addictionsuxs
04-11-2008, 11:15 AM
I wont waste all your time with all my back surgeries, LSI injections, facet joint, Rolfing,chrio's, rehab, and everything else you can think of. i just had 2 disk fused with artifical spacers placed between the disks.
Needless to say years of having to take the pain pills are hopefully over. i am getting off the hard meds. there are some that require them to function, I hope I am not one of them anymore.
My question is, I still have soreness, stifness, and a hard day of work at times causes some small pain. what are some meds that arent addictive. I will go with nothing before I do the devil stuff again. I am not saying its not right for some, just not me anymore. I have taken something called Propoxy or something like that. Anything else you guys know of that is good on minor pain WITH no addiction
Needless to say years of having to take the pain pills are hopefully over. i am getting off the hard meds. there are some that require them to function, I hope I am not one of them anymore.
My question is, I still have soreness, stifness, and a hard day of work at times causes some small pain. what are some meds that arent addictive. I will go with nothing before I do the devil stuff again. I am not saying its not right for some, just not me anymore. I have taken something called Propoxy or something like that. Anything else you guys know of that is good on minor pain WITH no addiction
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Shoreline
04-11-2008, 12:35 PM
Hey ADS, Propoxyphene is darvecet and is an opiate , it's very mild, about 1/100 the strength of methdone but is in the same family as Darvecet. It does have the potential for abuse just like any drug. People get high on cold medecine. Aside from tylenol there are NSAIDS, but most docs don't want you taking them this close to a fusion, they can prevent bone growth,. I wasn't allowed any for a year when they atempted to fuse me for the tthird time. That failed too, but there are some NSAIDS that have pain relieveing abaility. Toradol isn't a bad drug if your only talking a couple times aca month, but aside from medication and injections how they used to manage pain was all psych, Self hynosis, guided imagry, bio feedback, relaxation techniques, Yoga etc etc. Even light excercise is better than sitting around hurting and it releases endorphins. Some people benefit from acupuncture, massage, anything that takes your mind off the pain is a good thing.
Just like recovery from adiction, you need to find something to occupy your mind and time rather than sitting around thinking how much you hurt at the end of the day. Going med free is a complete lifestyle change and I do hope this surgery was a success and you find a way to deal with the remaining pain. I doubt any doc is going to gaurentee being pain free after back surgery, but the same techniques are available that were available prior to the invention of oxycontin in 96 when opiates became a somewhat exceptable way to manage back pain. I say somewhat because it's certainly not something that's agreed upon amongst the entire medical community.
The rest may be up to you, their may not be a pill or another injection. Aside from pain medecine, excercise is the only thing that keeps me sane, at least I feel I'm actively doing something to get better, whether I am or not, I still benefit from the other aspects of excercise. It's distracting and if I do things right it tightens my core and relieves some of the pain while releasing endorphins.
Good luck, Dave
Just like recovery from adiction, you need to find something to occupy your mind and time rather than sitting around thinking how much you hurt at the end of the day. Going med free is a complete lifestyle change and I do hope this surgery was a success and you find a way to deal with the remaining pain. I doubt any doc is going to gaurentee being pain free after back surgery, but the same techniques are available that were available prior to the invention of oxycontin in 96 when opiates became a somewhat exceptable way to manage back pain. I say somewhat because it's certainly not something that's agreed upon amongst the entire medical community.
The rest may be up to you, their may not be a pill or another injection. Aside from pain medecine, excercise is the only thing that keeps me sane, at least I feel I'm actively doing something to get better, whether I am or not, I still benefit from the other aspects of excercise. It's distracting and if I do things right it tightens my core and relieves some of the pain while releasing endorphins.
Good luck, Dave
forginon
04-11-2008, 01:28 PM
addictionsuxs,
There are alternatives to narcotics, as Shoreline has explained. In addition to his offerings, there are some medications that have provided great relief for many with back and spine pain. Cymbalta is one of the best. It is indicated for pain and can work very well. It is somewhat similar to the newer antidepressants, but is for pain. Lyrica is another in the same family. Do your best to avoid propoxyphene, as it is a narcotic and will most likely cause cravings. Also avoid Tramadol (Ultram) for the same reasons.
