Tramadol and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Zom...
• April 16, 2010

For Pain "Works okay for moderate pain. It does dry the mouth, eyes, etc. Can be habit-forming. I have experienced insomnia and hallucinations. However, it puts me in a better mood and gives me energy. I think I am losing weight, too. I've been taking this for years on and off, and I like it, but need something stronger for severe pain. It works to take the edge off, but as far as feeling free of pain, nothing I've taken seems to work 100%. My back is just a mess, though. Narrowing spine, bone-on-bone rubbing, and calcified crack from years ago. Tramadol is a lifesaver if you prefer something lighter than OxyContin, etc. I guess it's an individual preference."

• Red...
• December 28, 2017

For Back Pain "I have been taking tramadol for about eight months for arthritis in my back. I used to take Norcos 5/325 for the pain, but it didn't help. Tramadol works so well when it comes to my back pain, it's the only thing that helps. But the bad part about it is the itching and insomnia."

• moo...
• January 18, 2017

For Back Pain "I don't understand how all the comments I've read on here about tramadol being great for anxiety and depression because when I took tramadol for back pain, it made me feel all anxious, shaky, and caused insomnia. I had to stop after 2 days of taking it, plus it made me itch all over, I felt awful on it. I've had bouts of anxiety and depression all my life, and I'm sure it was the tramadol I took 5 and a half years ago that started my anxiety off again. Once it started, it kind of went into a vicious circle of having panic attacks, then fearing the next panic attack, which then would start another panic attack, and so it went on for months, me ending up in the hospital, so I'd never take tramadol again no matter how much pain I'm in."

• Anonymous
• November 1, 2009

For Pain "I have severe leg pain caused by renal failure, and I have arthritic knee joints. I was taking Solpadol effervescent for 3 years, but the sodium caused high blood pressure (be warned). I went on to Tramadol 50 mg, but after 3 months of use, I was feeling unwell on waking from a night's sleep, so I stopped use and suffered terribly with withdrawal symptoms: nervousness, unable to sleep, anxiety, and pain. I was prescribed Tramadol slow release (SR) capsules 100 mg, and they have been brilliant for pain, no problems for at least 5 years. Recommended."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 30, 2024

For Pain "Tramadol has been great for me. Hydrocodone and OxyContin take only about 20-30 minutes before I begin to feel relief, but tramadol takes even longer. Tramadol takes about an hour for it to kick in after I take it, but when it finally does, it works fantastically. It doesn't make me feel quite as 'high' as the other opioids, and it seems to last longer as well. Hydrocodone or OxyContin give me insomnia when taken at night. Sure, I feel great and have far less pain, but inevitably I lay there high as a kite and wide awake all night. I'm always exhausted the next morning and day. With tramadol, the insomnia and itchiness side effects are far less. I usually take 10mg for severe pain, and 5mg if it's less severe. A doctor once gave me a prescription for tramadol 100mg 24-hour slow-release formula - I hated it! It made me feel sick as a dog for a couple of days, so I never took another one."

• EMT...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 1, 2017

Tramadol for Chronic Pain "I have been on this medication for about 4 years due to ankylosing spondylitis, and I find it pretty effective. However, I have found that this medication caused unexpected side effects. It was pointed out to me that shortly after taking a dose, I undertake massive projects that I normally wouldn't, become extremely talkative, have insomnia, and have motivation that wasn't there originally. I was diagnosed as being bipolar a year ago, and these are all symptoms of the 'hypermania' aspect of bipolar disorder. My doctor has found that Ultram put me in a 'manic state,' and when the medication begins to wear off, I tend to become anxious and agitated. There are studies reflecting this online. I would not recommend this medication if you are bipolar."

• Ran...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 19, 2015

For Fibromyalgia "I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about 10 years ago and have been on many different Rx regimes, including Tylenol 3 and 4, Cymbalta, Lyrica, and tramadol, with tramadol being the most effective. At my highest point, I was up to 400 mg per day, and that just made my entire personality change for the worse, so I backed off to 50 mg 4 times a day. Recently, I have experienced severe gastrointestinal issues, all pointing towards the tramadol usage, so I decided to wean myself off it. After 2 days at 100 mg a day, big trouble, now I have insomnia, anxiety, foot cramps, sweats, agitation, and overall pain."

• val...
• November 8, 2007

For Pain "I have switched from Dilaudid to tramadol, and have found it to make me feel more groggy, yet have insomnia. I have Crohn's disease, and it has helped with the pain immensely, and not making me as nauseous as some of the stronger narcotics. I'd recommend it for people with gastro problems!"

