[theresalee]

Liberty,
I found myself in the same position as you after 7 months but after a couple months they didn't help much for my pain so i took more then more!! I had no clue about the seizures at the time but luckily I didn't suffer any... but the forum I rum I do have someone that did suffer one after she quit. She hit her head and need stitches and has had problems with no taste or smell since... In my opinion its a low grade pain reliever but It never helped mine so I have no idea, it could work for others differently.. When i went to stop it I found myself in major w/d's so i called my Dr and got a tapper plan, she was shocked to hear this. it was about 2 years ago... It was a bad w/d and believe it or not bananas help the restless leg syndrome.. I had to try ambien (for short term only) to break the cycle of no sleep after 3 weeks.. It worked and i stopped it after about a week (i think) it broke that cycle so i was relieved... I have since had to go on narcs for other pain problems but DRS need to really let their patients know of the dangers of this drug before they even take it... They say its non addictive b/c of the very low level of narcotic in it but it still effects the seritonine to my knowlegde.. I really don't know how it all works so if someone else has given advive on that go that way... I just know the w/ds were awful and seemed to last forever but it will get better just be patient and hang in there!!! Theresa

[imgreyelf]

First off, I want to say Ultram/tramadol is definitely addictive. I am in the current process of weaning off of it after 3+ years. Even initially just cutting the dose in half caused bad withdrawals for me. I have a history of multiple spine surgeries and wanted to use tramadol instead of other "pain killers" because it was supposed to be non-addictive. Heh.

Now, let's move on to 3+ years later. I decided I was tired of needing to buy these pills all of the time so that I could function(not catch a "buzz" - but function). I'm now finding out how much pain is still around that the tramadol was able to mask for me. I've also found out that a side effect of the tramadol for me (a good one in my case) was an appetite suppressant. So here comes the tough question. How am I supposed to say that being addicted to tramadol was BAD? With not taking the tramadol at the higher amounts I was, I'm now left with a lot of pain, I'm hardly able to move upright, and I'm gaining weight. While I was taking the higher doses of tramadol, I think I was happier, I was the thinnest I had been since 7th grade (went from size 16-18 to size 8 while taking tramadol), and I was pain-free. On the con side, I guess taking larger amounts of tramadol is likely bad for the liver. It also did cause me to have a hard time falling asleep which necessitated the need for Ambien. I also think tramadol causes short term memory loss.

So, bottom line is, how am I supposed to say that being addicted to tramadol was bad when I felt so much better being pain-free and thin? I know I can't be the only one who feels like this. I know "addiction" is supposed to be bad, but if I'm able to function because of it, I just don't understand the problem with long term medication use. Many of the doctors I've talked to or saw (including a pain specialist) all talked of tapering off of any pain medication, so it was obvious that pain control through use of long term (indefinite) tramadol wasn't even a consideration. Any opinions out there?

[hippychk]

quote:Originally posted by kittokat

I just don't get it. I've been on Tramadol for about 5 months now and I don't feel like it does a bloody thing. It doesn't get rid of my pain. My doc even said take it up to 4 times a day. I pop those pills like candy and I don't feel anything. I can't believe other people feel addicted to it, it really surprises me. But it works for others too? It gets rid of your pain????? I got some Darvocet now but still have my Tramadol. I have fibromyalgia and I just want the pain to stop. Docs worry so much about being addicted to a med than they do stopping your pain. Anyway, does Tramadol work? That's my question! I can't believe it works!

<div align="left"></div id="left">I know exactly what youre going thru.. I have had 2 discs in my neck removed and the vertebrae fused. I also have severe arthrtis,and they are exploring the possibilities of fibromyalagia This stuff does nothing for me either. just a big waste of money and time if you ask me.It does absoultely nothing for me.. please let me know if the doctor prescribes you something different. I would like to know what my options are.. thanks for yourtime and good luck with your condition. I hope they will find you some kind of help and relief of the pain.Having BEING IN PAIN ALL OF THE TIME SUCKS!!! Iknow because I am going through the same thing!

