TRAMADOL - ADVICE TO PATIENTS

• Potential for seizures and/or serotonin syndrome with concomitant use of serotonergic drugs or drugs that substantially decrease the metabolism of tramadol.
  
• Potential for drug to impair mental alertness or physical coordination; avoid driving or operating machinery until effects on individual are known.
  
• Importance of women informing their clinician if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breastfeed.
  
• Importance of the single-dose and 24-hour dose limit and the time interval between doses, since exceeding these recommendations can result in respiratory depression, seizures, and death.
  
• Importance of swallowing extended-release tablets whole; do not crush, chew, or split the tablets.
  
• Importance of informing clinician of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs and alcohol consumption.
  
• Importance of avoiding alcohol-containing beverages or products.
  
• Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information.