Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Tramadol as follows:
- Avoid using Tramadol along with other medications that have a potential to cause respiratory depression, such as, muscle relaxants, sedatives, and antianxiety medications. Though they cause mild respiratory depression individually, they can have an additive effect when combined with Tramadol and thus, precipitate severe respiratory depression.
- Tramadol should be avoided or used with extreme caution in individuals with history of head injury, coma, and brain surgery. These individuals are at increased risk for depression of the respiratory center and coma with Tramadol.
- Do not change the dose on Tramadol without consulting your doctor.
- Do not share your Tramadol with any family and friends. Keep a regular track of the number of pills left in your pillbox, to prevent a chance for abuse, as this is one of the most commonly abused drug.
- Do not take Tramadol with alcohol. Both alcohol and Tramadol depress the respirations. When taken together, their effects on respirations can get added up and lead to severe respiratory depression and can even be fatal. Also, this can increase your risk of liver damage, as Tramadol contains acetaminophen and acetaminophen with alcohol is a dangerous combination for the liver.