Your doc should be familiar with these meds. If not, try to get a referral to a pain management specialist and ask about these meds. Be sure they know about your history.
Best of Luck,
steve
There are alternatives to narcotics, as Shoreline has explained. In addition to his offerings, there are some medications that have provided great relief for many with back and spine pain. Cymbalta is one of the best. It is indicated for pain and can work very well. It is somewhat similar to the newer antidepressants, but is for pain. Lyrica is another in the same family. Do your best to avoid propoxyphene, as it is a narcotic and will most likely cause cravings. Also avoid Tramadol (Ultram) for the same reasons.
Your doc should be familiar with these meds. If not, try to get a referral to a pain management specialist and ask about these meds. Be sure they know about your history.
Best of Luck,
steve
scrappinmaniac
04-11-2008, 01:58 PM
My question is, I still have soreness, stifness, and a hard day of work at times causes some small pain. what are some meds that arent addictive.
Hello Addictionsuxs,
Welcome to the board. I hope your most recent back surgery turns out to be successful.
I might recommend Celebrex, which is marketed for arthritis, but I was taking it for back pain, mainly stiffness, prior to having a fusion. I was also taking Ultram ER...you take it once a day and it's not addictive. I would recommend talking to your doctor about both of these RX drugs.
Good Luck!
Scrappin'
Hello Addictionsuxs,
Welcome to the board. I hope your most recent back surgery turns out to be successful.
I might recommend Celebrex, which is marketed for arthritis, but I was taking it for back pain, mainly stiffness, prior to having a fusion. I was also taking Ultram ER...you take it once a day and it's not addictive. I would recommend talking to your doctor about both of these RX drugs.
Good Luck!
Scrappin'
brianpain33
04-11-2008, 06:11 PM
addictionsux:
I am also a recovering addict and want to say that it is a HUGE challenge to be in chronic pain and also have addiction. It does matter thought what your drug of choice was and what you were addicted to. I was addicted to cocaine and that sets off completely different receptors in the brain compared to the opiate type medications. I am currently on the fentanyl patch & Percocet for BT pain. I easily could become addicted to them if I do not follow my doctor's rules & recommendations or I start to abuse them. However, I do not want to do this so that I can have the pain relief without setting off my addiction. You pretty much know instantly when you take something if it is setting off your addiction. I would recommend going to see and ADDICTIONOLOGIST(a doctor that specializes in treating recovering addicts and is specially trained in medications that can be prescribed to them). Can you tell us what you abuses and what you were addicted to? Or were you merely dependent on them?
I will tell you that there are many medications that I have tried that are non-narcotic. It also does depend on what kind of pain you have as well. If you have nerve pain then there are specific meds to treat that and most opiate/opiod meds are uselesss against this pain although they are helpful for other types of muscle/bone pain. I would recommend Lyrica which is what I am also taking. I have been on Ultram(a mild opiod with anti-depressant qualities) but it can be extremely difficult to get off so I don't recommend it. There are many anti-seizure meds to help nerve pain: Lyrica, Neurontin, Topomax, Tegretol, Gabitril. Anti-inflammatory meds: Celebrex, ibuprofen. You could try taking tylenol(acetaminophen) & Advil(ibuprofen) to see how this manages your pain. The good thing is that they are OTC(over the counter) and non-narcotic. You can usually get by with taking up to 3000mg/day of acetaminophen & up to 1600mg/day of ibuprofen. Please make sure that your doctor is knowledgeable about medications & addiction. Oh, one other thing you could try is Suboxone(used to treat opiod addiction but can also be used for chronic pain). I have heard it is difficult to get off Suboxone as well but it's worth a shot.
brian
I am also a recovering addict and want to say that it is a HUGE challenge to be in chronic pain and also have addiction. It does matter thought what your drug of choice was and what you were addicted to. I was addicted to cocaine and that sets off completely different receptors in the brain compared to the opiate type medications. I am currently on the fentanyl patch & Percocet for BT pain. I easily could become addicted to them if I do not follow my doctor's rules & recommendations or I start to abuse them. However, I do not want to do this so that I can have the pain relief without setting off my addiction. You pretty much know instantly when you take something if it is setting off your addiction. I would recommend going to see and ADDICTIONOLOGIST(a doctor that specializes in treating recovering addicts and is specially trained in medications that can be prescribed to them). Can you tell us what you abuses and what you were addicted to? Or were you merely dependent on them?
