Tramacet is a prescription drug used to treat moderate to severe pain over short periods of time. Patients with a number of pre-existing conditions should not take Tramacet, and its use can result in fatal overdose. Tramacet can impair judgment and might cause a number of side effects.

Identification

Tramacet is the brand name for an oral pain reliever (analgesic) that includes Tramadol Hydrochloride and paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) in a single tablet. Tramacet is manufactured by Janssen-Cilag and sold in Canada. Paracetamol acts as an anti-inflammatory and reduces swelling in damaged tissues, but scientists do not fully understand the mechanism by which Tramadol relieves pain. Tramadol does stimulate the production of endorphins in the brain by acting on the brain’s opioid receptors, but it is not chemically an opioid (drug related to morphine).

Medical Use

In adult patients, Tramacet is used to treat moderate or severe pain over short periods of time (five days or less) and is not recommended for children under 16. Tramacet acts quickly, and patients usually experience pain relief within an hour after taking it.

Risks

Any individual who has already experienced adverse side effects to opioids, or who are already taking opioids should not take Tramacet, as it may result in central nervous system and respiratory depression. Tramadol can cause an increased risk of seizure in patients who are also taking certain antidepressants (SSRI’s that inhibit the reuptake of serotonin), other opiates, and mono-amine oxidase inhibitors (MAO’s). Patients with epilepsy, head trauma, or a history of seizure are also at increased risk for this effect.

Patients with pre-existing liver damage or who are allergic to codeine (another analgesic) should not take Tramacet. Tramadol is transmitted through breast milk and to the fetus in expecting mothers. It is classified as Pregnancy Class C, which means that women who are pregnant, nursing, or could become pregnant should only use Tramadol if a doctor has determined that the benefits in managing the mother’s pain outweigh the risks to the infant or fetus.

Side Effects

Tramacet use has resulted in seizures and its use may cause a serious allergic reaction, including death, and may also result in hives, angioedema (swelling of throat, face, mouth), and breathing irregularities. Paracetamol can also cause allergic reactions that might include stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Tramacet can cause withdraw symptoms that include insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, anxiety, excess sweating, and pain. An overdose of paracetamol (more than 4000 mg daily, or 1000 mg in a single administration) can cause serious and fatal damage to the liver and kidneys. Some adults have experienced liver and kidney damage at normal doses, and alcohol amplifies paracetamol’s toxic effects. Paracetamol overdose can also cause anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and jaundice (yellow skin).

Dosage

Two Tramacet tablets contain 325 mg paracetamol and 37.5?mg Tramadol. A typical dosage recommends taking two tablets every four to six hours, as needed to relieve pain. Patients should not take more than eight tablets in a single day, and should not take any other medications containing paracetamol while taking Tramacet.

Paracetamol is not recommended for long term use (greater than 10 days). If pain still exists after five days, patients should consult their doctor to discuss other methods of pain management.

Precautions

Tramacet may cause drowsiness and dizziness, and can impair judgment, coordination, and the ability to perform mental tasks. Patients should not attempt to drive or operate heavy machinery while taking this drug. The use of alcohol, other pain relievers (especially opiates), hypnotics, and tranquilizers can amplify the effects of Tramacet and further impair mental and physical abilities.

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