[freedom9701]

i have been taking ultracet for nearly 3 years now...and i am totally addicted. i feel as though i would lose my mind if i can't get to it. i'm up to 4 pills at one time per day now. i can't leave the house unless i know i've got them with me. and i panic if i'm getting low on my prescription. i want to quit can someone help me please tell me how.

[fap119]

i heave been taking ultram for 2 years for back pain, 8 per day. it's very effective and no irritability like i get with anti-inflamatories. i have run out a few times. the withdrawal symptoms are horrible and last a long time-once i got through them and i think it took over a week. that time was a long time ago. i was only taking 3 per day then. the question for me is how do i keep from running out? the symptoms are agressive a don't allow a moment of comfort either sitting or lying down. i tried pacing, mineral baths, sleep aid, xanax. nothing helped. oxycodone or vicodin did relax the symptoms. only continuing tramadol got me back on track though. the other question i wonder about is if there are any long term effects. i hope not because it works so well.

Fran A Poulin

[fap119]

oops!! just testing to see if my signature comes up again. any way to get rid of it on previous note?

[martyjones]

I'm taking Effexor-XR (37.5mg once a day) and was recently prescribed Tramadol for migraines. Has anyone had any bad reactions when taking these two meds together? I haven't had a migraine yet so I just wanted to know what to look out for. Thank you!

[WendyDeer]

I started on Ultram aprox. 6 years ago. I was told then that it was non-narcotic, non-addictive and basically a wonder drug that would manage my pain forever and we'd all live happily ever after. Well, I started with 50mg 4 times a day. I currently take 100mg. 4 times a day. I started pain management within the past year. At first, the pain management doc wanted to wean me off the ultram, but later decided to keep me on in addition to the 10mg. lortabs, lidocaine patches and vistaril he perscribed. He had warned me NOT to stop taking ultram abruptly because of seizures and withdrawals. Due to an emergency at my regular doctor and a mis-communication with the pain doc, I was out of ultram for 3 days, they were probably the 3 worst days of my life. I'm not a crybaby type, I've got 6 tattoos (large ones) my medical condition includes 4 herniated disks, degenerative disk/joint disease, bone spurs on my spine, in my shoulder joints, in my hips and in my pelvis, I have stenosis, arthritis etc. I work full time, carry heavy loads and lead a very busy life. My point? I'm not a crybaby, but let me tell you, those three days were HELL. My body ached, I couldn't stop shaking, every muscle in my body was tense every second of the day, I couldn't sleep, eat, sit still. Would pace all night long, it really sucked. But, I did learn one thing about ultram (which I now think of as my anti-seizure medication ;x ) it was definately doing something to relieve the pain as my back, hips and shoulder hurt terribly while I wasn't on it. (I mean, I was still on 10mg. lortabs, advil and aleve) I was going to just ride out the withdrawals, but a friend of mine who's a doc told me that it was going to get much worse before it got better and I still had a long way to go. Guess I'm an addict and will continue to be as I got the refill this morning. Hardly got in the car before popping two of those babies, felt MUCH better within an hour. I'm really looking forward to getting a decent night's sleep tonight. I think the docs and pharmacys need to be more upfront and informed about the addictive properties of this drug. I was an alcoholic and quitting drinking was easier than quitting this stuff :/

Never conjure anything larger than your head!

