... long term safety issues with this drug? I foresee myself taking it for the rest of my life. Should I be getting tested for anything? liver problems, etc?
I have been on Tramadol for back pain for eight years. I take 100mg twice a day. What are the?
Question posted by jbcamel on 21 June 2012
Last updated on 10 April 2018 by Hulkster58
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10 Answers
Hulkster58
10 April 2018
I have been on tramadol, Now for 15 years... So yeah" I believe I may just be on it the rest of my life too, But I seem to be okay, Well my dr. checks my organs out about every year are 2, Are either I mention it to him, Its a good thing to... But I was okay just a month ago.
hhherb
2 July 2012
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to get two regulation sized soft balls and massage your back with them as needed to relieve the stress in your back. I would particularly recommend stretching out the muscles in your back before going to bed. Lower to mid back in one event and the upper back, (above shoulder blades), in the second event. Place the balls on the floor, carpeted preferred, on both sides of the back bone. Elevate the knees to control the amount of pressure being applied to the balls. Move slightly in all directions while staying on the large muscles alongside the back bone. It should only take two to three minutes to stretch these muscles out and make them relax. You may hear some cracking of the vertebrae; this is normal and should not be of any concern. This will virtually eliminate any headaches you have been suffering as well as put you to sleep much faster than you have in the past.
If you have ever suffered from restless leg syndrome this will also disappear. Whatever you do, Stop taking the muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatories for back problems. All you are doing is burning your kidneys and liver up with drugs.
Ezydys
2 July 2012
Hi jb I've been doing tramadol for over ten years I can't live without it. I take it cuz it doesn't cause any liver problem .. Cuz I've got mess up liver.. It's never caused any problems with me
saxman
25 June 2012
Years ago, I was prescribed Tramadol (50 mg/4xday) for pain related to a worn hip joint pain and lower back pain. Like a lot of meds, I don't think you can imagine the withdrawal symptoms until you stop taking it. Being out for just a day, I can't sleep and generally feel like junk. Now I see other comments about others trying to go off Tramadol having "restless leg," "depression symptoms," etc. When I miss a day or 2, I recognize all of that. Plus constipation is a constant problem while taking it. I have blood work checked every 6 months. But Tramadol does keep my joint pain down.
Delila
26 June 2012
It's a catch 22 isn't it! There are so many warnings/potential problems that this medication holds, yet if it is relieving your pain you don't want to stop do you. That's my take anyway : )
sara12345
23 June 2012
I was told not to take Tramadol.
To quote, Drugs.com, "GENERALLY AVOID:... coadministration of tramadol with serotonin-enhancing drugs such as SSRIs, SNRIs, nefazodone, trazodone, and mirtazapine may potentiate the risk of serotonin syndrome, which is a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition... "
Always look for other drug interactions.
jbcamel
23 June 2012
I did see this. Luckily I am not taking anything that is contradicted with Tramadol.
Inactive
22 June 2012
I am going to give you a site to read listed below about tramadol. Unfortuneately doctors are told by the drug reps that this drug is easily prescribed since it is not a scheldule 2 narcotic, but by nature it is a synthetic opiad as Delila has already told you. It is very addictive & does has the ssri qualities to it, & can cause seizures if not taken as directed or withdrawing without a taper. That's not to say it doesn't help some people, but please beware of all it's qualities. the site I am referring you to is really for doctors, but please read it anyway because it explains the addictive qualities, & about having seizures too. It will also explain the dosing schedule etc... This particular medication is also a choice drug for abusers & addicts. I hope this will be of value to you... Mary
https://www.drugs.com/monograph/tramadol-hydrochloride.html
jbcamel
22 June 2012
Hi Mary,
Yes, I know that although it's non-narcotic, it is addictive. That is, I can't just quit taking it. About two years into taking it I got sick. We thought it was the Tramadol. In order to stop I had to cut down very slowly. Doing that avoided and bad withdrawal symptoms. Turned out not to be the Tramadol, so I'm on it again and have been for eight years. What I like the best is that it continues to work at the same level without my ever needing to increase the dose. I think this is a wonderful pain med and isn't used enough. People think that meds like Advil must be safer because they are over the counter. I know friends who take it every day for years. As it turns out they may be more dangerous than Tramadol and not nearly as effective.
Delila
22 June 2012
Hi, as the others have stated, blood test to check on liver function would be a good idea every so often. I've been taking them on and off for 3 or 4 years and i've had no physical health problems so far, if that puts your mind at rest?
toddly10
22 June 2012
Though tramadol is not a controlled substance it can cause severe withdrawal studies show. I found this most alarming. My wife has taken it for years and just now agreed (I should have asked her) that she goes through mid to severe withdrawal if she runs short. She has severe fibromyalgia and condimelagia?, now that I know this, I think it's time( because she get's withdrawal commonly associated with opioid pain medication) that she goes to a opioid based med. I think it's a good idea to have regular blood tests with Any medication that you take. There's nothing to be alarmed about. Tramadol seems to be safe but with me being on disability we can't even begin to get health care for my deeply loved spouse of many years. She's filed for disability, but as you probably know it is a very timely process. It will tax (mentally & physically) your livelyhood.
But enough of my problems (Jesus Christ) is your only way through. I apoligize, but it is the truth and I know this day and age it could probably get me kicked off of this site. Just remember I know what I know What I know... I'll pray for you jbcamel.Now you all (know about me that are regulars) on this excellent site. We can all continue to help one another. Sincerely, toddly10.
Delila
22 June 2012
Hi! Just wanted to add, in case you didn't know, that Tramadol are a synthetic opiate. You mentioned wanting your partner to switch to opiate based pain killers. It has also been discovered to have ssri properties, which is why people can have such bad withdrawals when discontinuing them. I guess you won't do anything with doctors advise anyway, but just wanted to tell you in case you didn't know? : )
LaurieShay
22 June 2012
If the tramadol is formulated with tylenol(acetominaphen) then yes I would be cautious. If your doctor is aware of your long term use of this medication, you probably have nothing to worry about,
sara12345
23 June 2012
From my own experience, I totally disagree that if your doctor is aware of your long term use of the medication, you probably have nothing to worry about. I have two experiences with 2 different doctors which led me to big trouble.
I got a lung disease caused by Macrodantin that often cannot be cured. I couldn't walk across the room without being out of breath. At the time the doctor put me on it, I quizzed her about taking it daily. She said it was just a low level antibiotic--nothing to worry about. I was put on it long term. After a pulmonologist diagnosed the disease, I looked it up in the PDR and saw in big bold print a warning about this disease which needed to be monitored. Fortunately 8 months of steroids left me with lung scarring, but did cure me of the lung disease.
Also a gastroenterologist that I complained about difficulty swallowing for over 3 years never thought to have me stop taking Fosamax which is known for causing swallowing problems. Instead the doctor gave me an endoscopy which showed everything was fine. Then 2 years later, she gave me another high risk endoscopy to stretch my esophagus which didn't help me at all. My regular doctor caught it then, and had me discontinue it immediately.
balbanese
22 June 2012
I would agree a general checkup with blood-work would be a wise decision. Specify your concerns about the medication, your liver, etc. It'll set your mind at ease. Hope this helps.
Related topics
pain, back pain, tramadol, liver
Further information
- Tramadol uses and safety info
- Tramadol prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Tramadol (detailed)
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