• san...
• February 20, 2018

For Back Pain "In the meantime, while waiting for an MRI, Dr. prescribed the Tramadol 200 mg extended-release tablets. Seemed to help with pain relief the first night, but I only got 4 hours of sleep. (This was Friday going into Saturday.) Saturday night going into Sunday, I had BAD reactions. (Like the possessed or poltergeist movies) LOL. Anxiety, insomnia, tingly legs and feet that didn't want to touch my sheets in bed even. I began crying and asking myself questions and praying to please let me sleep as I was exhausted. I thought I either had a mental breakdown or anxiety/panic attack. Apparently, these were common side effects. I specifically told my Dr. I couldn't sleep at night, the pain was so bad, yet this drug causes insomnia. What? Seriously?? Still shaking my head as to why he prescribed this. It's now day 4 of the prescription, and I have called requesting something else, as this is not allowing me to sleep, and I feel like I'm losing my mind."

• One...
• January 2, 2021

For Chronic Pain "Given Tramadol as a PRN for lumbar pain caused by bulging discs and osteoarthritis, sciatica. I also have fibro, myofascial pain in shoulders, severe recurring depression. First time I took 100 mg, I couldn't sleep, but my pain was decreased so much I didn't care. I went through a spell of bad sciatica pain, ended up taking one 100 mg a day for 3 consecutive days. I thought I had imagined the increased energy and joy. I felt like myself and wanted to do things I used to do. The 2nd day, I definitely felt the increased motivation and energy; NOT a hyper or overwhelming feeling. I was able to focus and concentrate more. It really does rid me of sciatica pain for most of the day and decreases the lumbar pain. In 2 weeks, I'll ask my DR about her experience and knowledge to see if it can be incorporated into a daily regimen to assist some of the other medication. I would love if I could have less pain and more energy to be more active for my body's sake."

• Abi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 11, 2012

For Pain "I take tramadol for 7 days every three months following trigger point injections, and as needed for back pain following a car accident. This medication takes away my pain from the injections and when I have flare-ups! Side effects for me include dizziness (if I take it without food), drowsiness, slight insomnia, dry mouth, and euphoria or a floating feeling. I cannot drive or do anything requiring intense concentration after taking this medication. That said, I am sensitive to the effects of medications. Although there are some side effects, overall this medication helps me a lot and allows me to deal with pain more easily."

• ACC...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 5, 2023

For Restless Legs Syndrome "I was in misery for years trying to manage my RLS. Compression socks, magnesium spray, Lyrica, gabapentin, stretches, etc. Nothing worked. The sleep deprivation was worse than when my newborn daughter had colic for 4 months. Finally, I went to an awesome neurologist who worked with me on options. LSS, I’m taking Horizant at 5 pm, and I take 1/2 capsule of 50 mg tramadol a night before bed, and I’m finally getting consistent sleep. I’m not sleeping as soundly or as long as I’d prefer, though it’s improved to the point where at least I’m having some consistent sleep, and I’m no longer losing my mind."

• Anonymous
• August 6, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "I have fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and have had two back surgeries, the second one 22 years ago. Tramadol did not reduce my neck, shoulder, or lower back pain noticeably. I hadn't recognized that my increased symptoms of nausea, headaches, lethargy, irritable bowels, or poor sleep might be related to the drug. I took myself off tramadol (no warnings from my doctor about side effects taking Ultram or going off Ultram) and felt worse. More nausea, pain, irritable bowels, headaches turning into migraines. Desperate, I changed my diet. Low carbs, lots of green veggies, high protein, healthy fats, small amounts of whole grain rice. Pain is still there, but I feel more in control. I still take Voltaren and Flexeril."

• Av8...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 6, 2021

For Chronic Pain "I got Tramadol 50 mg for severe back pain. I took them for 3 days only, once a day in the AM. I could not believe that after only 3 days at 50 mg total per day, when I ceased taking the medication, I had severe withdrawal. Not sure if I'm some weird case, but I couldn't sleep for 4 days, had electricity in my arms and legs, severe lack of energy, it was unreal. A week of pure nightmare on earth. Don't be scared to take this medication, but just be aware that this medication is highly addictive and has SNRI effects, so if you do not do well with SNRI medications, it might be better to look elsewhere. The fact that doctors prescribe these like they are candy is scary, and they do not even believe you when you say you had withdrawals. Thank goodness I'm off of this medication."

• Anonymous
• October 20, 2011

For Pain "I try not to use tramadol too often for the pain I experience with my Crohn's and rheumatoid arthritis - only when it is very severe and the strong codeine I already take is not helping - this is down to the negative side effects I experience when taking it. Although it helps with the pain and can help with my mood, I really don't like the overall experience. I find it can make me disorientated; slightly nauseous and with a loss of appetite; blur my vision and make me feel weirdly euphoric (very mildly) in a 'speedy' way; and while some people report sleeping better, I find it has the opposite effect and I suffer insomnia when taking it. The worst thing by far though is the itching! I always forget how bad it makes me itch! 100 mg"

• Anonymous
• August 5, 2009

For Pain "My dentist prescribed Tramadol yesterday because of an abscessed tooth. I see an endodontist this morning. It helped with pain, but I have not slept one minute all night. My mind raced all night. I was so sleepy, but if I closed my eyes, I had movie-like images racing. I have never been on any kind of 'speed,' but I feel like this is what it would be like."

