[Carreen]

I have been prescribed Tramadol to help with my chronic pain: bursitis, piriformis and neuropathy (possible femoral, and saphenous).

Each time I've taken it, my side effects are literally, hours later......... Last night, for example, I took Tramadol (2 pills) at approx. 12:30a.m., had some food with it and tried to get some sleep. By the morning, 8:00a.m. and still now (11:20a.m.), I am very light headed, sick to my stomach, very, very dizzy..........

Is this something to worry about or is this normal?

C.S.

[missi0115]

some people can't take tramadol, as they have bad side effects. Some people have seizures. I am not sure why, I have taken them for months, and love them, I think they work better than percocets, lortabs, or any pain pills, aside from the big stuff!!! The down side is the withdrawl from them is the worst withdrawl from anything!!!!!!!!!!! Like cocaine or something!!! My friend went to jail and was prescribed ultrams, and she knew that if she took three of them, she would have a seizure, so she would save them and take them when she had three, and seize, so they would let her out!!! Then three days later they would come and get her, and she would do it again!!!!! she finally got house arrest with that one!!!!!!! Maybe you should only take one, they are very strong, contrary to popular belief. people think that since they are not narcotics, they are lame, but i do not believe, and i think this is the best and strongest pain reliever out, just don't run out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MELISSA HENDERSON

[tennlady9598]

I know some of you have read all this and are familiar with my story I just wanted to share it with Careen and let her know what a bad drug this is to get started on cuz it is HARD to come off of!!!!!HEy there, in case some of you havent read it from the other forum topics here is my story, and maybe some of you have advice or stories you would like to share!! I am sooo glad for this forum, i love all the new friends!!!!![I have been taking tramadol, for about 2 years and at my peak, taking up to 30 a day, im at about 15 a day now, this drug scares the hell out of me. I feel like without it, i am not a goo enough person, not as good a lover, mother cook friend, whatever, i will actually cancel events around whether i had enough pills. I have lied to doctors pharamcists family members you name it. I have stolen money from my husband and pawned things to get money for these little "wonders" I am so fully afraid of running out that i get overwhlemed and depressed and think maybe I should just end it all and not have to worry anymore. I have truly thought that before. I would not take mine until nighttime and then take about 20 spaced over 3-5 hours for the High the euphoria, that great feeling. I went to the Dr. today, a new younger one and explained almost exactly what was going on ( i said i was taking about 12 a day) I dont know why i couldnt go all the way telling him but i didnt. He was really nice and understood, of course he wrote me a scrip for 120(no refills() with instructions to taper down(no SPECIFIC) instructions, tho. and i am to gradually introduce neurontin into my system to build up to 300 mg a day of that. How should i taper with only 120 pills left. I am sooooo afraid and would love some advice. I dont really know if i can do this, i am sooooooo DEPENDENT on this drug it is truly terrifying. im not spelling too well today, but can someone help me out, i have lots of the neurontin, and i have about 60 xanax, can anyone give me a REAL plan to follow and help me out of this prison of a bottle? Love to all and prayers to those in my shape,
ps.. I also have a bottle of about 50 xanax, and i really want this to work whats the best to do what the dr. says or the xanax or what???


LOve and prayers to all who are in my shape!!!

[lonelysm]

Hey there NO YOUR SIDE EFFECTS ARE NOT NORMAL!!!!!!Stop taking them asap. That would not be normal. I have been on Ultram for about 8 months and when I stopped it it was the worst withdrawal ever. I felt so bad. I could not take the withdrawal symptoms or the way that i felt so I recently started back on them again. Your side effects are not normal you should call your dr.

[ObtuselyOblique]

Alot of good advice here; but here's my nickel (oh ok, a quarter) :

1. Carreen: As for the side effects mentioned, I agree -- like quick talk to the prescribing Dr! Some people simply cannot tolerate it, so proceed with caution>

2. I finally read your story Tennlady. I think it's great that you warn people but after I read it (as a chronic pain person using it for over 5 years, effectively) I reacted with a "Wow no wonder she had problems". Those doses are so extreme I can't imagine anyone prescribing them.

So, IMHO you were WAY overdoing it with the ultram. Any substance taken in high quantities can hurt you: If I drank a case of coca cola at 12:30 and another at 3AM, you'd bet i'd have side effects. So I think that,while dramatic and a cautionary tale, it should not scare someone from trying tramadol, as it is an excellent drug for long-term chronic pain. I take 6-8 a day for neuropathy and post-spinal fusion complications. As for 'addiction', I think there's far too much worry about getting 'addicted' in our society. Do we worry about asthmatics being "addicted" to their inhalers, or diabetics addicted to insulin ? No. So, if you have bad pain and take it as prescribed, work with your MD and pharmacist to get to a palliative (gives you relief) dosage -- then you're not addicted -- your treating a condition.

But, I'm only going by my own experience -- which is probably the best we can do.

[Painful_Fate]

Originally Posted by ObtuselyOblique

Alot of good advice here; but here's my nickel (oh ok, a quarter) :

1. Carreen: As for the side effects mentioned, I agree -- like quick talk to the prescribing Dr! Some people simply cannot tolerate it, so proceed with caution>

2. I finally read your story Tennlady. I think it's great that you warn people but after I read it (as a chronic pain person using it for over 5 years, effectively) I reacted with a "Wow no wonder she had problems". Those doses are so extreme I can't imagine anyone prescribing them.

So, IMHO you were WAY overdoing it with the ultram. Any substance taken in high quantities can hurt you: If I drank a case of coca cola at 12:30 and another at 3AM, you'd bet i'd have side effects. So I think that,while dramatic and a cautionary tale, it should not scare someone from trying tramadol, as it is an excellent drug for long-term chronic pain. I take 6-8 a day for neuropathy and post-spinal fusion complications. As for 'addiction', I think there's far too much worry about getting 'addicted' in our society. Do we worry about asthmatics being "addicted" to their inhalers, or diabetics addicted to insulin ? No. So, if you have bad pain and take it as prescribed, work with your MD and pharmacist to get to a palliative (gives you relief) dosage -- then you're not addicted -- your treating a condition.

But, I'm only going by my own experience -- which is probably the best we can do.

Nicely put Oblique. I'm actually quite intrigued.

I've had a long ride on the Ultram-Terrific-Terror-Train and even though it can and does help with chronic pain, it's really not something I'd recommend to everyone. At doses 3 to 4 times the normal, Tramadol can be quite wicked. Hypertension, dizziness, hyperactivity, rapid heartbeat...a nice combination of adverse reactions. Two 50mg pills normally does not cause said effects. If you have that kind of reaction, it's best you discontinue the medication and consult your physician ASAP.

Personally I found Tramadol to be less effective in treating my chronic low-back pain then the commonly prescribed pain medications but that doesn't mean much. Everyone and I mean EVERYONE reacts to medication differently. We are all built the same but are inner-structures are quite different. Now, as far as withdrawal, Tramadol beats em' all!!! I was sicker then a dog after a 100-50mg-pill-binge then I've ever been from, say, Norco's, Vic's, Perc's...you name it. I also found that feeling "normal" again took about twice the amount of time then I was used to (yes, I've withdrawaled quite a few times in my past). Crazy drug. Synthetic Opiate with natural opiate backbone. Nuts.

Late.