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What are the side effects of Ultram?

Ultram (generic name tramadol) is a prescription medicine that relieves moderate to severe pain. Its common side effects are similar to those reported with other pain relievers and include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, constipation, and headache. You should be aware that dizziness and drowsiness may impair your ability to drive or operate machines. If dizziness is severe, your doctor may need to adjust your dose. You can prevent or relieve nausea or vomiting by taking Ultram with food.

Ultram's action is similar to narcotic pain relievers, but it isn't a narcotic. It appears to have a low risk for drug dependence, although there have been a few rare reports physical and psychological dependance on Ultram. Almost all cases of dependance on Ultram have occurred in people with a history of drug abuse. If you're worried about this, be sure to talk to your doctor. Rarely, people who take Ultram have seizures, but they go away once the drug is stopped.

These side effects do not occur in everybody. Talk with your doctor if you have any bothersome side effects.

Sources:
Micromedex Healthcare Series. Micromedex, Inc., 2000.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts and Comparisons, 2000.
Ruoff, G.E. "Slowing the Initial Titration Rate of Tramadol Improves Tolerability," Pharmacotherapy 19 (1999).
Ultram Product Information, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals, 1998.

This answer prepared 7/11/00.