| "body"> | | | | jitteriness, mood disorders) if you stop taking the drug. |
| When Aspirin Isn't Enough | | | | Checking in with your physician regularly while on this |
| It's surprising how clearly we can recall getting hurt. | | | | medication helps both of you notice any symptoms of |
| Years later, we can recount our first fall from a | | | | addiction so you can stop any problems before they |
| too-tempting tree, a bee-sting, the birth of a child. We | | | | start! |
| can even tell humorous stories about those events | | | | The other effects of Ultram tend to be mild and |
| because the pain was transient - it passed. | | | | transient. You might notice dizziness, drowsiness, |
| But many illnesses and conditions can make pain a | | | | stomach or intestinal distress (usually constipation). |
| daily visitor, interfering with our jobs, family lives, even | | | | People taking Ultram are discouraged from driving - |
| sleep. Even ancient people tried to relieve the | | | | driving under it's influence is a bit like driving after having |
| devastation of chronic pain using surgeries and | | | | a few drinks. Ultram requires a prescription, so while |
| medicinal herbs. By the 1800s, people started using | | | | you're talking with your doctor about using it, schedule |
| narcotics (drugs like opium) to reduce pain. Even the | | | | a regular time to discuss any side-effects or difficulties |
| narcotic heroin was originally developed as a pain | | | | you experience while on this medication. |
| medication! But many narcotics were found to be | | | | Control the Medication - Don't Let It Control You |
| addictive, to interfere with digestion and mood, and | | | | How can you benefit from this drug while minimizing its |
| even to slow or stop breathing! | | | | risks? First, when deciding whether to start on Ultram, |
| Fortunately for us, modern research has uncovered | | | | be candid with your physician about any dependence |
| safer pain-relief drugs for chronic conditions. One of | | | | issues with alcohol or other drugs you've had. People |
| these drugs is Ultram (the generic drug Ultram contains | | | | who have struggled with other addictions may be |
| is called tramadol). Ultram's effect on your body is | | | | more susceptible to Ultram dependence. Remember - |
| similar to the effect of narcotics and is as effective in | | | | your physician is on your side and telling her about your |
| relieving pain. But since it isn't a narcotic, it doesn't have | | | | history will help her tailor pain medications to your |
| as many of the side-effects which have made | | | | needs! |
| medical narcotic use so dangerous. | | | | Second, be aware that Ultram is pretty powerful stuff |
| The Wonder Woman of Pain Control? | | | | and treat it with respect! Any change in dose should |
| Ultram can help manage pain from many sources, just | | | | be discussed with your doctor; mild drowsiness at one |
| like comic-book superheroes can foil thieves, | | | | dose can become a deadly blackout in another. Never |
| kidnappers, and polluters! Ultram can reduce pain from | | | | "lend" this drug to a friend, even if he's in great pain - |
| cancer, spinal problems (kyphosis, scoliosis), arthritis | | | | what works for you could be fatal for him. |
| -even surgery !. Some physicians report using it to help | | | | Thirdly, make sure that you tell your physician about |
| people with severe, chronic headaches and | | | | other drugs you're taking: many drugs (including alcohol |
| endometriosis. | | | | and over-the-counter medications) can enhance the |
| The Dark Side of Ultram | | | | effect of Ultram, making it act like you're taking a much |
| While Ultram is not a narcotic, both physicians and | | | | bigger dose. |
| patients have reported cases of dependence on it. | | | | These sound like dire warnings, but remember: by |
| Signs of dependence (addiction) include getting tolerant | | | | working with your physician, this drug can be a |
| to the dose (not getting the effect you used to from | | | | powerful tool to help you reach the active, pain-free life |
| one pill), a continuing feeling that the dose needs to be | | | | you were meant to have. |
| increased, and withdrawal symptoms (sleeplessness, | | | | |