Tramake

How does it work?

Tramake capsules contain the active ingredient tramadol hydrochloride, which is a type of medicine called an opioid painkiller. (NB. Tramadol is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)

Opioid painkillers work by mimicking the action of naturally occurring pain-reducing chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins are found in the brain and spinal cord and reduce pain by combining with opioid receptors.

Tramadol mimicks the action of our natural endorphins by combining with the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This blocks the transmission of pain signals sent by the nerves to the brain. Therefore, even though the cause of the pain may remain, less pain is actually felt.

Tramadol also works by enhancing the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord. Neurotransmitters are chemical compounds that act as chemical messengers between the nerve cells. Tramadol enhances the effect of the neurotransmitters serotonin and noradrenaline, and this action also helps relieve pain.

Tramadol is a fairly strong painkiller that is used in the management of moderate to severe pain.

Tramake capsules are taken by mouth up to six times a day, depending on the severity of the pain. This form of tramadol should not be taken more often than every four hours and you should not exceed the dose prescribed by your doctor.

For more prolonged pain relief, modified release forms of tramadol that can be taken once or twice a day are available. See the products linked at the end of this factsheet for more information.

What is it used for?

Moderate to severe pain.

Warning!

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Alcohol should be avoided.

Some people may rarely experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking this medicine. These may include feeling agitated, anxious, nervous or shaky, or having difficulty sleeping. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms after stopping this medicine. These effects usually disappear after a few days.

This medicine is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

This medicine is not recommended for people with severely decreased kidney function.

Use with caution in

Elderly people

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Asthma

Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)

History of drug dependence or abuse

Head injury

Increased pressure in the brain (raised intracranial pressure)

Reduced blood flow to vital internal organs (shock)

History of convulsions, eg epilepsy.

Not to be used in

People under the influence of (intoxicated with) alcohol, sleeping tablets, tranquilizers, psychotropic drugs (those affecting mood or emotions) or other painkillers that act on the brain, eg morphine, codeine

People who have taken a monoamine-oxidase inhibitor antidepressant (MAOI) in the last 14 days

Pregnancy

Breastfeeding

Uncontrolled epilepsy.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. It may be harmful to a developing baby and could cause withdrawal symptoms in a newborn baby if used during the third trimester. The manufacturer therefore states that this medicine should not be used during pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk in small amounts. The manufacturer recommends that women who are breastfeeding should not use this medicine. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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