I will tell you that there are many medications that I have tried that are non-narcotic. It also does depend on what kind of pain you have as well. If you have nerve pain then there are specific meds to treat that and most opiate/opiod meds are uselesss against this pain although they are helpful for other types of muscle/bone pain. I would recommend Lyrica which is what I am also taking. I have been on Ultram(a mild opiod with anti-depressant qualities) but it can be extremely difficult to get off so I don't recommend it. There are many anti-seizure meds to help nerve pain: Lyrica, Neurontin, Topomax, Tegretol, Gabitril. Anti-inflammatory meds: Celebrex, ibuprofen. You could try taking tylenol(acetaminophen) & Advil(ibuprofen) to see how this manages your pain. The good thing is that they are OTC(over the counter) and non-narcotic. You can usually get by with taking up to 3000mg/day of acetaminophen & up to 1600mg/day of ibuprofen. Please make sure that your doctor is knowledgeable about medications & addiction. Oh, one other thing you could try is Suboxone(used to treat opiod addiction but can also be used for chronic pain). I have heard it is difficult to get off Suboxone as well but it's worth a shot.
brian
forginon
04-11-2008, 06:18 PM
...Ultram ER...you take it once a day and it's not addictive...
Ultram was originally marketed as non-addictive, but it is now understood that it has a narcotic component and can easily cause dependence. And, as Brian can attest to, it is VERY HARD to get off of. If your drug of choice was an opiate then I do not recommend Ultram (tramadol). It will be a bad thing.
steve
Ultram was originally marketed as non-addictive, but it is now understood that it has a narcotic component and can easily cause dependence. And, as Brian can attest to, it is VERY HARD to get off of. If your drug of choice was an opiate then I do not recommend Ultram (tramadol). It will be a bad thing.
steve
leeleelanilou
04-11-2008, 07:14 PM
You could ask your doctor if he thinks a TENS unit might help. It stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator. You need a prescription for one & a lot of insurances will cover it. There are little sticky pads that you put on your muscles & they have cords that run to the machine. You can choose the pattern of the electricity & how much of the shock you want to feel. I think it works by taking your mind of the source of pain. They make them small enough to put in a pocket of a shirt. My mom had one & it helped her back pain.
Good luck.
Good luck.
margsee
04-12-2008, 07:26 PM
Whatever you decide to do from an RX perspective, supplementation can make a tremendous difference. You do have to be patient, but when you have a chronic issue, there's always time to let something take effect, eh?
Fish oil, 1500 2 xs a day for maybe a month then once per day has had a massive difference effect on my attitude & surely helps my joints. Glucosamine and MSM also began to make a difference right around the 8 week mark everyone says. Liquid form works better for me. You have to see what helps you. A daily multi is a must so that you have the C and magnesium etc you need to heal. Plus I take bromelain (anti-inflam from pineapples) and I eat an anti-inflammatory diet most of the time.
I still take NSAIDs, but using natural additions to your overall concoction really makes a difference if you are committed to it and patiently await the result. I've been dedicated to these things since mid-Jan and I'm finally reducing my RX's. (Along with a stretching program and regular exercise.)
Be well!
LL
Fish oil, 1500 2 xs a day for maybe a month then once per day has had a massive difference effect on my attitude & surely helps my joints. Glucosamine and MSM also began to make a difference right around the 8 week mark everyone says. Liquid form works better for me. You have to see what helps you. A daily multi is a must so that you have the C and magnesium etc you need to heal. Plus I take bromelain (anti-inflam from pineapples) and I eat an anti-inflammatory diet most of the time.
I still take NSAIDs, but using natural additions to your overall concoction really makes a difference if you are committed to it and patiently await the result. I've been dedicated to these things since mid-Jan and I'm finally reducing my RX's. (Along with a stretching program and regular exercise.)
Be well!