[WendyDeer]

I started on Ultram aprox. 6 years ago. I was told then that it was non-narcotic, non-addictive and basically a wonder drug that would manage my pain forever and we'd all live happily ever after. Well, I started with 50mg 4 times a day. I currently take 100mg. 4 times a day. I started pain management within the past year. At first, the pain management doc wanted to wean me off the ultram, but later decided to keep me on in addition to the 10mg. lortabs, lidocaine patches and vistaril he perscribed. He had warned me NOT to stop taking ultram abruptly because of seizures and withdrawals. Due to an emergency at my regular doctor and a mis-communication with the pain doc, I was out of ultram for 3 days, they were probably the 3 worst days of my life. I'm not a crybaby type, I've got 6 tattoos (large ones) my medical condition includes 4 herniated disks, degenerative disk/joint disease, bone spurs on my spine, in my shoulder joints, in my hips and in my pelvis, I have stenosis, arthritis etc. I work full time, carry heavy loads and lead a very busy life. My point? I'm not a crybaby, but let me tell you, those three days were HELL. My body ached, I couldn't stop shaking, every muscle in my body was tense every second of the day, I couldn't sleep, eat, sit still. Would pace all night long, it really sucked. But, I did learn one thing about ultram (which I now think of as my anti-seizure medication ;x ) it was definately doing something to relieve the pain as my back, hips and shoulder hurt terribly while I wasn't on it. (I mean, I was still on 10mg. lortabs, advil and aleve) I was going to just ride out the withdrawals, but a friend of mine who's a doc told me that it was going to get much worse before it got better and I still had a long way to go. Guess I'm an addict and will continue to be as I got the refill this morning. Hardly got in the car before popping two of those babies, felt MUCH better within an hour. I'm really looking forward to getting a decent night's sleep tonight. I think the docs and pharmacys need to be more upfront and informed about the addictive properties of this drug. I was an alcoholic and quitting drinking was easier than quitting this stuff :/

Never conjure anything larger than your head!

[debosmom]

Advice wanted. I take tramadol ( 100 mg twice a day ) along with hormones, 50 mg toprol xl and ambien to sleep. Something or all of these have made me a wreck. I cry all the time although I am not in what I call bad pain. I had a knee replacement last year but its my back and other joints that feel all antsy and achey. I , like many of you was told tramadol was nothing to be afraid of and non-addictive. All I know is I am so depressed and lethargic, I am nothing like I was before surgery last year. I am always burning up and freezing everyone out of the house. (not just hot flashes... all over hot all the time)
I am just so nervous all the time. What can I do? My doctor just looks at me because I can't even describe what's going on. I am 54 years old and used to be cheerful and sweet. I don't know who I am now. Is there anyone else out there who can think of natural things to replace these drugs?

[JBowski13]

From being on ultram for years, is seems your doing a good job managing you pills. When I got hot and had to stand in the snow, it was because I didnt have my ultram for a day or two after taking 800mgs of them daily. Ambien shouldnt do that either. Get a second opinion. Sign out your paper work from this doc to another doctors office. It wouldnt hurt.

[pat7746]

Ultram did nothing for my pain after surgery.

[addict8]

quote:Originally posted by liberty

Ultram
Generic Name: tramadol
Treatment for: moderate to moderately severe pain

Ultracet
Generic Name: tramadol and acetaminophen
Treatment for: short-term (five days or less) management of acute pain

Have you taken or do you take Ultram or Ultracet?
We want to hear your story. Please feel free to share your experiences.

Consumer Information at
http://ultram.drugs.com/
http://ultracet.drugs.com/
Professional Information at
http://www.drugs.com/PDR/Ultram_Tablets.html
http://www.drugs.com/PDR/Ultracet_Tablets.html
I became addicted to Ultram/Ultracet within about 6 months of usage. I have just gone cold turkey about 3 days ago. I am having incredible withdrawals both physically and psychologically. Has anyone else been through this? I was told that this was non-narcotic and non-addictive and I became more addicted to these meds. Than vicoden and percocet. Any advice would be very much appreciated. [:I]

Thank you,
Liberty
ONE PLANET ONE TRIBE!!

You can become addicted to anything in this world, there is nothing non-addictive. Further more I don't know if you've recently checked your Xanax experience forum but I left a rather long story in there for you... My advice is to try and get support from family and friends, maybe change your doctor an be open an honest about your addiction(s), maybe it has to do with who you hang out with, I don't know coz I don't know you but this is my advice to you... You can E-Mail me if you want some external support, I know a lot about drugs an there withdrawals and effects and a lot of the time they are not very fgkn pretty, I know from experience... an if you do E-Mail me I show nothing to anyone... For me it took years to realise there isn't a pill for everything... I wish you all the best...