• Mol...
• October 2, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "Let me break it down really simply: Tramadol is an excellent pain reliever but is addictive! DO NOT take this medication during pregnancy. Wean off of it before you give birth and let your baby withdraw in utero. My son was in withdrawal for 10 weeks, and I never told the doctor I took the drug, so no one knew what was wrong with him. He didn't sleep, trembled, and cried for 8-10 weeks straight. He has no developmental delay or physical impairments, but the first 2 1/2 months of his life were brutal. Wean off, please!"

• Anonymous
• June 27, 2009

For Pain "I'm taking 50-100 mg per day for hip/lower back pain, the cause of which is still unknown. It enables me to keep working (I am a cleaner) and walk my dog, do housework, etc. by taking the edge off the pain. I think it's exacerbating my pre-existing insomnia, though. Also, I am on Cymbalta and Topamax and worry about the combination causing seizures. I would hope the pharmacist would warn me if there was a danger."

• Dud...
• December 6, 2011

For Pain "After a fall that I had in June 2011, I was prescribed tramadol as I was in so much pain, so I have been taking tramadol for 6 months. Unfortunately, I suffered considerably last week for a number of reasons that include difficulty sleeping, retching, difficulty breathing, severe exhaustion, but most worrying was the loss of coordination, meaning I was unable to walk last week."

• For...
• April 17, 2021

For Chronic Pain "Tramadol prescribed for pain relieved my depression. For me personally, I found that it worked best taken at low levels in the am/pm, but did sometimes have an effect on sleep if taken at too high of a dose in pm. Once I was switched off of this medication, without being tapered, and onto something different for pain altogether, is when I realized the positive, anti-depressant effect tramadol was having on me. It was not opioid-analgesic withdrawal that I was experiencing, to anyone who may be having that thought. I was switched to something else for the pain, but the depression persists to this day. The only time I ever feel relief from the depression is when I take some of the tramadol that I saved to ease the depression."

• Anonymous
• November 15, 2009

For Pain "I have had success with using tramadol for neck pain. But recently, after about 6 months of use, I am exhibiting some of the common side effects, which include headaches, trouble sleeping, and sweating."

• Eve...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2021

For Pain "This drug definitely works for most people, but not for me. I have bad osteoarthritis pain, and it made my pain worse. Massive loss of appetite - I lost 5.2 kgs in just over two weeks. I had serious sleep disturbances - went 4 days without sleep at one point, even when I did sleep, it was 2 hours here and there. Coming off it was also very rough, and I was only on it for just over a month."

• Jan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 21, 2021

For Pain "Time released: I got a prescription for chronic pain and suddenly I felt so much better. It should be taken time released. Capsules: The advantage with capsules is that you can take different dosages. It will still be time released. There are small globules inside. No effect: It might be ineffective for about 30% of people. This could be due to a mutation of an enzyme: CYP2D6. Tapering off: It should be tapered off carefully in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms. 400mg: Taking more than 2 x 200mg in 24h (each lasting 12h) is very dangerous. Tolerance: Some experience tolerance. It helps to play with the dosage and to take breaks (slowly tapering off). Zinc: Taking it 24h for a longer while might reduce zinc levels. Possible side effects: constipation, less appetite, insomnia, reduces hormone levels (estrogen, testosterone...). Me on 2 x 200mg: irreversible hair loss."

• Non...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 20, 2021

For Pain "When I read the description of tramadol, I literally laughed out loud. Seeing it side by side with morphine was seriously funny. How anyone would say it's even close to effective in treating pain is beyond my comprehension. And all the things it's allegedly useful for? Doesn't work. It probably doesn't help that I've been taking it now for 25 years. The ebb and flow of medications given to me throughout the years (including the cocktails of meds for several) have introduced me to many effective painkillers. Unfortunately, I have to be treated at the V.A., and quite frankly, I'm lucky to be getting my paltry two doses of it a day. I won't go into all of it (because I'll become crazy angry), but the only thing tramadol does now is stop me from detoxing from it. Period. I feel so lost, and barely sleep anymore since the pain is 100%. Tramadol doesn't touch it, trust me. If your doc puts you on it or tries, refuse it if you can, do anything to not get on it. It's a gross waste of money."

• The...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 13, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "Worked great for my fibro pain, but if I miss a dose I am very ill, everything from restless legs syndrome, pain all over, diarrhea, coughing and sneezing, and insomnia."