In part, this medication works by effecting the brain's metabolism of two chemicals known as serotonin and norepinephrine. In addition, it also likely has some effect at an opioid center in the brain. This medication has proven to be effective in the treatment of pain, but it has several side effects that you should be aware of. There is a risk of patients on this medication experiencing seizures. This risk is increased in patients taking the drugs just mentioned, as well as in those who already have some form of seizure condition.
Allergic reactions are rare but have been reported and can be severe.
Therefore, any individual with a history of allergy to this medication or any narcotic should take this medication only after a thorough discussion with their health care provider. Overuse or abuse of this medication can obviously be very harmful. The typical dosing of this medication is 50mg to 100mg every 4 to 6 hours, not to exceed 400mg per day. This limit is reduced to 300mg per day in the elderly. As is always the case, when you are on any medication prescribed by your health care provider, regular follow up is the best way to ensure that the medication is not only successfully treating the condition for which it was intended, but also to ensure that no harmful side effects are occurring.