Generic Ultram (Tramadol) is used to relieve pain. By acting on nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain, tramadol interrupts the pain messages travelling to your brain and stops you from feeling the pain. It is an opioid, sometimes known as a painkiller or analgesic. In general this drug is used to prevent or relieve moderate or severe pain after an operation or an injury. Benefits of being on this drug can include feeling less or no pain (analgesic effect).

Side Effects
Tramadol is generally well tolerated, and side effects are usually transient. Commonly reported side effects include: nausea, constipation, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, and vomiting.
Less commonly reported side effects include: itching, sweating, dry mouth, diarrhea, rash, visual disturbances, and vertigo.

Tramadol Precautions
Before taking tramadol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other opioids; or if you have any other allergies.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: ever experienced a reaction to tramadol or any of the other ingredients in the medicine, severe liver or kidney problems, are pregnant or breastfeeding, are taking or have taken in the last 2 weeks monoamine oxidase inhibitor drugs (MAOIs) which are used to treat depression, suffer from uncontrolled epilepsy (fits), have drunk enough alcohol to make you feel even slightly drunk or have taken several sleeping tablets, other pain killers or any other medicines that slow down thinking or breathing rate.

Tramadol Food Interactions
Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of tramadol, there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving tramadol.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.