LL
forginon
04-13-2008, 03:12 AM
Depends on your definition of addiction. Some meds can cause dependence, meaning if you take them regularly and then stop abruptly, you will suffer withdrawal. But this is not true of all meds, not by a long shot.
Addiction is another thing entirely, and has psychological elements that go beyond simple physical dependence.
Most meds taken as prescribed are safe. Some are risky, with side effects that can be a problem. One example is Motrin. Some folks are sensitive to this med and can experience gastro issues. For some it's no problem. Tylenol is wonderful unless you take too much, in which case it can damage your liver.
A good doc who knows your full medical history can lead you to safe and effective meds.
steve
Addiction is another thing entirely, and has psychological elements that go beyond simple physical dependence.
Most meds taken as prescribed are safe. Some are risky, with side effects that can be a problem. One example is Motrin. Some folks are sensitive to this med and can experience gastro issues. For some it's no problem. Tylenol is wonderful unless you take too much, in which case it can damage your liver.
A good doc who knows your full medical history can lead you to safe and effective meds.
steve
JoJo921
04-13-2008, 09:20 PM
I'd have to go along with what Brian said becase it really does matter what your poision is. I have a friend who is an alcoholic and he lasted 2 mos with a pm doc on methadone because he chose to not tell the doc of his history and one drug triggered the other and then he started mixing and well he is in prison now and I'll stop at that. The three peices of advice that I could give to you is 1) Be Honest 2) Be open-minded and 3) become willing to do what it takes to keep you clean while managing your pain.
forginon
04-14-2008, 07:50 PM
Steve,
I respectively disagree with you.
Speaking from personal experience, I do not believe Ultram ER (extended release) can easily cause dependence, and I do not believe it is very hard to get off of...
...so I stopped taking it cold turkey and I didn't experience any withdrawal symptoms whatsoever...
What's nice about this board is that we can disagree and leave it at that. And I respect your opinion and your experience.:)
My personal experience was very, very different. Maybe others will chime in with their stories...
I do have a question - were you on an antidepressant and/or another opioid at the time you stopped Ultram?
steve
I respectively disagree with you.
Speaking from personal experience, I do not believe Ultram ER (extended release) can easily cause dependence, and I do not believe it is very hard to get off of...
...so I stopped taking it cold turkey and I didn't experience any withdrawal symptoms whatsoever...
What's nice about this board is that we can disagree and leave it at that. And I respect your opinion and your experience.:)
My personal experience was very, very different. Maybe others will chime in with their stories...
I do have a question - were you on an antidepressant and/or another opioid at the time you stopped Ultram?
steve
brianpain33
04-14-2008, 07:53 PM
Steve,
so I stopped taking it cold turkey and I didn't experience any withdrawal symptoms whatsoever. Scrappin'
How is this possible? Did you also take an anti-depressant? If you were taking an anti-depressant and possibly another opiod/opiate then you might be able to NOT have any or slight withdrawal symptoms. I have to say though that most people do experience withdrawal and I would never recommend stopping it cold turkey. Just read the drug information from the manufacturer and it will list the possible withdrawal symptoms. I can definitely say from experience that it has been extremely difficult for me to get off Ultram and I have now been off for 5 days and never going back to it.
brian
so I stopped taking it cold turkey and I didn't experience any withdrawal symptoms whatsoever. Scrappin'
How is this possible? Did you also take an anti-depressant? If you were taking an anti-depressant and possibly another opiod/opiate then you might be able to NOT have any or slight withdrawal symptoms. I have to say though that most people do experience withdrawal and I would never recommend stopping it cold turkey. Just read the drug information from the manufacturer and it will list the possible withdrawal symptoms. I can definitely say from experience that it has been extremely difficult for me to get off Ultram and I have now been off for 5 days and never going back to it.
brian
forginon
04-14-2008, 08:01 PM
How is this possible? Did you also take an anti-depressant? If you were taking an anti-depressant and possibly another opiod/opiate then you might be able to NOT have any or slight withdrawal symptoms...
This is what I was getting at with my question.
I have been hospitalized a couple of times and tolerated no Ultram OK. But I was on fairly heavy narcotics and my SSRI.
If I ever have to stop using tramadol I will build in a very, very long titration period. I went off tramadol once cold turkey and it was one of the worst experiences of my life. I spent an entire 3 day weekend thrashing in bed just wanting to die. I won't do that again.
Any others with their "stopping tramadol" stories?
steve
This is what I was getting at with my question.
I have been hospitalized a couple of times and tolerated no Ultram OK. But I was on fairly heavy narcotics and my SSRI.
If I ever have to stop using tramadol I will build in a very, very long titration period. I went off tramadol once cold turkey and it was one of the worst experiences of my life. I spent an entire 3 day weekend thrashing in bed just wanting to die. I won't do that again.
Any others with their "stopping tramadol" stories?
steve
forginon
04-15-2008, 04:07 PM
Steve,
What's also nice about this board is that we are given the opportunity to have discussions with other people who are taking the same rx drugs as we are...
I was not on an antidepressant when I stopped Ultram ER, and the only opioid I was taking was Lortab (7.5/500 mg), but I was only taking 2 a day, so it wasn't a significant amount...certainly not enough to counteract any withdrawal symptoms...
I totally agree. And as your experience points out, we are all unique. For you, stopping Ultram was no big deal, for me it was awful. Our bodies are truly amazing. And I'd like to have some of what you've got.:) To be able to go from 300mg/day to nothing and have no WD means (to me) you've got some secret sauce inside and you should seriously think about marketing it - could be big money.:D
steve
What's also nice about this board is that we are given the opportunity to have discussions with other people who are taking the same rx drugs as we are...
I was not on an antidepressant when I stopped Ultram ER, and the only opioid I was taking was Lortab (7.5/500 mg), but I was only taking 2 a day, so it wasn't a significant amount...certainly not enough to counteract any withdrawal symptoms...
I totally agree. And as your experience points out, we are all unique. For you, stopping Ultram was no big deal, for me it was awful. Our bodies are truly amazing. And I'd like to have some of what you've got.:) To be able to go from 300mg/day to nothing and have no WD means (to me) you've got some secret sauce inside and you should seriously think about marketing it - could be big money.:D
steve
forginon
04-16-2008, 02:15 AM
Scrappin'
I don't understand it either. And like you wrote before, I don't think your other meds were enough to offset what, in my opinion, should have been nasty WDs.
Maybe this is just one of those 'count your blessings' things. I think this is really good for you. If you are ever in a situation where you are shorted or your meds get stolen you may be able to tolerate it better than most.
I think you are very fortunate. :)
steve
I don't understand it either. And like you wrote before, I don't think your other meds were enough to offset what, in my opinion, should have been nasty WDs.
Maybe this is just one of those 'count your blessings' things. I think this is really good for you. If you are ever in a situation where you are shorted or your meds get stolen you may be able to tolerate it better than most.
I think you are very fortunate. :)
steve
Shoreline
04-16-2008, 02:20 AM
Hey Guys, Tramadol is now recognized as a drug that causes dependence but there is no set time or dosage that can cause it. Tramdol has both opiate and Santi depressant qualtites so ithdrawal that I have experienced and many others could be from the antidepressant aspect or the opiate quality. That's something we will never really know. Were all so different and I have seen a perfect example in my wife compared to me. She was taking 40 mgs of valium a day for sevre TMJ for almost 4 months, she stopped oober a 5 day period and experienced no symptoms of withdrawal what soever. Had I taken thatmuch valium for that long, I would have been one sick pup. Were all different, I would asume a history of addiction would leave one more prone to debvelop physical dependence and experience withdrawal at a faster rate, but the interesting thing about the net is you can find articles and medical publishings that support both side of any argumant. Are medical holidays beneficial, Does ultram havwe the ostenmtial for abuse. Does the risk of opiate abuse utweight the benefit. what you read really just dpends on what link you click. I certainly wouldn'tdibeliev someone that didn't have a problem, I'm more curious how long the ultram was taken not that it really matters since I don't have the same bio chemical makeup or psyhcological make up as anyone else.
From someone that has experienced withdrawal rom ultram while still taking the same dose of opiates, it's interstering, but when I have discontinued a med, it was always fast and furious. I don't see the loguic in prolonging misery although for others it may take months to discontinue a med. The difference responses and attitudes and information fromother patients s what keeps me coming back. I've sen things do a complete 180 when it comes to using opiates over the last 15 years. basically if there is a chane something will help, I don't se what you have to loose. As far as cynbalta, It;s just theone anti depressant that actually spent the money getting it aproved for the treatment of pain. They never would have done the study if they hadn't seen positve effects from every other anti depressant that was available prior to cymbaltas release. Just because it's the newest or most expensive doesn't make any med the best med. It's all trial and error.
If you want to go the med route, there are dozens of meds with no high or minmal abuse for potential, If you want to go non rx, there are dozens of non medication methods to manage pain since coping skills is one of the largest factors in living with CP, all the non RX methods are based on learning to cope with what meds can't do. There is no cope better pill or be positive instead of negative script. These are choices everyone has to make and without acknowledging the psych aspect of living with CP IMO a treatment plan can't be complete. A shrink is best trained in the antidepresants and it's usally shrinks and psychologist that teach relaxation methods to which people have varrying responses just like we have with prescription meds.
Good luck, Dave
From someone that has experienced withdrawal rom ultram while still taking the same dose of opiates, it's interstering, but when I have discontinued a med, it was always fast and furious. I don't see the loguic in prolonging misery although for others it may take months to discontinue a med. The difference responses and attitudes and information fromother patients s what keeps me coming back. I've sen things do a complete 180 when it comes to using opiates over the last 15 years. basically if there is a chane something will help, I don't se what you have to loose. As far as cynbalta, It;s just theone anti depressant that actually spent the money getting it aproved for the treatment of pain. They never would have done the study if they hadn't seen positve effects from every other anti depressant that was available prior to cymbaltas release. Just because it's the newest or most expensive doesn't make any med the best med. It's all trial and error.
If you want to go the med route, there are dozens of meds with no high or minmal abuse for potential, If you want to go non rx, there are dozens of non medication methods to manage pain since coping skills is one of the largest factors in living with CP, all the non RX methods are based on learning to cope with what meds can't do. There is no cope better pill or be positive instead of negative script. These are choices everyone has to make and without acknowledging the psych aspect of living with CP IMO a treatment plan can't be complete. A shrink is best trained in the antidepresants and it's usally shrinks and psychologist that teach relaxation methods to which people have varrying responses just like we have with prescription meds.
Good luck, Dave
brianpain33
04-16-2008, 04:48 PM
I think that I had a problem or difficulty coming off tramadol for a couple of reasons: 1) history of addiction 2) history of bi-polar with major depression. Tramadol is known for causing severe, suicidal thinking with the withdrawal. I think that I may be alright with no anti-depressants but I had to go extremely SLOW to not set off my bi-polar aspect. I had to let the mood stabilizer(Trileptal) take effect and control the depression from the tramadol withdrawal. I tend to like to minimize withdrawal effects so that is why I prefer to extended titration. It took me a month to go from 2 pills/day to none because I didn't want to get suicidal or anxiety and miss work or do anything bad. I am now off the tramadol 7 days :) woo hoo go me. I guess that I am stronger than I thought. Thank you all of you for the support and I would like to say that tramadol does cause dependence, can be abused, should be a controlled substance and probably will soon, can cause euphoria, and should have a black label warning(well at least more warnings), and doctors should be better educated when it comes to this drug. JMO.
brian
brian
Mstic1
04-16-2008, 05:12 PM
Well phooey....I thought that Tramadol was going to be the relief I've been seeking but after reading this thread I think I might not even try it!
I have fibromyalgia and a host of other things that go along with it and Tylenol is just not cutting it anymore. I saw my primary care doctor and she gave me a sample pack of the release version. I haven't tried it yet because quite frankly I'm scared of medicine. Everytime I take something I feel really weird and then beat myself up for taking yet another drug that makes me feel weird. My doctor won't prescribe anything else so this was bascially my last shot.
I did see an article in a magazine the other day about something called Broweilla. It is suppose to be a natural pain supplement that works like Ibuprofin. Does anyone know much about this?
