[endersshadow]

HI all, I just joined today, this is my first post.
In 2001 I tore my L5/S1 and have been on tramal daily since then. While I have found it very effective with my pain management, in recent years I have been taking it to stop the withdrawals as much as for the pain. On numerous occasions I have discussed my concerns with my doctor but his continued response is "they are not addictive". Bollocks to that!
Amongst my concerns I am seriously worried about my weight loss (I am at 55Kg-should be 63, not a big fella but 55 is WAY low) and also my ultra low blood pressure. The lowest I've had is 60/40 and average between 80/40 to 90/50.
I have been cold turkey on numerous occasions, usually making it 2-3 days before giving in. I once made it to a week but the living hell of it defeated me. I tried reduced doses, having 3/4 of my usual daily and made it to 3 weeks, all of which was an utter nightmare before finally thowing in the towel. I truly expected that after 3 weeks I would have adjusted to the new dose but instead the severity of the withdrawals increased to the point that I had no choice but to give in.
I have been trying to find a medical profesional who can help me through this but to no avail, I have had a very lackluster response from everyone I have approached. I am however stoked to have found this group though because to date I have not found anyone who can relate to me with my experiance and I feel that I can finally be taken seriously.
Looking forward to getting to know you all,
Endersshadow

[alkisses]

i have ultram, i never took it, im worried about the possible side effects.

[endersshadow]

Hi there allkisses, I have experianced a broad range of side effects from tramal (ultram). Some of them are not altogether unpleasant such as mild euphoria, but I have had problems with sleeplessness, itchy, crawly skin, lapses in concerntration, mild stomach cramps, bladder hypersensitivety at night (I'm on the loo like a pregnant woman) weight loss and ultra low blood pressure. Not knowing about your need for medication, it's up to you to decide if the benifits of pain relief are worth it. For me it was (spinal injury).Keep in mind that individual experiances vary greatly so you will not know how they affect you until you try them. Word of warning, if you are on tramal for any length of time you risk addiction and horrid withdrawal though your doctor probably will not tell you this.
Best of luck, let me know how you go,
Ender

[lonelysm]

Ultram is definetly addicting I don't care that it is not classified as a narcotic but it does contain opiate based ingredients and can be very addicting especially if the med Ultram is taken for a long period of time. I was on them for a short period and when I tried to quit by myself I was bed ridden I could not move I was sick my stomach hurt, I could not stay out of the bathroom for nothing. I could not eat. I was so weak and could not stop shaking or even sleep at night my bp soared up to 120/140 and my pulse was 130 I was a mess and I had 4 children to take of one of which was an infant. I was terribly sick. I started taking the Ultram due to getting beat in the back with an old wood board that had old nails in it by my husband. Boy you would not believe what a little pill can do to you when you do not have it. I tried to stop several times I had been on ultram for about 8 months and then about a month ago I stopped cold turkey and even went into medical detox for two days. Well to say the least I am back on the Ultram 50mg 6 times a day. I recently got a script for qty120 w/3 refills on it along with a muscle relaxer for my back. Now I can actually get up and function,pretty lame huh!! well Ultram is just like any other opiate. Good luck to any one out therewho is or was on this med.

[bdoon51]

A pain doctor prescribed me Ultram ER. I had noted in my record that I took Lexapro for anxiety...it is an SSRI. I wasn't feeling good and checked the interaction tool websites. They said never take Lexapro with Ultram....it could even be fatal. This pain doctor is an anesthesiologist. am going to fire him.

[Shara53]

I take tramadol for severe bursitis. My doc prescribed it to me because I didn't want to take anything stronger (like Vicodin) if I could avoid it. The Tramadol does decrese the pain, but not as effectively as the stronger pain relievers. I still feel the pain, just not as severe as it is without taking anything. Anyway, my pharmacist told me today that the FDA is in the process of reclassifying it as a narcotic painkiller because so many people are becoming addicted to it whilst assuming it is a safer drug than the opiate painkillers.