My E-Mail is metalsledgehammer@hotmail.com
Or secretsevent@yahoo.com

&lt;===========================&gt;

[ultraviolet79]

Looking for some advice here. My boyfriend used to have a painkiller addiction but went through detox for it (this was before I knew him). Recently I came across a bunch of Ultracet in his closet that he appeared to be hiding. Why would he be hiding it--it seems like most people don't get addicted to it. Anyone have any perspective? What signs of addiction should I be looking for?

[alice1298]

Hi. Ultracet is basically the same as ultram, but with tylenol in it. The side effects, for me at least were just restlessness not being able to sleep, I'm a smoker, and I would smoke a lot. I know with me, I was very talkative. This to me, is just as dangerous as ultram. I took ultram for two years, and I quite cold turkey a montha and a half ago. It was difficult, but with the help of wellbutrin and just my determination I was able to get through it. Some people may be able to control their intake of these pills, but for me, I got out of hand and took much than I should have at a time, I grew a tolerance to them. I think it's ridiculous that doctors say this is not addictive...once they have enough cases they'll change their minds. The best way to stop taking these is to just stop, deal with the side effects and move on with your life, you'll feel so much better in the end.

[amishgirl36]

quote:Originally posted by liberty

Ultram
Generic Name: tramadol
Treatment for: moderate to moderately severe pain

Ultracet
Generic Name: tramadol and acetaminophen
Treatment for: short-term (five days or less) management of acute pain

Have you taken or do you take Ultram or Ultracet?
We want to hear your story. Please feel free to share your experiences.

Consumer Information at
http://ultram.drugs.com/
http://ultracet.drugs.com/
Professional Information at
http://www.drugs.com/PDR/Ultram_Tablets.html
http://www.drugs.com/PDR/Ultracet_Tablets.html
I became addicted to Ultram/Ultracet within about 6 months of usage. I have just gone cold turkey about 3 days ago. I am having incredible withdrawals both physically and psychologically. Has anyone else been through this? I was told that this was non-narcotic and non-addictive and I became more addicted to these meds. Than vicoden and percocet. Any advice would be very much appreciated. [:I]

Thank you,
Liberty
ONE PLANET ONE TRIBE!!

[amishgirl36]

quote:Originally posted by liberty

Ultram
Generic Name: tramadol
Treatment for: moderate to moderately severe pain

Ultracet
Generic Name: tramadol and acetaminophen
Treatment for: short-term (five days or less) management of acute pain

Have you taken or do you take Ultram or Ultracet?
We want to hear your story. Please feel free to share your experiences.

Consumer Information at
http://ultram.drugs.com/
http://ultracet.drugs.com/
Professional Information at
http://www.drugs.com/PDR/Ultram_Tablets.html
http://www.drugs.com/PDR/Ultracet_Tablets.html
I became addicted to Ultram/Ultracet within about 6 months of usage. I have just gone cold turkey about 3 days ago. I am having incredible withdrawals both physically and psychologically. Has anyone else been through this? I was told that this was non-narcotic and non-addictive and I became more addicted to these meds. Than vicoden and percocet. Any advice would be very much appreciated. [:I]

Thank you,
Liberty
ONE PLANET ONE TRIBE!!

I have been taking Ultracet for about a year now. I only take it when it is absolutely necessary, which is about twice a week, and only a half a pill. Just enough to Break the fibromyalgia flair up/ As with anything - if you take it too long, or too much, it may be psychological or physically addicting. To those who have switched to Darvocet, beware, it is an opiate, and also addictive.

