Tramadol is used to relieve pain, including pain after surgery. The long-acting tablets are used for chronic ongoing pain. . The effects of tramadol are similar to those of narcotic analgesics. Although tramadol is not classified as a narcotic, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence.

Tramadol medication is used to relieve moderate pain. It is similar to narcotic pain medications. It works on certain nerves in the brain that control how you experience pain.

Take tramadol by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. If you have nausea, you may take this drug with food. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to decrease nausea (e.g., antihistamines, lying down for 1 to 2 hours with as little head movement as possible).

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce the risk of side effects, your doctor may tell you to gradually increase your dose when starting tramadol.

The maximum recommended dose is 400 milligrams a day. If you have serious kidney disease (e.g., if you are on dialysis), the maximum recommended dose is 100 milligrams every 12 hours. If you have serious liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), the maximum recommended dose is 50 milligrams every 12 hours. If you are older than 75 years, the maximum recommended dose is 300 milligrams a day.

Pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain (or migraine) occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well.

Follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s instruction for the safe use of non-narcotic pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details regarding your treatment.

This medication may cause dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for an extended time or if it has been used in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal reactions (e.g., anxiety, sweating, sleeplessness, shaking, diarrhea, rapid breathing) may occur if you suddenly stop this drug. To prevent withdrawal reactions when stopping extended, regular treatment with this drug, gradually reduce the dosage as directed. Also, if you are taking regular doses of narcotic medications for ongoing pain (e.g., cancer pain), starting tramadol may cause a withdrawal reaction. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.

Rarely, abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction) is possible with this medication. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.