The availability of online prescriptions has created an excellent opportunity for consumer savings and convenience. Online pharmacies, however, aren't without potential negative effects. Lily Masterson discusses the painkiller Tramadol, online pharmacy pros and cons, and things to consider when opting for an online Tramadol prescription.

About Tramadol

Tramadol is a prescription medication for treatment of pain ranging from moderate to moderately severe. Its effectiveness comes from its ability to actually change the sensation of pain in the body. Tramadol is available as a regular pill, an orally-disintegrating tablet that dissolves rapidly in the mouth, or a time-released tablet for those experiencing round-the-clock pain.

Tramadol may be sold under the following brand names:
*Ryzolt®
*Ultram® ER
*Ultram®
*Ultracet® (contains both Tramadol and Acetaminophen )

Tramadol Dosage

Regular Tramadol pills and orally-disintegrating tablets should be taken every 4-6 hours as needed, while the time-released pill is only to be taken once per day. Tramadol can be taken with or without food, but maintain a consistent schedule of either with meals or without.

Tramadol Warnings

Never combine Tramadol with alcohol or street drugs. This medication has a wide number of side effects, some minor and others more severe.

Tramadol is an opiate. As a narcotic, it can be habit-forming if you don't take the proper precautions. As with any drug, it's crucial to follow the doctor's orders to the letter. This is one danger inherent in buying online Tramadol. In fact, taking a larger-than-prescribed dose can be fatal, and your doctor is the best resource for finding the best dosage for you.

Choosing an Online Pharmacy

In its 1999 report "Drugstores on the Net: The Benefits and Risks of Online Pharmacies," the U.S. Federal Trade Commission recognizes the "significant consumer benefits" offered by well-run online pharmacies. Consumers can save money by ordering their prescriptions online, as well as gas money and the time involved in picking up medications from a brick-and-mortar pharmacy.

If you decide to choose an online pharmacy after seeing your doctor, however, be sure it's a reputable one. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends checking the list of domestic state-licensed online pharmacies at nabp.net. These pharmacies have licensed pharmacists available for questions, are located in the U.S., require prescriptions from U.S.-based physicians, and provide assistance if you have any problems.

This helps you avoid some of the dangers of foreign online pharmacies. These include counterfeit medications drugs that aren't approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or another reliable regulating agency; improperly labeled, manufactured or stored medications; drugs not manufactured in standard strengths (not strong enough or too potent); potentially dangerous ingredients, and outdated pills.

Worse still, some of these companies may not even be pharmacies at all -- yet another reason to choose your online pharmacy carefully. In addition to your health, your personal information may be at risk when you buy online Tramadol from these companies. Don't give out your Social Security number, medical background or credit card number unless you're sure the site is secure and reputable.

Online Tramadol Concerns

One major reason for choosing a licensed online pharmacy is the availability of a pharmacy representative. You need to be able to discuss any problems you're having with your online Tramadol prescription. Although you should discuss with your doctor any other drugs, vitamins and supplements you're taking, you may have concerns or questions after your doctor's office has closed.

Discuss any side effects with your doctor, including any changes in your physical, emotional or mental state. However, if you experience the following side effects when your doctor is out of the office, pharmacists or representatives at reputable online pharmacies can advise you:

*hives or rash
*hoarseness
*fever
*problems swallowing
*facial swelling, or swelling of the tongue, throat face, eyes, lips, lower legs, ankles, feet or hands
*blisters

Others around you should call 911 if you experience these even more serious side effects:

*fainting
*problems breathing (including shallow or slow breathing)
*excessive drowsiness
*seizure

Quitting Tramadol

If you decide to stop taking Tramadol, see your doctor instead of relying on an online pharmacist for advice. Although a reputable online pharmacy's staff is well-qualified to discuss Tramadol and other drugs, your doctor is much better-equipped to create a withdrawal plan tailored to your pain needs and medical history.

If you abruptly stop taking Tramadol, you risk insomnia or lack of solid sleep; anxiety or panic; sweating; cold-like symptoms; pain; numb, tingling, or burning hands and feet; shaking in one body part; diarrhea, chills, nausea, and even hallucinations. Keep your doctor informed about any changes in your body or state of mind.

Tramadol Online Overview

As with any e-commerce transaction, common sense is your best defense. While a URL beginning in "https" is a good starting point, it isn't the only indicator that you're dealing with a reliable online vendor. In addition to checking government-recommended online pharmacy lists, read customer reviews on third-party sites.

Keep in mind, of course, that some reviews may not exactly be impartial, so read as many as possible. And trust your instincts; if an online pharmacy's website doesn't leave a positive first impression, move on. Your health and finances aren't worth risking to save a few dollars.