Tramadol Tips from Pharmacists

• You can take tramadol with or without food. Taking this medicine with food can reduce side effects such as nausea, stomach pain, stomach cramps, and upset stomach.

• If you are taking the extended release (ER) tramadol tablets or capsules, make sure you take them always with food or always without food. Take your medicine at around the same time every day. Do not cut, crush, chew, or dissolve the ER formulations of tramadol.

• Tramadol can make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires your full attention until you know how this medicine affects you.

• It can take a few days to get the full benefit of tramadol. Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your healthcare provider first. Stopping the drug suddenly can lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.