Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is tramadol. It is an opioid pain medicine. It helps treat moderate to severe pain.

You should take this medicine EXACTLY as your doctor tells you to. Call your doctor if your dose does not control your pain. If you have been taking this medicine regularly, you should not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor says it's okay.

Most people tolerate this medicine well. Common side effects include a headache, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Constipation can occur. You should ask your doctor how to prevent and treat constipation. It may also make you feel tired or dizzy. You should wait until you know how it affects you before you do activities that require you to be alert, like driving. It's a good idea to stand up slowly to avoid becoming light-headed. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

As with any medicine, rare but serious side effects could occur. It is very important to read the Medication Guide to know which symptoms to watch for and when to get emergency medical help.

Tramadol can interact with other medicines. You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking ANY other medicines. You should not drink alcohol.

This medicine is controlled by federal law. It can put you at risk for addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death. It can be dangerous to others, so store it in a safe place. After you stop taking it you should dispose of it properly. Ask your pharmacist about proper disposal options in your area or go to the FDA.gov website for more information.

This medicine is never safe for children less than 12 years of age. In certain situations, it is not safe for anyone less than 18 years of age. Women must talk to their doctors before taking this medicine during pregnancy. Women should not breastfeed.

For best results with this medicine, work with your doctor to find the lowest dose that works for you.