... I have been taking tramadol 50 mg. for my back pain for several years. I have to take some every day. Sometimes I only need 4-5 pills a day and other times when it's worse I need 8-9 pills a day. Would the extended release tabs in a higher dose (200 mg.) be just as effective as 4 regular 50 mg. tabs at once? The regular tabs work well when I take 3-4 at a time, I just hate taking so many pills at once -- but it does control the pain. Would an extended release form be as effective at quickly relieving my pain as the 50 mg. are or would the "extended release" part of it slow down the medication getting into my system thereby making it not work as well? Sorry, I hope my question makes sense. Just wondering if I should bring up the idea of switching to my Doc at my next appt. Any opinions would be appreciated!
Tramadol 50 mg. vs. Extended Release Tramadol 200 mg. -- which is better/faster?
Question posted by LUCYSMAMA on 31 May 2013
Last updated on 23 December 2017 by Jawadshah
3 Answers
Any of you still alive ?
Well that’s a joke
I have lower back pain and have been taking tramadol sr 100mg at night just once for the whole next day from last few months but not regular I have taken 20 tabs in two months as friends told me it’s a dangerous drug, why I like it because it lasts for 18 hrs and I feel happy when taking it.
Hi, i agree with Kaismama, extended release, taken REGULARLY will manage chronic pain well. The 50mg immediate release will work quickly to relieve 'break through' pain, but if you need pain relief long term, i would personally recommend the extended release version. I have been taking 200mgXR until recently, twice a day. It is easier to remember to take one capsule in the morning, & one in the evening, it is easy to get in to a routine : ) Taking 4 x 50mg immediate release at once isn't a good idea. I'm not lecturing you! Just looking out for you, D
I have just changed on to them this week and they do work well. I used to have 3 to 5 normal tramadol a day for my back but worry about being on so many so the dr tols me to try the slow release ones, 1 am and 1 pm and I'm suprised how well it works. I could do with upping the dose abit but otherwise very manageable especially night times I have a better sleep. The only thing I'm noticing is I have a slight headache at times but am hoping this will wear off. Anyone else get headaches on them?
I have just changed on to them this week and they do work well. I used to have 3 to 5 normal tramadol a day for my back but worry about being on so many so the dr tols me to try the slow release ones, 1 am and 1 pm and I'm suprised how well it works. I could do with upping the dose abit but otherwise very manageable especially night times I have a better sleep. The only thing I'm noticing is I have a slight headache at times but am hoping this will wear off. Anyone else get headaches on them?
i have been taking the slow release 200mg 3 am and 3pm. Have been doing this for 7 weeks. After week 4 the nightmares began. Waking sreaming, seeing dead people standing over me! I am now trying to wean myself off by taking 100mg & 50mg slow release ones. Whats worse is the longer you are on them they actually caused my insomnia. Not impressed
When you have chronic pain, the extended release works better. You take it daily and it prevents pain. I was on extended release for some time with the other tramadol for break thru pain. I didn't need to take alot for break thru. I had better pain control with the extended release. I had to stop it when I could no longer afford it.
Related topics
Further information
- Tramadol uses and safety info
- Tramadol prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Tramadol (detailed)
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