[baggins]

"Essentially, addiction designates a process whereby a behavior, that can function both to produce pleasure and to provide escape from internal discomfort, is employed in a pattern characterized by (1) recurrent failure to control the behaviour (powerlessness) and (2) continuation of the behaviour despite significant negative consequences (unmanageability)."
Not to be confused with dependence - the need to contnue the drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms, or tolerance, the need for increased dose to obtain effect. If the drug allows you to do more (even just enjoy life more) use of the medication is probably appropriate. If the drug use is causing you problems (negative consequences) and you continue to use it, that is addiction.

(Def from an article in the British Journal of Addiction)

Tom McIntyre, CRNA

[Painful_Truth]

Like most of you, I too take medication for pain. I suffer from good ol' lower back problems (L3-L4 disc herniation that indents the thecal sac, rediculopathy down the right leg, L4 nerve root displacement, degenerative disc disease, forminal stenosis, facet joint arthritis, annulear tears, central canal narrowing...blah, blah, blah) as well as pain from a recent right ankle surgery to repair my since-birth flat feet.

I used to be addicted to narcotic pain medication, such as hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (Percocet) and oxycontin. I stopped taking them, in all honesty, because it was becoming increasingly harder to get prescriptions. I did, however, have alittle help coping with the withdrawal symptoms. Believe it or not, Neurontin (an anti-seizure medication that also helps relieve nerve pain) and Immodium AD (for the brutal bathroom trips you'll have to make during withdrawal). The worst withdrawal symptoms I encountered were hot flashes, RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome - the feeling that you have to walk or stand all the time), the bathroom trips (see: "Immodium" above) and, last but certainly not least, the major desire or 'need' for the narc-high.

Okay, so recently I've been having some extreme back pain that over-the-counter meds didn't relieve. Instead of visiting the local emergency department in hopes to be prescribed narcotics, I went ahead and saw my PCP (Primary Care Physician). I was given cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril - muscle relaxer) and tramadol (Ultram - pain reliever). Strangely enough, while reading info on Ultram, I noticed that Flexeril is on the drug-interaction list as well as another med I'm on for G.A.D. (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) - paroxetine (Paxil - SSRI). So...there's already a seizure risk associated with Tramadol alone. By combining it w/both the Flexeril and Paxil, I can only be increasing the seizure risk. Why would a doctor whom is informed on what medications I take on a daily basis prescribe something that can knowingly cause an interaction? [?]

Well...that about does it. I know how hard addiction can be but you WILL get through it...the first 72 hours are the worst. I have noticed that Tramadol has euphoric properties and does indeed carry along w/it a good chance physical and mental dependancy.

Good luck to all!!!
*Pain

[optimist]

I TOOK ULTRAM FOR 3 YEARS. IT DID HELP MY PAIN AND HELPED ME BE MOBILE. THEY JUST BECAME TOOOO EXPENSIVE SO I TALKED WITH MY DOCTOR AND ASKED TO BE PUT ON SOMETHING ELSE THAT WAS LESS EXPENSIVE. I'VE BEEN TAKING LORATAB AND SOMA FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS NOW, AND YES ANYTHING CAN BE ADDICTIVE, BUT I THINK IT DEPENDS ON IF YOU ARE AN ADDICTIVE PERSONALITY. I AM. BUT I FORGO ALL OF THAT JUST TO BE ABLE TO LIVE WITH MINIMUM PAIN MOST OF THE TIME, TAKE MY MEDICINE SINCE THAT'S ALL ANY DOCTOR WILL DO DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE PROBLEMS I HAVE, AND TRY TO LIVE A LIFE. I AM RAISING MY 3 YEAR OLD GRANDSON, HAVE MY DAUGHTER GETTING OUT OF JAIL IN A FEW DAYS, AND QUITE ALOT ON MY PLATE. IF YOU DON'T NEED PAIN MEDS DON'T TAKE THEM. IF YOU FEEL YOU DO THEN BY ALL MEANS TAKE THEM. I KNOW LIFE BECOMES QUITE A BURDON ALOT OF DAYS AND HARD TO GET THRU, BUT I PLUG ALONG ONE DAY AT A TIME, AS I AM A RECOVERING ALCOHOLIC FOR 71/2 YEARS NOW. I THINK WHOEVER IT WAS WHO SAID THEY GOT TAKEN TO AN AA MEETING DID JUST THE RIGHT THING FOR THEMSELVES. THERE IS SO MUCH TO LEARN ABOUT ONESELF AND IT SAVED MY LIFE. YES I STILL TAKE MY MEDS BUT WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF BED WITHOUT THEM. I KNOW ALSO WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO GO THRU WITHDRAWAL. THAT WAS FROM A MUCH STRONGER PAIN MEDICINE BACK SOME YEARS. I SHARED THAT IN THE HYDROCODONE FORUM. I WISH YOU WELL AND REALLY IF YOU DON'T THINK SO MUCH ABOUT WANTING IT AND KEEP YOURSELF BUSY AS SOMEONE ELSE SUGGESTED (A SITTER ISN'T A BAD IDEA) THEN YOU WILL COME OUT JUST FINE AT THE OTHER END OF THE TUNNEL. MAY YOUR DAY BE FILLED WITH PEACEFUL THOUGHTS.

