Ultram vs. Codeine

• Are Codeine and Ultram the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Ultram? (Side effects)
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Codeine? (Side effects)
• What is Ultram? (Uses)
• What is Codeine? (Uses)
• What Drugs Interact with Ultram? (Interactions)
• What Drugs Interact with Codeine? (Interactions)
• How Should Ultram Be Taken? (Dosage)
• How Should Codeine Be Taken? (Dosage)

Ultram (tramadol) and Codeine (codeine sulfate) are both opiates. Codeine is made from the poppy plant, just like morphine, heroin, and opium. Tramadol is chemically similar to codeine, but it's synthesized from precursor molecules in a lab. Many doctors like it because it has a lower potential for addiction than other opioids, though that doesn't mean it's non-addictive.

Both Ultram and Codeine are used to treat moderate pain, and codeine is also approved as a cough suppressant. Though both are less potent than other opioids like oxycodone and morphine, Ultram and Codeine are still narcotics and have a potential for physical and psychological addiction, accompanied by severe withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly.

These drugs work by mimicking the natural opioids produced in the body, which govern pain sensation, reward, aspects of gastrointestinal function, aspects of respiratory function, and aspects of urogenital function. Molecules of Ultram and Codeine plug into receptors on nerve cells designed for natural opioids, and thereby control pain.

Side effects for both drugs - aside from potential addiction and withdrawal - may include dizziness, confusion, sedation, constipation and others.

Neither tramadol nor codeine should be taken with alcohol or other sedatives or tranquilizers because they may potentially magnify the effects. Particularly dangerous is the potential for respiratory depression, which can make you stop breathing if you take too much of either codeine or tramadol, or mix either of them with the wrong medication.

Ultram is available in generic form. Side effects of Ultram include:

• agitation,
• nervousness,
• anxiety,
• seizures (convulsions),
• skin rash,
• dizziness,
• spinning sensation,
• hallucinations,
• fever,
• fast heart rate,
• overactive reflexes,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• upset stomach,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• loss of coordination,
• headache,
• drowsiness, and
• fainting.

Common side effects of codeine sulfate include:

• drowsiness,
• lightheadedness,
• dizziness,
• sedation,
• shortness of breath,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• stomach pain,
• sweating,
• constipation,
• dry mouth,
• flushing,
• itching, or
• rash.

Ultram is a strong prescription pain medicine that contains an opioid (narcotic) that is used for the management pain in adults, when other pain treatments such as non-opioid pain medicines do not treat your pain well enough or you cannot tolerate them. Ultram is an opioid pain medicine that can put you at risk for overdose and death. Even if you take your dose correctly as prescribed you are at risk for opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse that can lead to death

Codeine sulfate is an opioid analgesic indicated for the relief of mild to moderately severe pain where the use of an opioid analgesic is appropriate.

Ultram is contraindicated in patients receiving MAO inhibitors or who have used them within the previous 14 days.

Use of other opioids, antihistamines, antipsychotics, antianxiety agents, or other CNS depressants (including sedatives, hypnotics, general anesthetics, antiemetics, phenothiazines, or other tranquilizers or alcohol) concomitantly with codeine sulfate tablets may result in additive CNS depression, respiratory depression, hypotension, profound sedation, or coma. Use codeine sulfate with caution and in reduced dosages in patients taking these agents.

Do not change your dose. Take Ultram exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Use the lowest dose possible for the shortest time needed.

Take your prescribed dose as indicated by your health care provider. The maximum dosage is 1 or 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours, as needed for pain relief. Do not take more than your prescribed dose and do not take more than 8 tablets per day. If you miss a dose, take your next dose at your usual time.

Call your healthcare provider if the dose you are taking does not control your pain.

If you have been taking Ultram regularly, do not stop taking Ultram without talking to your healthcare provider.

After you stop taking Ultram, ask your pharmacist how to dispose of any unused tablets.

Do not change your dose. Take codeine sulfate tablets exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Use the lowest dose possible for the shortest time needed.

Take your prescribed dose every 4 hours as needed. Do not take more than your prescribed dose. If you miss a dose, take your next dose at your usual time.

Call your healthcare provider if the dose you are taking does not control your pain.

If you have been taking codeine sulfate tablets regularly, do not stop taking codeine sulfate without talking to your healthcare provider.

After you stop taking codeine sulfate tablets, dispose the unused codeine sulfate tablets in accordance with the local state guidelines and/or regulations.