining tramadol with an MAO (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) inhibitor or SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) can lead to seizures or other serious side effects.

Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.


6 - Tramadol, when combined with certain other substances, can increase central nervous system and respiratory depression.


In other words, breathing may be affected or even stop if tramadol is combined with alcohol, narcotic drugs, anesthetics, tranquilizers, or sedatives.


7 - The use of tramadol during pregnancy should be avoided.


Because the safety of tramadol use during pregnancy has not been established, the medication should not be used during pregnancy. The safe use of tramadol in nursing mothers has also not been established.


8 - Tramadol is usually well-tolerated. Any side effects are usually temporary.


Some of the common side effects associated with tramadol include:


nausea

constipation

dizziness

headache

drowsiness

vomiting

Less common side effects include: itching, sweating, diarrhea, rash, dry mouth, and vertigo. There have been patients who developed seizures after taking tramadol.


9 - A Cochrane Review of tramadol to treat osteoarthritis revealed some small benefit.


The Cochrane Review stated that when tramadol is taken for up to 3 months, there may be decreased pain, improvements in function and stiffness and overall well-being. However, tramadol can cause side effects that are significant enough to require that the patient must stop taking the medication. Risks outweigh benefits for many people who have tried tramadol.


10 - If an overdose of tramadol has occurred, call your local poison control center, or call 911 if it appears to be an emergency situation.


Symptoms of an overdose include decreased pupil size, difficulty breathing or staying awake, unconscious, coma, heart attack, or seizure. Call for help, even if you are unsure about what to do.

0 What is Tramadol?

When it comes to body pain, one of the best ways of dealing with it is to find an effective relief that can provide you with instant results. Tramadol, a popular painkiller, mostly resorted to by patients who experience moderate to severe pain. So what is tramadol? This is actually a synthetic agent as 4-phenyl-piperidine analogue of codeine. This particular drug is also known to act like a morphine.

For tramadol to help you get rid of the pain, it works by thwarting the brainís receptors which are responsible for conveying the message of pain in the body. It is safe to take this medicine once it is taken for short durations of time and under the doctorís guidance. Many medical professionals suggest that this medicine should only be taken during emergency situations and for moderate to severe pain only.

Since Tramadol is an effective pain reliever, many pharmaceutical companies already offered different brands for this drug in the market. Some popular brands are Ultram, Ultracet, Ryzolt, Tramal, and Tramacet. You can purchase the drug in its regular form or in extended time release capsules. These are available in 50 mg intended for moderate pain. Higher dosage is also available from 100 mg, 200 mg up to 300 mg. Higher dosages are only prescribed for severe pain and for other serious illnesses where immediate pain management is required.

Another thing to remember when on tramadol medication is that it is recommended that you take the medicine in the same form as prescribed by your doctor. Tramadol should be taken as a whole. You will not get addictive to the medicine once it is taken for only short durations. Once the medicine is used for longer periods then it will commonly result to dependence and resistance to the drug. So instead of easing the pain at lower dosages, you will later increase the intake of this drug to feel its effects. Symptoms of overdose may include cold and clammy skin, low body temperature, slowed breathing and heartbeat, drowsiness, lightheadedness, seizures, deep sleep and loss of consciousness.

Once you notice that you have difficulty in breathing or tightness of the chest, swelling of eyelids, face or lips, develop rash or hives, then it is high time that you tell your doctor about it the soonest possible time. It is also important that you avoid alcohol when taking tramadol. Meanwhile, women who are planning on becoming pregnant must consult it first with a doctor so he can discuss the benefits and risks of using tramadol during pregnancy. Tramadol is excreted in breast milk so it is only logical for women to avoid breastfeeding while taking tramadol.

The dosage of tramadol or any change in the prescription should only be done after consulting with your doctor. If you notice any unpleasant side effects caused by this drug, then you need to talk to your doctor about it. It is better to be honest about any adverse reactions of your present medication so that immediate remedy can be provided.

Tramadol can also be taken in combination with Carbamazepine and it is normally prescribed for the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Carbamazepine also lessens the effect of tramadol. However, you should be careful about drug interactions as it can lead to unwanted side effects or prevent the medicine in easing your pain. When this happens, you need to consult a health care professional if you have questions on drug interactions with tramadol.

Aside from pain management, tramadol can also be used for people who have chronic pain disorders or for patients who just had dental surgery. Tramadol can also help alleviate the pain brought by migraine, sprains, broken ligaments, chronic pain, severe back pain, cancer pain and a whole lot more. With all these information, you will definitely have an idea on what tramadol is and what it can do to your body.