Re: Ultracet/Tramadol

[Guest guest]

Contrary to what many doctors will tell you Tramadol can be very

addictive and very hard to discontinue. People aren't usually inclined

to abuse it as much as perks or hydro, but some people have displayed

severe abuse and you don't have to be an abuser to become dependent.

Quit this medication carefully as it also acts like an SSRI

(anti-depressant) so should be tapered slowly to quit.

>

> I took Ultram (that's just the Tramadol without Acetaminophen) in the

> months prior to back surgery.

>

> <ULTRACET® (tramadol hydrochloride/acetaminophen) Tablets combines two

> analgesics, tramadol 37.5 mg and acetaminophen 325 mg.>

>

> <ULTRACET® is indicated for the short-term (five days or less)

> management of acute pain.>

>

> More info at http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/ultracet_ids.htm

>

> ~ Gretchen

>

[Guest guest]

I take the max dose of Ultram CR (Control Released) I take one pill a day and it

lasts all day. I never can see me being dependent or addicted to it but anyone

can be dependent or addicted or abuse any medicine.  I feel Ultracet is not

nearly as addictive as some of the major narcotics such as Dilaudid, Morpheine,

Percocet, Vicodin, etc. 

I have taken this medicine a year every day as prescribed and I think it's an

amazing medicine which is a good alternative to a heavy narcotic.  Also Cymbalta

acts as an SSRI with the major use for depression and anxiety is a wonderful

medicine for nerve pain.  Of course that's just my experience and I it's good to

be aware of the possible abuse if you are prone to addiction.

Andy

[Guest guest]

Yes, I would agree with regarding Tramadol. I began Tramadol almost a

year and a half ago when I broke my leg. I don't know if you remember, but I had

been on Neurontin for several years and had to be hospitalized because I became

preganant and my neuro told me to discontinue the almost 3000mg/day Neurontin,

and this sent me into a serious drug withdrawal. I have never had anxiety/panic

and I was in a full blown panic mode...out of my mind and the absolute worse

experience of my life....wanted to die.

I had never planned to touch these pain meds again until I broke my leg.

Tramadol worked really well for quite some time at a low dose, but now, I am up

to the maximum amount per day (400 mg), and that isn't really enough. Also, if I

try to extend the amount of time between doses, I can feel anxiety setting in.

Once I take the drug, it disappears.

I am working on a plan to ween myself of these drugs without landing in the

hospital. Be very, very careful as they mess with your brain.

Amy Hodge    

[Guest guest]

Andy,

Yes, Ultram is less likely to become addictive than other narcotics,

and you're right that everyone is different. CR is probably the safest

to avoid addiction.

Addiction is usually defined as things like taking more than

prescribed, using it when not needed etc. That's different than

dependence defined as suffering withdrawal and ill effects when

discontinued.

Doctors will tell you pretty much everyone taking narcs like percs

will become dependent, but some say people won't get dependent on

ultram. I have known many having bad withdrawal even from non

addictive use of ultram. That combined with ending the SSRI effects

can be really bad. It's not exactly an opiod agaonist, but acts a lot

like them, so some docs promote it as save as aspirin.

Not saying you shouldn't do what works to manage your pain, just

understand what might be happening if you need to escalate the dose

and be especially careful if you decide to quit. Some docs will cut

you cold turkey when a taper might be better.

G

[Guest guest]

To everyone:

This is a very important message that Amy wrote in this email. Never have the

maxium of pain meds. Bad things can happen, including medically or

psychologically.

Marin