Ultracet
Ultracet is a combination of two drugs, tramadol (Ultram) and acetaminophen (Tylenol), that is used to relieve moderate, acute pain such as pain following dental or surgical procedures. Tramadol and acetaminophen each relieve pain, but they do so by different mechanisms. Tramadol achieves pain relief in two ways. It binds to the µ-opioid receptor on nerves (the same mechanism that is responsible for the effectives of narcotics, such as morphine), and it also inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine by nerves. This inhibition may lead to reduced transmission of pain signals through the spinal cord to the brain. Acetaminophen achieves pain relief in the spinal cord and brain by increasing the threshold to pain, that is, by increasing the strength of the painful stimulus that is necessary in order to give rise to the sensation of pain. It does this by inhibiting an enzyme that makes prostaglandins. Ultracet was approved by the FDA in 2001.
Side Effects
Ultracet usually is well-tolerated. The most common side effects are constipation (1 in 17 patients), tiredness (1 in 17), and increased sweating (1 in 25). Because tramadol is chemically related to the narcotic class of drugs such as morphine and hydrocodone (Vicodin ES, Anexsia, Lorcet, Lorcet Plus, Norco), it can cause psychological or physical dependence, although it is less likely than narcotics to do so. An overdose of acetaminophen can result in severe liver damage.
