Ultram, also known by the name Tramadol, is a potent, prescription-only pain killer. There is currently very little information detailing how Tramadol works in the body, but there have been several theories put forward. Some believe that it works in a similar manner to morphine, which can represent anywhere from 5% to 10% of the formula, depending on what variant of the medication is being used. It has also been noted that some aspects of the average formula for Tramadol contains properties that affect the levels of serotonin in the body. It is very effective at doing what its supposed to do, but that doesn't mean that the list of Tramadol side effects doesn't exist.
Tramadol side effects tend to differ with every area of the body that is affected. In most cases, only some areas of the body display side effects, but there have been some rare instances where the entirety of the body has been affected. In the rare cases (roughly 1% to 5% of all instances) that the entire body is affected, the most common side effect to be seen is malaise. Malaise is a general feeling of something being wrong with the body, though it is difficult to pinpoint exactly what. On rare occasions (roughly the same frequency as malaise), sleep disorders have also been noted as Tramadol side effects.
The cardiovascular system can also suffer side effects due to Tramadol use, though they are known to occur in only 1% of all instances. The most common side effect is an abnormal electrocardiograph (ECG) reading, but there are others. Hypertension has also been known to show up as a side effect of using this particular medication. Hepatitis has also been noted as a possible side effect, though the gastrointestinal condition is known to be among the rarest possible unwanted effects that Tramadol could produce in a person. Rashes and toxic epidermal necrolysis are known to be Tramadol side effects on the skin, with the former being more common and the latter being considered rare.
There may also be other side effects that are not common, which usually are the result of Tramadol interacting with other drugs or substances in the body. Side effects caused by this can be difficult to predict, mainly because there are too many variables and substances to consider. Some substances, notably alcohol and other narcotic pain killers, have been known to worsen the side effects of Tramadol. Other substances, when combined with this drug, may cause a person to feel sleepy or drowsy, as if they had just taken sleep medication or a mild sedative.
Tramadol side effects aside, the drug is among the more effective medications of this sort on the market. The side effects have a low risk factor and only rarely manifest, such that most people should have no worries about developing any. Even in cases where problems manifest, most of them are minor inconveniences at their worst and should not cause anyone to worry. There are chances where the side effects can cause a major medical problem, but for the most part, these can be easily avoided by sticking to the instructions given by the doctor and avoiding any substances that might interact poorly with the medication.