Have a health question? Get reliable answers here.
Q: What effect can the medicine Ultram have if I am trying to get pregnant?
A: Ultram (tramadol) is a substance used to relief pain which acts on the central nervous system. Ultram should not be used in patients who have been opioid dependent, since it may again once again start physical dependence of the patient on these substances. No effects on fertility has been observed at oral doses of up to 50 milligrams per kilogram in male rats and 75 milligrams per kilogram in female rats. There are no adequate and well controlled studies regarding the use of Ultram in pregnant women. Ultram has been found to cause toxicity of the embryo and fetus in mice, rats, and rabbits at toxic doses in the mother which are 3 to 15 times the maximum human dose, or higher. Ultram should not be used in pregnant women, since safe use in pregnancy has not been established. Also, frequent use of Ultram during pregnancy has been shown to cause physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms in the newborn following birth. In addition, the possible effect of Ultram on the later growth, development, and maturation of the child is unknown.
Specifically answering your question, it follows from the above that Ultram does not appear to affect fertility. However, if you are trying to get pregnant, you should not be taking Ultram since you run the risk of taking the medication after you conceive, but are not yet aware that you are pregnat, since safe use of this medication during pregnancy has not been established.
Updated: 06/29/99
Click Here to ask a MDAdvice.com doctor your medical question.
