Comparing Fluoxetine vs Tramadol

For Depression I have battled OCD since my early 20s (I'm now in my 30s). Finally after moving to a new city and starting a new job I noticed not only my OCD had increased but I had fallen into a deep depression. I had always been wary of drugs in the past but in my despair decided to see a psychiatrist and she prescribed me 20mg fluoxetine. I can say that fluoxetine has helped immensely but it took time. At first I definitely experienced a worsening of symptoms that lasted about 2 months. I kept with it though because while the depression had worsened I noticed that anxiety was becoming less and less prevalent. Finally around week 11 I woke up happy. It was as if a cloud had finally lifted. It wasn't euphoria but I finally started feeling like I was in control of my emotions again and began to find a quiet contentment in life again. I am so glad that I stuck with it.

For Depression I started on this drug about 3 months ago and have lost 30 pounds already. It suppresses my appetite and with the weight loss that has helped not only my diabetes but my depression and moods as well. I'm happier, more energetic and my anxiety is better.

For Pain I was prescribed Tramadol by an emergency room doctor until I can get in to get my wisdom teeth removed. I'm supposed to take one pill every six hours, but only take one pill whenever I have absolutely unbearable pain, that doesn't go away within one hour. The pain relief is quick, within 20 minutes, takes from a 10 on the pain scale to about 5. Terrible nausea, shakes, lightheadedness, and sweats if I don't eat plenty before or right after taking this medication. Constipation also caused, clears up two or three days after ceasing.

For Pain Tramadol would MILDLY work for my back and knee pain for about a week and then stop. Oxycodone works best for me and hydrocodone is second. If it works for your pain, great but my experience is that it does nothing more than ibuprofen or other OTC pain relievers in the long run. The physical withdrawal from tramadol in my opinion is worse than hydrocodone or oxycodone due to the dual action it has on the brain.