Ultram®

Ultram® is the U.S. brand name of tramadol, an analgesic (pain-reducing) opiate drug that is prescribed to treat maladies such as:

• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• RLS (restless legs syndrome)

Side Effects of Ultram® / Tramadol

The regular version of Ultram® provides pain relief for about 4 to 6 hours and the extended-release version of Ultram® is to be taken once a day for all-day pain relief. Ultram® comes in a variety of forms. As an opiate agonist, it has a long laundry list of potential side effects, including:

• Agitation
• Changes in mood
• Chills
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing — an especially dangerous side effect
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Difficulty staying asleep
• Difficulty swallowing
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness, sleepiness
• Dry mouth
• Flu-like symptoms
• Hallucinations
• Headache
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Hives
• Hoarseness
• Itching
• Muscle tightness
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Rash
• Seizures
• Sores on the inside of your mouth, nose, eyes, or throat
• Sweating
• Swelling of the eyes, face, throat, tongue, lips, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• Uncontrollable shaking
• Vomiting
• Weakness

State Regulation of Ultram®

Although Ultram® is not a federally controlled drug, many states have classified it as a controlled substance, because it has a high potential for addiction and abuse. In fact, in 2009, the FDA issued a warning to marketers saying that they were overstating the efficacy of the drug and understating or minimizing the many risks associated with it.

Ultram® and Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor before starting treatment with Ultram®. It has been suggested that taking Ultram® while pregnant, especially during the first two months, may increase a woman's risk of having a baby with birth defects. Taking a high dose of the medication close to delivery can also increase the risk for complications.

Women who took Ultram® close to delivery should tell their doctors right away if they notice unusual symptoms in their babies such as:

• Persistent crying
• Shallow or slow breathing
• Irritability
• Vomiting or diarrhea

Women that are breastfeeding should not take Ultram® as it can be passed to the baby through the milk and cause complications.

If your baby suffered problems that you believe may have been caused by taking Ultram® during your pregnancy or while breastfeeding, you may be eligible for compensation. To learn more contact the birth defect lawyers at Flood Law Group today.