TRAMADOL - ULTRAM COMMON USES: Tramadol is used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. It may be used to treat pain caused by surgery and chronic conditions such as cancer or joint pain. Tramadol is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It works by decreasing the body's sense of pain. Tramadol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It may be taken with or without food. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of tramadol and gradually increase your dose not more often than every 3 days. Tramadol may be taken every 4–6 hours as needed. If you take too much tramadol, you may experience serious side effects.Ask your doctor about the maximum number of tablets that you may take for each dose or for a 24-hour period.Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tramadol exactly as directed. Tramadol can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or take it for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor. Call your doctor if you find that you want to take extra medication or notice any other unusual changes in your behavior or mood. Do not stop taking tramadol suddenly without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking tramadol, you may experience side effects. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.If you suddenly stop taking tramadol you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as nervousness; panic; sweating; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; runny nose, sneezing, or cough; numbness, pain, burning, or tingling in your hands or feet; hair standing on end; or rarely, hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist). This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Storage Conditions: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed