Going from Lortab to Ultram - Good idea? - Addiction & Recovery Message Board

badbackdavid · 07-14-2003, 07:36 PM

Hello everyone,

Been a while. Hope that everyone's been well. I have just got back from the dr. and WE have decided to go another route w/ my bad back as well as w/ my medication. Both the dr. and I agree that it's best to transition me over from 7.5/500 Lortab (3 per day) to the non-addictive Ultram. Additionally, he wants me to start taking Flexeril.

Here's my question: I thought that Ultram WAS addictive? When I asked the dr. this he said, "Not to my knowledge." He also told me to start taking less of the Lortab and intro. the Ultram to my system. Every week that goes by, take less Lortab and more Ultram until completely off the Lortab. But do you guys think that this is trading one addictive medicine for another?

Thanks for any input, insight, etc. as it is gratiously appreciated.

Thanks again,

Dave

Hopefortoday · 07-14-2003, 09:06 PM

Dave,

My understanding is that Ultram is addictive. When I was in treatment a few years ago in Hattiesburg, Miss. (don't laugh, it's really a beautiful place), there were several doctors going thru treatment at the same time who had gone from the traditional opiates to the Ultram to avoid detection in a urinalysis. They said the company that makes the drug initially marketed it as being a "non-addictive" alternative to the traditional opiates.

As it turns out, the drug company was wrong and withdrawals, etc. are very similar to that from opiates. There is also a seizure risk at higher doses. However, this really appears to be a moot point for you because you were really not taking heavy doses of the hydrocodone -- 22.5 mgs per day shouldn't leave you with really bad withdrawals. That is especially true if you tapered down a couple of mgs a week...within a month or so, you'd be out of the woods.

The doctors I'm referring to above were taking 100s of mgs per day. I think it's great you are concerned about it now before you get to that point but what is your ultimate goal? No drugs? That's probably not an option with your back. Therefor, if I'm in your shoes, I would think the Ultram is a logical and reasonable alternative to taking all of that acetaminophen. What is the reason your doctor wants to change meds? Are you building a tolerance? If he's worried about getting you addicted I don't think Ultram is the answer but, as you are no doubt aware, the only effective way of treating acute chronic back pain is with addictive meds...nothing else that I'm aware of is going to give you the relief you need.

I've already gone on too long, but please remember that (at least in my very humble opinion), there is a huge difference between addiction and dependence. One is a disease and the other is simply the result of a condition. As long as you don't cross that line (and it will not be clear to you until it's too late) you'll be okay.

I hope I haven't rambled to much. Take care, good luck and God bless!!!

mike99 · 07-15-2003, 01:31 PM

I agree with hopefortoday. I DO know, however, that Ultram is NOT what the drug company said it was - "non-narcotic" and "non-addictive". In the PDR (Physician Desk Reference - the big drug book) it even states that if you have been on opiates before, Ultram can cause withdrawal symptoms. They have now told doctors to only prescribe Ultram for 5 days at a time.

Basically, hopefortoday hit the nail on the head - if someone is an addict (like me - I abused pills for many, many years) you will probably abuse Ultram. If you can cut back on the pills slowly, you are in good shape, and will probably have little or no withdrawal symptoms. Me - I'm an addict, and could NEVER manage to "cut back" on pills. As a matter of fact, whenever I tried to do that, I ended up "rebounding" and taking more than I was before I started cutting back!

One final note - none of us here are doctors, and certainly not YOUR doctor. A second opinion can always be helpful. It seems to me that you must have some kind of concern, since you are here on this forum. Just always be open and honest with your doctors. I have found that pain management doctors seem to have a better understanding of physical dependence vs. addiction, since they deal with patients who take narcotics for a LONG time.

Good luck. May God's hand show you the right path, and give your doctors wisdom.

badbackdavid · 07-15-2003, 08:18 PM

Hope & Mike,

Thanks so much for your replies. And "yes", this is a concern of mine - a BIG concern. I wonder why this very reputable dr. who has been acknoweledged publically for all he has done/achieved doesn't even know about this drug? His exact words were, "The drug is non-addictive." Period.

I wonder if I should call him back and inform him? That would be pretty funny - me calling a "well-to-do" dr. to educate him about the medication that he's prescribing to his patients. Oh well, I really don't know what I'm going to do now. But I sincerely appreciate you guys replying. If there's anyone else out there that knows of transitioning from Lortab to Ultram, please enlighten me. I'm all ears.

Thanks again,

Dave

rlcowboy · 07-15-2003, 11:05 PM

Hey Bad, I also am being treated for chronic back pain. I have recently had a spinal fusion and had 6 screws and some rods inseted in my lower back so I can relate to your pain brother!! I am curently being treated by a pain managment doctor and he has me on oxycontin 20mg 3 times a day, before that I was taking Lortab 10s and 7.5s. The oxys work good cause they are time released over twelve hours at a time, but if you are trying to kick opiates STAY AWAY from that stuff! But it is better on my liver. I also have taken Ultram, It is addictive from what Ive heard BUT I would still suggest you listen to your doctor, and it does help with the pain!Bottom line- if you can get by without opiates, then do so my friend!!