[straightshooter65]

Sorry, this was already posted somewhere else, but seems more appropriate here.

I was on this once for arthritis/old injuries. I asked for it because I was under the impression it was NOT a narcotic and NOT habit forming. It may very well fly under the radar for narcotics, but it is habit forming. I became ill, flu like symptoms, or as the addicts say "kicking" when I stopped taking it after a month. I was only taking 50 - 100mg. q day. I will say this, next to my beloved Motrin, this is the next best pain killer I have taken. It worked great for me, minus the nasty little withdrawal. I would use it again, it really does work, but for no more then a few days.

Peace,

JD

[wannabedrugfree]

quote:Originally posted by alice1298

Hi. Ultracet is basically the same as ultram, but with tylenol in it. The side effects, for me at least were just restlessness not being able to sleep, I'm a smoker, and I would smoke a lot. I know with me, I was very talkative. This to me, is just as dangerous as ultram. I took ultram for two years, and I quite cold turkey a montha and a half ago. It was difficult, but with the help of wellbutrin and just my determination I was able to get through it. Some people may be able to control their intake of these pills, but for me, I got out of hand and took much than I should have at a time, I grew a tolerance to them. I think it's ridiculous that doctors say this is not addictive...once they have enough cases they'll change their minds. The best way to stop taking these is to just stop, deal with the side effects and move on with your life, you'll feel so much better in the end.

Alice,

I'm also attempting to get off Ultram and was prescribed Wellbutrin. How long do you have to be off of it, before you can go on the Wellbutrin. I've read that you cannot take them simultaneously, and want to wean myself off before taking the Wellbutrin.



JJ

[wannabedrugfree]

&gt;&gt;[another med I'm on for G.A.D. (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) - paroxetine (Paxil - SSRI). So...there's already a seizure risk associated with Tramadol alone. By combining it w/both the Flexeril and Paxil, I can only be increasing the seizure risk. Why would a doctor whom is informed on what medications I take on a daily basis prescribe something that can knowingly cause an interaction? [?]&lt;&lt;

Hi,

I had a similar experience regarding the same topic of seizure risk. I've been on Tramadol for about 3 yrs. now, and was recently prescribed Wellbutrin. After taking, I believe, one or two doses, I had terrible side effects--I felt as if my throat was closing up and was having difficulty swallowing. When I checked the internet I found that the two were contraindicated and dramatically increased your risk of seizures. When I confronted my Dr. about it he just passively said "Yes, it can increase your risk of seizures," as if to say, "If you want to take that risk, it's up to you, but I certainly won't stand in your way, or tell you that you can't take them together." Can you even begin to comprehend that?



