Ultram ER side effects - anybody with experience?

Question

Earlier this week I took an Ultram ER sample that my doctor gave me (for severe bursitis in my hip) and about 8 hours later I had the weirdest experience: I would get hot flashes and start sweating, then I'd vomit even though I didn't feel nauseated. I had the hiccups for hours, too. Anyone else have weird side-effects with the long acting tramodol? (Short acting doesn't do this to me.)

Additional Details

I've taken hydrocodone twice in my life and it gave me auditory hallucinations, so I can't take vicoprofen. I've used naproxen and ibuprofen for the pain and inflammation, but neither really do the trick if my hip is really flared up. The tramodol (short acting) works, and I only take it every once in a while - this was my first experience with the extended release.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

The hot flashes, sweating, and vomiting are all listed in the side effects section of the labeling. I couldn't find hiccups there, but I know enough about physiology to know that anything that can cause all the side effects that this drug causes could also cause hiccups.

What probably happened is that your system didn't absorb the drug at the rate that the manufacturer designed it for, and you got a big hit at 8 hours. By then, the drug was probably in your gut, where it would react somewhat differently than if it was released into your system from your stomach. I'm not a big believer in extended release drugs because people differ so much you can't rely on them.

If you have taken the regular tramadol with no problems, I suggest you tell your doctor you don't want the ER form again.

I've included a link if you want to read up on the drug.

Source(s):

http://www.drugs.com/cons/ultram-er.html

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thanks - I hadn't thought about the fact that I often irregularly metabolize medications. It caused loss of appetite, too, so I didn't eat anything after I took it - I'm sure that loaded more of the drug into my bloodstream.

Answer 2

It may be because its in your system for so much longer, i took the short acting one and had no side effects, apart from sedation at the start. Talk to a pharmasist, as they will be able to tell you if thats what its from, and if it is, id switch the the shorter acting ones.

Answer 3

Don't take that "non-narcotic" crap.
It messes with your cental nervous system and is lame.
Stop taking due to terrible adverse affects.
Call your Dr monday am asap.
Ask you Dr. for a normal pain med like Vicoprofen.

Source(s):

Pharm Tech

Answer 4

Well, technically tramadol is a narcotic, as its still an opiate, its just really weak and not a controlled substance. While it can be effective for some people, so can tylenol. If you're in pain enough to see a doctor and need a prescription, then I agree with relaxrx, vicoprofen would be the best choice, as hydrocodone should be strong enough and I always prefer ibuprofen over acetaminophen.