Ultram and Irritability: What Users Say

• Pat...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 12, 2020

For Chronic Pain "I have been on Ultram for 15 years. I started with 150 mg a day, and I am up to 350 mg daily. If I do not take it every 5-6 hours, I start feeling sleepy and irritable. Worst of all, my pain comes back twofold. I cannot stand up straight due to the severe pain and weakness in both my legs. I had a lumbar fusion that has left me with neurological leg weakness and SI joint pain. I have severe DJD and arthritis. I was recently changed to a generic type of Ultram. I feel like I am in withdrawal all the time. How do I get my pharmacy to replace this generic garbage?"

• ktg...
• September 13, 2010

For Pain "I have arthritis in most joints and back and neck pain. I have used Tramadol for 2 years now. It was life-changing in the way it relieved pain without the nasty side effects of hydrocodone (I got very irritable when it wore off). Seems to be taking a higher dosage for less relief but still would rather continue the Tramadol and use something for breakthrough pain on physical work days. If you experience nausea, try a lower dose and work up to more. Stick with it, the nausea went away for me. When I forget a day or so and go back to it, I sometimes get nausea again."

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

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."

• LiD...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 25, 2018

For Chronic Pain "Taken for chronic pain for rheumatoid arthritis. Thought it would help to sleep better as pain wakes me up when changing positions. First two nights miraculous, but then started noticing irritability and low mood. Skipped a couple of nights and took again. Noticed extreme pain upon rising. Just came from seeing the doctor, advised NOT to take at night. He said my body would start craving it and would not realize if I was taking it for RA pain or pain from withdrawal. Hmm. So, I am only supposed to take it during the day and am no longer supposed to take prednisone as needed."

• Jay...
• August 24, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "This medication did nothing for my pain. Had to stop taking Ultram after 5 days due to extreme agitation."