JJ

[PonchhoWest]

I’m a test case on just how bad Ultram (Tramadol) can be. I have been on it for well over 10 years due to back surgery and Psoriatic Arthritis. I now live in my recliner thanks in part to what Ultram has done to me. I have been made fun of by one doctor (Dr. Ice, Amarillo, TX) for telling him what I’m telling you. When I was in my teens I did some drugs but none of them did what this stuff is doing to me. I have been on a list of drugs for pain as long as my arm, for a year or less on most.

Methadone
Morphine
Hydrocodon
Fentanyl
Tylenol 3

And that just what I can recall from the past year and that’s just for pain. I am now just on Ultram (6 a day) and that’s just so I don’t start feeling the withdraw symptoms like aces and pain like a bad cold, no energy, no get up and go. The pain from with draw is like a real bad headache in every nerve ending but 20min after I take 2 Ultram it’s gone but the back pain is still there. In the past 2 months I’m finding my self having to get up 3-4 time a night to relieve my self and during the day it’s just as bad and I have done nothing different in my life that would cause this. I do maintain my weight and I’m doing all I can to drop it but when you can’t move around due to pain it’s hard but I just know the Doc will use that as the reason I’m having these symptoms but I am 6’2’ and 288 and my body type is like a line backer and not a butter ball.

Anyway I have got to get off this stuff ASAP because I fear in another year I’ll be dead due to Ultram and after 10 year it’s going to be REAL hard, I just need to find something to take it’s place that’s not a narcotic and a 12oz ball peen hammer is starting to look good at this point.

[Jamiediane]

I know of a great website that can direct you to a pharmacy of your choice and you can get this medication fast and with no prior rx.
I just signed up and I think its great!!! try it out!!
www.orderrxnow.com

[rweinfeld]

quote:Originally posted by kittokat

I just don't get it. I've been on Tramadol for about 5 months now and I don't feel like it does a bloody thing. It doesn't get rid of my pain. My doc even said take it up to 4 times a day. I pop those pills like candy and I don't feel anything. I can't believe other people feel addicted to it, it really surprises me. But it works for others too? It gets rid of your pain????? I got some Darvocet now but still have my Tramadol. I have fibromyalgia and I just want the pain to stop. Docs worry so much about being addicted to a med than they do stopping your pain. Anyway, does Tramadol work? That's my question! I can't believe it works!

[tina_b]

My elder brother tried this Tramadol and the drug worked fine for him. He had no side effects. However the doctor told us that it may work differently on different people..and some may have side effects.

[savnmo]

I have been on Tramadol for about 8 years. Started taking it for Fibromyalgia. I am 53 years young, female. Recently it seemed to stop working as well. This year I began having some of the same symptoms of hot flushes and cold almost at the same time. Finally realized the heat was primarily around the chest and head after light exercise or eating a full meal. Shortly after the hot flushes, my feet and hands would become icy cold. Sometimes have to use electic pad on feet for over 30 minutes to get warm again. Also, along with this, rapid heart rate began 140 at rest with high blood pressure. I have always had low or normal bp. It only slows down sometimes during sleep. Now taking Atenolol. Upon doing some research about the neuro's norepinephrine and serotonin which Tramadol affects, I found that norepinephrine in excess can cause these symptoms as well as agitation, aggression and even depression which in my case as well as many others, Tramadol has proven to relieve. I also found that if Tramadol is taken for long periods of time (yrs) even without an increase in dosage, it can build up in the bones, muscles and tissues. I am not a medical person, so I don't know if this affects the neuro's or not. It is most definitely addictive. When I decided that I needed to stop because of the unusual symptoms, I began crying a lot, especially in the evenings when I was tired. Became angry and the pain seemed more intense than ever, which may or may not have anything to do with stopping. It is interesting that Tramadol/Ultram is not scheduled. I think it could be a very dangerous drug if not taken carefully or if you have any undisclosed diseases that it can mask. However, I am still taking it because it is the only thing that works. In my case it may be heart related although I have been in fairly good health most of my life. I do at times take Neurontin/Gabapentin which affects the gaba and can slow down the system a little. Also, if you read all the warnings on Tram, it says not to mix with many other drugs including antidepressants, narcotics and hyptonics which Ambien is. I too feel like my whole personality has changed from being happy-go-lucky,fun-loving and cheerful to solemn and sad at often. I think it is partly because of the meds and underlying pain and well as getting older- ugh! You just don't enjoy life as much! As far as there being any natural alternatives, not if your looking for quick relief. I have taken truck loads of vitamins and herbs throughout the years which I think has helped with the Fibromyalgia, but I think I am dealing with a different medical problem now. I will say that you are body, soul(mind, will, emotions) and spirit. In other words, you are a spirit, you have a soul and you live in a body. The head people (physcs) are finding out that if you have unresolved emotional issues like anger, bitterness and unforgiveness, it can affect your physical healing as well because of the chemicals that are released by either happy,sad or mad emotions. Oh well, not going there now. My heart goes out to everyone of you who has to live on meds or live with pain.