[mpvt]

Although not chemically an opiate, tramadol does effect some of the MU receptors that opiates do.It's very addictive and only has the pain killing strength of Tylenol#3......Dave

[kristakae]

I joined this forum, or whatever you call it, because I am going to quit ultram, and no one knows I even need to quit anything! I live a completely normal life, functional big family etc...I got addicted to pills etc probably starting way back in college, about 15 years ago now. I began to have migraines in college and now have been taking probably 400 ultram a month! That sounds so weird, I think someday i'll look back at that and wonder what in the heck? I order them online, get them from my neurologist (only 50/month from him). I read about all these horrible side affects and wonder how i'll handle that. I decided to take about 4 a day for the next few days, and then i suppose go down even more? I'm not sure and I'm not about to go to a drug rehab or anything. Is there a way to avoid the withdrawals if you taper off very slowly?

[aphlab]

Hi, was wondering if anyone with more familiarity regarding Ultram can offer an opinion, as I am at my wits end. A few months ago a doctor gave me a prescription for Ultram. I had a severe headache (which is unusual for me) to go along with my fever, and I needed something to allow me to sleep, as it had been nearly three days of intense pain that prevented me from getting any rest while the flu went through my system. I'm not the least bit accustomed to taking prescription medication, I'll even hesitate to take a single aspirin or ibuprofen for regular headaches. Not knowing much about medications I just assumed it was a little stronger than OTC painkillers, but I didn't go over the recommended dosage (I'm always cautious with pills-I value my body chemistry). I got over the flu and attempted to return to work a little earlier than usual, but my first night back to work I was still not in very good condition, still recovering from being sick. I collapsed at work, struck my head when I fell, and was taken to the hospital, completely disoriented and confused (I can't even remember any of it). They say I had a couple of seizures within a couple of hours, and the doctor diagnosed me as an epileptic even though I'd never had a seizure or any epilepsy-related symptoms at all. The anti-convulsants he put me on have shattered my brain chemistry, all in the name of preventing another seizure. I'm in the middle of trying to get his diagnosis disproved, and so far I've got these facts to go by:
1. no history of seizures, family or otherwise
2. low tolerance to medications
3. low blood sugar (both metabolic and due to the physical nature of my job and the flu

I know this isn't an epilepsy forum, but I'd like to know if anyone with some knowledge of Ultram's side effects has an opinion on this. The neurologist seems completely resistant to the idea that my seizure was anything other than straight-forward epilepsy, and I'm trying to get a 2nd opinion. I have no experience with the medical profession, as I'm a pretty healthy person and grew up in the house of an alternative-medicine practitioner, and talking to doctors who don't seem to want to listen just frustrates me to no end. These anti-convulsants I'm on make me want to trade the daily mind-rape of Keppra and Depakote for having seizures (which occure, ON AVERAGE, of once every twenty-nine years). Even the dang neurologist doesn't think I'll have another seizure, with or without the meds, but he won't let me drive anymore either. I think now, reading some of the posts on here as well, the first doctor shouldn't have prescribed Ultram for an acute headache combined with the flu, but hindsight is what it is.

I'm sorry to see so many having such chronic pain that's messing up their lives. I'm pain free, but my mind feels just as shattered.

[mpvt]

I agree with you and Ultram (tramadol) most certainly can cause seizures.You need to see a neruologist asap to clear this up.What a terrible ordeal to go through.
I had a seizure from Demerol and lost my drivers license for a year so I can relate to your situation.Good luck and let me know how you make out...Dave

[ET1971]

Hi... new to this forum, but great to hear the honest expressions posted here.
I'm 36, and my pain condition stems from a grade 4 osteoarthritis in a knee - which is pretty severe and causes continual bone pain. I would not compare the level of pain to, say, a severe back injury (I had a vertebral fracture 10 years ago that I've recovered 100% from, so I've been there!).