Thanks,
Mysticwingz
I have fibromyalgia and a host of other things that go along with it and Tylenol is just not cutting it anymore. I saw my primary care doctor and she gave me a sample pack of the release version. I haven't tried it yet because quite frankly I'm scared of medicine. Everytime I take something I feel really weird and then beat myself up for taking yet another drug that makes me feel weird. My doctor won't prescribe anything else so this was bascially my last shot.
I did see an article in a magazine the other day about something called Broweilla. It is suppose to be a natural pain supplement that works like Ibuprofin. Does anyone know much about this?
Thanks,
Mysticwingz
forginon
04-16-2008, 05:46 PM
Well phooey....I thought that Tramadol was going to be the relief I've been seeking but after reading this thread I think I might not even try it...
Hold on there.
Please don't let this dialog scare you off of at least trying tramadol. Each and every medication carries with it a set of side effects and cautions. None are exempt. You just have to be careful and responsible with use.
But who knows, tramadol could well be the one best medication for you. But you'll never know if you don't give it a try. If you don't like it, or if it disagrees with you, just flush it. If you get some benefit, get a prescription for a low dose over a short period, say 3-4 weeks, and see how it goes. Re-evaluate at weekly intervals and go from there.
I just hate to see someone made afraid of a med because of dialog on a web board. You must take into account that folks taking the time and effort to participate on a board like this one have issues with conditions and medications. If all were well we probably wouldn't be here. So many of us naturally have issues with various meds. Tramadol is one of them. And I could make a list of meds with posted side effects that could make anyone afraid of the whole class of analgesics.
So, please don't let this thread scare you. If your doc took the time to give you a sample, then he/she thinks there might be a benefit. Give it a try. You've got nothing to lose and maybe a whole lot to gain. Even with everything I've posted about tramadol, I still take itt daily and consider it a main element of my CP treatment.
Best of Luck!
steve
Hold on there.
Please don't let this dialog scare you off of at least trying tramadol. Each and every medication carries with it a set of side effects and cautions. None are exempt. You just have to be careful and responsible with use.
But who knows, tramadol could well be the one best medication for you. But you'll never know if you don't give it a try. If you don't like it, or if it disagrees with you, just flush it. If you get some benefit, get a prescription for a low dose over a short period, say 3-4 weeks, and see how it goes. Re-evaluate at weekly intervals and go from there.
I just hate to see someone made afraid of a med because of dialog on a web board. You must take into account that folks taking the time and effort to participate on a board like this one have issues with conditions and medications. If all were well we probably wouldn't be here. So many of us naturally have issues with various meds. Tramadol is one of them. And I could make a list of meds with posted side effects that could make anyone afraid of the whole class of analgesics.
So, please don't let this thread scare you. If your doc took the time to give you a sample, then he/she thinks there might be a benefit. Give it a try. You've got nothing to lose and maybe a whole lot to gain. Even with everything I've posted about tramadol, I still take itt daily and consider it a main element of my CP treatment.
Best of Luck!
steve
brianpain33
04-16-2008, 06:26 PM
What about Lyrica, it is made specifically for fibromyalgia. Then there are a whole host of other meds that may be effective from: Neurontin, Topomax, Tegretol, amitryptiline, nortriptyline, Cymbalta. There are plenty of other non-addictive meds out there, you just need a doctor that knows about pain management and will be willing to prescribe them. Heck, I am a recovering addict and am on the fentanyl patch(which is one of the most potent narcotics available, schedule II med). Do not give up, you may need a PM doc or an addictionologist that knows what they are doing. Also, the tramadol may be the right med for you. I do know the controlled release can be better since it releases the med more slowly and can possibly cut down on the euphoric effect. However, if you like to be slowed down(like a benzo, similar to xanax or valium), then it might not be the right med for you. Some people get energized and some get slowed down so everyone is different. Just don't stay on it because of the "feeling" associated with it, make sure you are taking it for the pain relief and at the rx'd doses.
brian
brian
scrappinmaniac
04-16-2008, 07:28 PM
Mystic,
I agree with Steve. You should never not try a medicine your doctor recommends b/c a few people on a message board had a bad experience with it. I took Ultram ER for a little less than a year and never experienced any terrible side effects. As I'm sure you have read in previous posts, I even stopped taking the Ultram cold turkey (not recommended), on the advice of a former doctor, and as unbelievable as it sounds I didn't experience any of the terrible withdrawal that others have. You see, we are all different and our bodies respond differently to rx meds.
