What Should I Avoid
Before you begin taking Tramadol to treat moderate to severe pain, you must have a consultation with your doctor to discuss possible side effects and interactions Tramadol may have with other drugs you are taking. You should never drink alcohol while you are taking Tramadol as it could cause a very unsafe reduction in your reflexes and slow down your breathing to dangerous levels.
What to Discuss With Your Doctor
It is very important that you do not begin taking Tramadol if you are allergic to any of the ingredients that are found in it. Speak to your doctor about what Tramadol is made of to determine if you have ever had an allergic reaction. Additionally, your doctor must know if you have ever attempted suicide or been addicted to alcohol or any illegal street drugs since Tramadol could be very dangerous under these conditions.
If you have ever had epilepsy or any other type of seizure disorder, do not take Tramadol. You also should not take it if you currently use any form of narcotic pain relief medication, if you takes sedatives or tranquilizers like Valium, if you take medication to treat depression, anxiety or any other form of mental illness, if you have suffered a previous head injury or if you have any past or present metabolic disorders.
After Speaking With Your Doctor
After you have made an appointment with your doctor and ruled out any drug allergies or the possibility of Tramadol causing harm due to past or present health conditions, it is safe to begin using it for relief of your chronic pain. You must follow your doctor's instructions carefully, as well as the directions indicated on the pill bottle. Never take more Tramadol than your doctor recommended, even if you are not experiencing pain relief as fast as you would like.