Where I observe so many issues with taking large amounts of Ultram is that doctors like to prescribe it due to its reputation for being less addictive (and perhaps less scrutiny as it's not nearly as tightly regulated as "true" opiods). I think one of the larger problems is that it's really not intended to be a painkiller to treat severe pain - because it's effect will diminish and a user will have to take large doses to have effective relief.

For arthritis - this medication is terrific. I don't need to take it every day, but when I have a bad flareup and a swollen knee - Ultram does the trick. Because of the possible withdrawal risk and seizure reports, I make sure I never take more than about 300 mg per day, often 200mg is plenty. If I find myself needing to take it for a longer stretch fairly regularly - I find it refreshing to take a week off - and rely on the NSAIDS just to make sure I don't take this drug constantly for a month or two straight. I have *never* faced withdrawal or a tendency toward dependency.

Does that make my approach superior? Heck no... but it does drive my opinion that Ultram is substituted where stronger meds are probably more appropriate. Ultram is a great arthritis drug when pain is moderate but does not respond to US OTC meds. It's good after a knee or shoulder arthroscopy... for a bad sinus infection... But I can't imagine it being a good medication to treat disc injuries because you would need to ingest large amounts to find the needed relief - which leads to frightening side effects and withdrawal. I think the idea here is to communicate that this is a med with a solid niche - that can be used safely with great benefits. For severe or surgical pain? Probably not the best drug. ...Perhaps the medical community needs to recognize those dangers.

Anyone else with a similar opinion?

[scook]

I discovered that the name brand Ultram is more effective, does not cause constipation, & does not cause me to become dizzy whenever I stand from a squatting position, whereas the generic Tramadol caused all of those problems.

[rose_lucy]

It's hard for me to believe it, but I've been taking ultram for about eight years. My husband is a pharmacist and he would bring home bottles of it every couple of months. I have always used it in moderation so I found myself addicted without even realizing it. It became most apparent after we split up and my supply was gone. One weekend I was considering going to my inlaws house while they were on vacation and breaking in and getting my mother in law's huge bag of free samples of ultracet. I say breaking in, but I had a key so its not like breaking windows. Anyway, I didn't actually go there, but it was at that point that I broke down and ordered some from the internet. This was about four months ago. The ease of this has sort of killed my previous moderation. I've gone through one entire bottle of 180 pills and I'm about finished with the second. I'm taking four or more a day. I used to take three every other day but now I'm finding myself making excuses to do it every day. Oh man, the boss wants to meet with me? Better pop four. I have to do the dishes when I get home? Better take a couple. It's so stupid. The only thing that has successfully deterred me from taking it during the day is the promise of sex later in the day (ultram KILLS my ability to orgasm). I see my boyfriend only a couple of times a week so there you go. And even then, lately I've just been faking it. Which says to me that I've got a huge problem. Plus, I just reordered online and I felt like such a crackhead the entire time. Here I am saving up to get a new Nintendo, eating ramen for lunch every day, and yet I casually blow $100 on drugs. I love the way it feels when I'm on it, but this is getting ridiculous. I don't want to be one of those people taking 30 pills a day. I read through these posts and see that maybe an anti-depressant could help. When I'm through with this next bottle of tramadol, I'm going to have to taper off. I'm trying to go to college as a single mother. This can't be where my money goes.

[mpvt]

Try and get testosterone as all opiates (even though ultram is not an opiate) will cause your testosterone level to drop.This goes for you women to,no testosterone no orgasm!!!A woman would need maybe 50mgs a month were as a man I was taking 200mgs a month but i have friends that get a 200mg shot every 2 weeks.......Dave

[mgl]

For short-term use within recommended doses tramadol is very effective and relatively safe medicine. Prolonged use in high doses can contribute to dependence and tolerance due to it’s opioid activity. This drug has several undoubted advantages over other analgesics.