[Sarah31]

Hey...forget the flexeril, forget the paxil. I have always had chronic pain in my neck and shoulders..upper back etc. Nagging pain where you can't sleep cuz it hurts and you feel grumpy. Paxil helped but made me extremely sleepy and didn't really knock out all the pain. SSRI's do help with pain, but I've been taking recently Cymbalta and I absolutely love it. It has been approved for pain I think. But, I haven't had an appetite and I feel a lot better since I've been on Cymbalta. I hope that I can loose all that stinking weight that paxil made me gain cuz I was constantly hungry.

I didn't want to be on flexeril my whole life because I didn't want my heart being relaxed as well. I think with all the addictive qualities of pain pills and muscle pills it is better to stick with antidepressants. Pain pills are way too addictive. Cymbalta has been really great so far. I will keep all posted.

[hippychk]

quote:Originally posted by WendyDeer

I started on Ultram aprox. 6 years ago. I was told then that it was non-narcotic, non-addictive and basically a wonder drug that would manage my pain forever and we'd all live happily ever after. Well, I started with 50mg 4 times a day. I currently take 100mg. 4 times a day. I started pain management within the past year. At first, the pain management doc wanted to wean me off the ultram, but later decided to keep me on in addition to the 10mg. lortabs, lidocaine patches and vistaril he prescribed. He had warned me NOT to stop taking ultram abruptly because of seizures and withdrawals. Due to an emergency at my regular doctor and a mis-communication with the pain doc, I was out of ultram for 3 days, they were probably the 3 worst days of my life. I'm not a crybaby type, I've got 6 tattoos (large ones) my medical condition includes 4 herniated disks, degenerative disk/joint disease, bone spurs on my spine, in my shoulder joints, in my hips and in my pelvis, I have stenosis, arthritis etc. I work full time, carry heavy loads and lead a very busy life. My point? I'm not a crybaby, but let me tell you, those three days were HELL. My body ached, I couldn't stop shaking, every muscle in my body was tense every second of the day, I couldn't sleep, eat, sit still. Would pace all night long, it really sucked. But, I did learn one thing about ultram (which I now think of as my anti-seizure medication ;x ) it was definately doing something to relieve the pain as my back, hips and shoulder hurt terribly while I wasn't on it. (I mean, I was still on 10mg. lortabs, advil and aleve) I was going to just ride out the withdrawals, but a friend of mine who's a doc told me that it was going to get much worse before it got better and I still had a long way to go. Guess I'm an addict and will continue to be as I got the refill this morning. Hardly got in the car before popping two of those babies, felt MUCH better within an hour. I'm really looking forward to getting a decent night's sleep tonight. I think the docs and pharmacys need to be more upfront and informed about the addictive properties of this drug. I was an alcoholic and quitting drinking was easier than quitting this stuff :/

Never conjure anything larger than your head!