#10: Is It Better than Vicodin?

It's possible to compare these two drugs along several lines. First, Vicodin is recommended only for severe pain, not mild or moderate. Tramadol and the brand versions cover from mild to moderately severe. Vicodin has more side effects, which tend to be severe. It is also more addictive and has bad withdrawal symptoms.

In terms of price, Vicodin is also the loser.

#9: How Common Are Side Effects?

The most common side effects are drowsiness and nausea, which 17% of patients in the clinical trials experienced at least once. Dizziness is next at 15%. Then constipation and headache each scored 11%. Below that, fewer than 10% of patients experience any vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, fatigue, or indigestion.

#8: Can You Take it with Alcohol?

No, you should not drink while the medication is in your blood.

You should also avoid the medication if you have a history of alcoholism, or a history of drug abuse for that matter. This leaves you vulnerable to addiction and seizures.

#7: Is Overdose Possible?

Too much of anything can cause overdose - especially painkillers.

Signs of an overdose are drowsiness, breathing trouble, weakness, clamminess, wooziness, or the sensation of a slower heart beat. If you think you or another person is overdosing, get emergency help.

#6: Is Addiction Possible?

Though it is less problematic than other opioid painkillers, addiction is a real risk for long-term users. People who are addicted should gradually reduce dose sizes over the course of many weeks. Quitting cold turkey is dangerous.

#5: What is Withdrawal Like?

Withdrawal is actually very manageable and mild in most cases, so much so that Tramadol and the brand versions are often used to manage withdrawal from other drugs and alcohol.

Withdrawal symptoms can be reduced or eliminated by gradually reducing dose sizes over a long period of time. Doctors will advise you how.

Common withdrawal symptoms are:

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Tremors

• Insomnia

• Anxiety

• Hallucinations

#4: Should I Take the Tablet or Injection?

Unless you have extreme local pain, such as damage from a back injury or other trauma, a tablet will do fine. Tablets come in several dose sizes. Injections must be administered by a trained professional.

#3: What's the Difference Between Ultram and Tramadol?

Tramadol is the generic version of the drug. The active ingredient in both Ultram and Tramadol is tramadol hydrochloride. While there are some small differences in the chemical makeup and delivery system of each tablet, they are effectively the same.

#2: How Long Will the Drug Stay in My System?

For normal doses and normal bodies, the drug will stay active for 5 to 7 hours once it enters the bloodstream. Some people may still have trace amounts of it and minor effects for longer. This does not mean that the drug will not be detected later, but it does mean that it will not effect you any longer chemically.

#1: How Long Will Ultra Show Up on Drug Tests?

This depends almost entirely on the drug test. For most tests used, it will be gone after 3 days. However, more sophisticated tests may detect signs for weeks. Show your prescription.