Here is a page with Tramadol medical facts, its labeled and “off-label” uses, advantages and disadvantages.

[pastdakree]

I have been taking ultram for 11 years since breaking almost every bone in my body after having been hit by a semi. I have had two babies since then and as soon as I found out I was pregnant I stopped taking it cold turkey with absolutely no bad reactions either time. I believe that any true dependency is mental and you can get through it, I did twice and I was fine! I am back on it again 3 50 miligrams a day and i could stop again right now if I had too but thank god for it.... it helps with the pain when nothing else will... i was on vicoden, percocet, darvocet and this works the best hands down. no addiction... it is a miracle for me

[trin_Kar]

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've been taking it for over a year now and I am having a huge problem with quiting. I recently had a seizure and I believe it was due to an overuse of tramadol. Of course I didn't tell the doctors that but I believe that it was the case. They say that in order to quit taking tramadol you need to start taking them more slowly until eventually you feel the need to not take it anymore. I have a problem with doing that. I keep telling myself, "I'll only take them today and I'll start slowing down tomorrow." But I never do I just keep telling myself that. It's hard and I'm scared now, I'm afraid I'll never become unaddicted to them and I have two kids to tend to. So the thought of stopping freightens me to no end. I've ran out before and I know what it does to my body. I'm glad I found this site I think that maybe this site will help me quit.

Thanks,
Rebecca

[trin_Kar]

I've been taking it for over a year now and I am having a huge problem with quiting. I recently had a seizure and I believe it was due to an overuse of tramadol. Of course I didn't tell the doctors that but I believe that it was the case. They say that in order to quit taking tramadol you need to start taking them more slowly until eventually you feel the need to not take it anymore. I have a problem with doing that. I keep telling myself, "I'll only take them today and I'll start slowing down tomorrow." But I never do I just keep telling myself that. It's hard and I'm scared now, I'm afraid I'll never become unaddicted to them and I have two kids to tend to. So the thought of stopping freightens me to no end. I've ran out before and I know what it does to my body. I'm glad I found this site I think that maybe this site will help me quit.

Thanks,
Rebecca

[Findreliefnet]

findrelief.net is the search engine based on the content of more than 60,000 pharmacies. So check it out www.findrelief.net

[docmary]

Hi
I have taken Tramadol for about 6 years. I first discovered it when a surgeon used it post surgery, after taking stronger pain meds the first week or two. In addition to helping with the longer term healing/pain... I noticed a marked improvement in the joint, muscle and constant aching bone pain I have. (This pain has been there for years due to an inherited liver disease.) I used to treat with only OTC pain meds... but once diagnosed with this disease - of course I cannot take most OTC meds in order to avoid more liver damage.

Anyway, Tramadol at 50 - 100 mg up to 400mg a day has worked well for me for many years. I do not feel 'addicted' to them. Some days I need less than other days.

One thing my doc and I discovered after I had been taking Tramadol 50 - 100 mg up to 400 mg daily, was that my pain was the best controlled when we added a small amount of Oxycodone (5 mg Oxycodone BID) to my daily pain med plan. It just takes that 'edge' off the constant pain and I think it helps the Tramadol to be more effective?

I have been evaluated 3 times by pain management physicians and each time the physician's felt that my doseage of pain meds was appropriate for my medical conditions... and that I need not fear addiction as long as I remained at or under 400 mg a day of Tramadol and no more than 5 mg Oxycodone BID.

Of course, any pain medication can be addictive - don't let anyone tell you otherwise! But for someone that is going to need on-going pain management probably for the rest of my life - this combination appears to be one of the safest (not totally safe - no med is!) options for me.

I have had no cravings for more pain meds over time. I used to fear addition the first few years I was on these meds. But now feel quite comfortable with them. My internist and pain management physicians both warn me that my pain will most likely continue to get worse as I continue to age. And that eventually I may need to increase dosages or change pain meds... I get that. But for now and for several of the past years - I am just thankful these meds have worked so well for me.

