Side effects are not common, and the serious ones are very rare. However, some people do experience them, and quitting the medication is not a good option when it comes to light side effects.

You can often treat side effects with home remedies and over-the-counter drugs. However, you want to make sure that these things are safe to combine with your medication. For that reason, recommended treatments are listed below for several side effects.

First, a Warning: If you experience any of the following side effects, stop taking the medicine and get medical attention right away.

• Chest pain

• Tingling or pain in the arms and legs

• Flushing

• Seizures

• Trouble urinating or breathing

• Depression

• Disorientation

The Common Side Effects

While the chance of experiencing even the most common side effect is small, these side effects are called "common" because they are the most common.

• Headache

• Constipation

• Dizziness

• Sleepiness

• Grogginess

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Sleep trouble

Headaches can be treated with ibuprofen, but you better avoid aspirin.

Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headaches can all be soothed with acupressure. Acupressure is the pressing and rubbing of pressure points in the hands, face, wrists and elsewhere - no needles involved!

With drowsiness, sleepiness, grogginess, etc, most people turn right to caffeine. However, it is better to start your day with some vitamins and exercise. Go for a jog or even just do some jumping jacks. Drink fresh juices, raw if you have a juicer, or even try wheatgrass from a health food store. Vitamins and exercise are better at waking the body up and are healthier.

Sleep trouble is tricky. You should not try most herbal remedies because they may interact with your medication. Definite no-nos are Valerian, Catnip, and Tryptophan. That's right, no turkey! It is better to avoid caffeine and alcohol for at least six hours before you go to sleep. Also, try to do something relaxing before bed that doesn't involve computers or television. These types of artificial light can cause insomnia. Develop a routine and learn to use mental exercises and meditation before bed. You can even see a sleep therapist.

Constipation might be fixed by eating more fiber. Whole grains are fantastic, as are fresh fruits and vegetables. Of course, there are lots of high-fiber cereals available. Don't forget about prunes!

The Less Common Side Effects

These are pretty rare. They tend to go away shortly after you begin your treatment. If they persist despite your attempts to remedy, talk to a doctor.

• Diarrhea

• Dry mouth

• Itchiness

• Rash

• Visual disturbances (or mild hallucinations)

• Vertigo

As long as the over-the-counter medications don't interact with your medication (you can find a complete list with your prescription), you can use anything available without a prescription to treat for these.

Rashes and itchiness are best dealt with using organic creams. Synthetic chemicals are likely to be even more aggravating to the skin. Health food stores often carry the best anti-itch creams.

If Ultram is causing diarrhea, try eating rice. Bananas are also helpful, and papaya is even better.

If you experience Vertigo while using Ultram, make sure you do not drive. The same goes for visual disturbances linked to Ultram.