INFO - On Ultram (tramadol HCl) dependence and addiction from the prescribing information

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Excerpts from the prescribing information on Ultram (tramadol HCl) from

RxList.com:

Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms may occur if ULTRAM is discontinued abruptly. (See DRUG

ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE.) These symptoms may include: anxiety, sweating,

insomnia, rigors, pain, nausea, tremors, diarrhea, upper respiratory

symptoms, piloerection, and rarely hallucinations. Clinical experience

suggests that withdrawal symptoms may be relieved by tapering the

medication.

Physical Dependence and Abuse

ULTRAM may induce psychic and physical dependence of the morphine-type

(µ-opioid) (see DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE). ULTRAM should not be used in

opioid-dependent patients. ULTRAM has been shown to reinitiate physical

dependence in some patients that have been previously dependent on other

opioids. Dependence and abuse, including drug-seeking behavior and taking

illicit actions to obtain the drug, are not limited to those patients with

prior history of opioid dependence.

http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/tramadol_wcp.htm

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DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE

ULTRAM may induce psychic and physical dependence of the morphine-type

(µ-opioid).(See WARNINGS.) Dependence and abuse, including drug-seeking

behavior and taking illicit actions to obtain the drug are not limited to

those patients with prior history of opioid dependence. The risk in patients

with substance abuse has been observed to be higher. ULTRAM is associated

with craving and tolerance development. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if

ULTRAM is discontinued abruptly. These symptoms may

include:anxiety,sweating,insomnia,rigors,pain,nausea,tremors,diarrhea,upper

respiratory symptoms, piloerection, and rarely hallucinations. Clinical

experience suggests that withdrawal symptoms may be relieved by

reinstitution of opioid therapy followed by a gradual, tapered dose

reduction of the medication combined with symptomatic support.

http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/tramadol_ad.htm#DA

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