If I were you, I would try the Ultram ER, what do you have to lose? To add to Brian's post, one of the reasons I liked the extended release version was b/c it didn't alter my mind at all...I could take it and know for sure that I wouldn't feel loopy, crazy, angry or sleepy like other narcotics can make you feel...the only way I would know that I took my pill was the pain relief it provided.
Whatever you decide to do, I sincerely wish you only the best.
Scrappin'
I agree with Steve. You should never not try a medicine your doctor recommends b/c a few people on a message board had a bad experience with it. I took Ultram ER for a little less than a year and never experienced any terrible side effects. As I'm sure you have read in previous posts, I even stopped taking the Ultram cold turkey (not recommended), on the advice of a former doctor, and as unbelievable as it sounds I didn't experience any of the terrible withdrawal that others have. You see, we are all different and our bodies respond differently to rx meds.
If I were you, I would try the Ultram ER, what do you have to lose? To add to Brian's post, one of the reasons I liked the extended release version was b/c it didn't alter my mind at all...I could take it and know for sure that I wouldn't feel loopy, crazy, angry or sleepy like other narcotics can make you feel...the only way I would know that I took my pill was the pain relief it provided.
Whatever you decide to do, I sincerely wish you only the best.
Scrappin'
Mstic1
04-16-2008, 07:49 PM
Thank you all for taking the time to reply about the Ultram.
You are absolutely right....everyone is different and everyone responds differently...and my doctor probably did give me the sample because she thinks it might help. I think I will give it a try on Friday after work. That way if I do experience any side effects that I don't like, I won't have to worry about going to work in the morning :D
I think what I really need to do is go see a pain management doctor. I don't think that my primary care doctor is the right person for me to be seeing about my pain. She just keeps tells me to take Tylenol.
I will let you know how it goes and thanks again,
Mysticwingz
You are absolutely right....everyone is different and everyone responds differently...and my doctor probably did give me the sample because she thinks it might help. I think I will give it a try on Friday after work. That way if I do experience any side effects that I don't like, I won't have to worry about going to work in the morning :D
I think what I really need to do is go see a pain management doctor. I don't think that my primary care doctor is the right person for me to be seeing about my pain. She just keeps tells me to take Tylenol.
I will let you know how it goes and thanks again,
Mysticwingz
cactuscowboy
04-18-2008, 01:21 AM
This is an interesting thread. I had back surgery 16 months ago. I was on Lortab 7.5/500 (4 a day) for a year prior to surgery. Switched to Tramadol after surgery. The surgery was not successful. The nerve pain is severe and radiates down to my calf. I am on pain management. Lyrica, Celebrex were not effective. Tramadol helps take the edge off the pain.
Over the last 2 1/2 years I have gone on and off Lortab multiple times. Each time results in sweating, deprression and ends after a week. Each time I stopped cold turkey after 6-10 of taking the meds.
I have gone off tramadol at least twice as well. Withdrawal was very mild in comparison, mild depression only. I stopped cold turkey from 400 mgs a day to nothing.
In each case, I only took Ibuprofen for the pain. It is clear that my pain will persist, so I am back on tramadol and skelaxin. For me, tramadol is less effective, but lasts longer than lortab. In addition, I know I can walk away clean with little trouble. Everyone is different, this is my story. I do not reccomend quitting cold turkey, that is just my way.
Over the last 2 1/2 years I have gone on and off Lortab multiple times. Each time results in sweating, deprression and ends after a week. Each time I stopped cold turkey after 6-10 of taking the meds.
I have gone off tramadol at least twice as well. Withdrawal was very mild in comparison, mild depression only. I stopped cold turkey from 400 mgs a day to nothing.
In each case, I only took Ibuprofen for the pain. It is clear that my pain will persist, so I am back on tramadol and skelaxin. For me, tramadol is less effective, but lasts longer than lortab. In addition, I know I can walk away clean with little trouble. Everyone is different, this is my story. I do not reccomend quitting cold turkey, that is just my way.