Everyone is an individual and can respond differently to pain medications - for example:

I cannot take Tylenol 3 or I get severe nausea.

All pain medications have the potential for addiction! Some more potential than others. Always use pain medications with extreme caution. If you fear addiction - find a pain management physician/program and be assessed and follow their instructions! That is what they are trained to do!

M

[Snakeflake]

I take tramadol when I run out of or need a break from prescribed hydrocodone. If I took it more often I could see getting addicted to it.

[bevmoroz]

Hey kit..I hear you, I am on Zytram (Long acting Tramadol)300mg once a day, and Tramacet,for break through pain... I have been on it for 6 months and like you... I don't feel it is doing much, I am also on Methadone - 25mg 3 times a day, tylenol 3 as needed, the only thing that these drugs are doing is f***ing up my liver and kidneys..so far all these drugs along with the "dry" mouth" it has now caused xerotomia, my gums are all receding and causing much pain there..... the pills have also now have hurt my thyroid, so I am on Sinthroid once a day..... like you I have Fibromyalgia and have chronic back pain..and after 2 major surgeries.. I have been told you can choose a cane orf a wheelchair... I picked the cane....of course... but still in pain... I would do anything to have an hour of no pain......but am positive... there is someone out there worse off than me.... (heaven help me if get bumped..I could end up in a wheelchair.. my scar tissue has wrapped itself to my spine and spinal cord - the reason for the cane and not the wheelchair)... well I have long winded myself for now....

[bevmoroz]

Replying to myself... I think the drugs in Canada are different than the ones you have in the States... Tramadol here is called ZytramXL - which lasts for 24 hours - top dose is the 300mg tablet...Tramacet is Tramacet We don't have ultracet!)... IT IS VERY EXPENSIVE - SO ASK YOUR DOCTOR FOR A "SMART SAMPLE" CARD, WHICH WILL GIVE YOU ONE MONTH FREE!!! ooops caps... just trying to be seen for all to get some financial relief as well.

[mpvt]

If you're taking methadone then you should not be taking tramadol as it can put you into precipitated withdrawls.The tylenol#3 is c rap and a waste of time as the methadone is so much stronger,you might as well be taking candy.
The methadone should be enough for your pain although you may need to come up on your dose.Good luck.....Dave

[antoan.smith]

Possible Side Effects

Although side effects from Tramadol are not common, they can occur. The most frequently reported events were in the central nervous system (Migraine, Speech disorders) and gastrointestinal system (Gastrointestinal bleeding, Hepatitis, Stomatitis, Liver failure). Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: dizziness, headache, drowsiness, blurred vision, upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: fast heartbeat, redness, swelling, and itching of the face, numbness or tingling of the hands and feet, difficulty breathing, changes in urination, seizures.

[LadyTenn422]

Just to let you know, I was very heavily addicted to tramadol. Origianlly prescribed bymy doc for back surgeries. I have been through two 4 day detoxes, adn one 28 day rehab stay. I had to do the rehab because i had a GRAND MAL SEIZURE from taking too much. It was like 30 that day. I was fully rigid, convulsing, and eyes rolled back in head, I nearly died and lsot a huge chunk of memory forever. Teh pull is sooooo strong I am on them again, although I am planning on after my last refill is gone, beginning the suboxone program. Tramadol binds to your opiate receptors as firmly as heroin, and also is great for peoples depression, so you can become addicted very very easily and seizures if you cold turkey, seizures if you take too much. Please use extreme caution, I know I am being a hypocrite, becuae i am abusing them again, Limit myself to 15 per night, but I dont want anyone else to have to go through the hell I live becuase of Tramadol....

[Stranger13]

Hello to all my friends
First I must say I'm happy to find this forum, cause at least now I know I'm not the only one.

I'm taking tramadol for over 1 year, and now my dosage reached 800 mg per day. it's too much, I lost 12 kg weight since last year and now feel really weak.
From a week ago I decided to quit it, but now I feel terrible, I made the 800 mg per day to 100 mg per day, I feel sick, can't relax, I feel my brain is coming out of my head..., Suffering any pain as hell, someone please help me how to quit it, was it a mistake to make it suddenly from 800 mg to 100 mg? Do I have to stop it suddenly or not? or the mistake is that I', still taking 100 mg each day? but I can't stop it completely as it feels like it will kill me, I can't eat anything, do anything, feel so lonely and depressed.
Isn't any other drug to took it instead of this "Morphine Like" ********************? I'm terrible, I'm just 22.
Someone help... what should I do?

[hypersweeper]

I am new to this site, just found it. I have been taking tramadol for about 4 years now. At first I got a prescription for knee pain and found that it made me energetic and pain free so I started going to diffrent doctors and different pharmacies using my married and unmarried name to get double. When that gig had to go due to transportation I found it on the computer and thought I hit a gold mine. Know I take about 15-20 50mg a day. I find if I don't have them I sweat really bad. Get horrible hot flashes,moody and aching everywhere. Is there any over the counter medication to help with withdrawl symtoms?

[Stranger13]

Dear Hypersweeper

I'm the one who posted the reply before you and I got no answers here, So I dealt with it by myself, and now I'm better, Thw withdrawl symptoms can be very huge all over your body, stomach pain, stress, panic attack and whatever that yuu may think, I don't how many days passed since you've stopped it, but start took some per day, not more than 200mg a day. stoping it suddenly will shock your body, and it will be very hard, in case if you don't have to stop it suddenlly, don't harm your body, took some per day, specially before sleep, and then start to make it lower, like after three days make it 150mg per day, and it gonna be stop by 2 weeks and it's so much easier this way, don't forget that it's long time that you are taking tramadol and your body needs it, DO NOT STOP IT SUDDENLLY IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO. and if you want to make it even easier, took 2 MD Propranolol 10mg per day, it ease the stress a little but may cause low blood pressure, so if it hurts you do not continue it, it may cuase numbness in your hands and legs, as I said, the best way is to reduce it in the way I said above.
and be sure that you can deal with it, in many cases the problem was just with the self confidence and the way that you think about it, do not let fear come, no reason for it, and stay confident, and It gonna be fine soon.
Good Luck

[miamode]

I took tramadol for almost 4 years and tried many times to quit this med and have struggled greatly. I did finally get off 2 weeks ago completely. I used the taper method and it worked for me when doing it slowly enough. However, tapering is not for everyone and it is very difficult to commit to if addicted...THERE ARE OTHER OPTIONS! There is a medication called *Suboxone* that you can take that is specifically tailored to those getting off of opiates/tramadol. You can read about on the Suboxone website...there are even videos from Suboxone users about their experience taking it. Now not every doctor can prescribe Suboxone so you have to use a directory...here's two links for help.

http://suboxone.com/patients/resourc...FUtyOAodGje3LA

http://www.naabt.org/patient_doctor/....cfm?zip=31605

There is another way to get off of Tramadol...if you live in a city with a methadone clinic you can go through their methodone taper program which can be easier that going off Tramadol. However, educate yourself and talk with your doctor before doing this (or using Suboxone) because some people end up addicted to the methadone.

I am NOT a doctor, just someone who has amassed info online through my own research so do your homework. I hope this information can help some of you get free from Tramadol...I have walked that dark path. On a lighter note, I am very happy 2 weeks after getting free and have never been happier in my life (even after struggling with depression my entire life) so there can be a light at the end of the tunnel for even YOU!

For those of you going through withdrawal God Bless you all! I have gone through that many times before but it can be done...for me clinging to my music helped pull me through the worst (Depeche Mode is great for pain and suffering!!!) LOL!