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MedHelp Member's Question

Ultram- Help

by headache queen, Nov 11, 2002 12:00AM
I was given a ultram script for severe headaches, I have atleast 5 headaches a week and it seems like I am taking the ultram everyday.  I have had some colen problems and the Doc I saw was very concerned about the ultram & he said it was just like a narcotic.  That explains why I cannot seem to stop taking it. I have a family that I love very much and it is killing me to realize that I may be an addict.  How do I stop this?  I live in a small town and my husband is a pillar of the community, I don't know if I can bring myself to attend NA or not. I do not want to continue to take it, but when I don't I feel terrible, I am almost at the point of non-functioning without it.  My body aches and my head hurts even worse, I am exhaused.  Help please, This is very scarry for me.
Member Comments (14)

by 1st24, Nov 11, 2002 12:00AM
To: headache queen
From what I've read on this forum, ultram is addictive, and even has worse withdrawal symptoms than opiates.  I have the same concerns, as I'm on day 5 of opiate (oxycontin & narco) wd's, but the pain that caused me to take those pills is still here, so I've been taking ultram.  I have a call into my doctor, and am going to talk it all over with him.  I don't even know if he realizes that ultram can have severe withdrawal effects.  If I were you, I would try another type of med for your headaches.  Are they migraines?

by The Golden Slipper, Nov 11, 2002 12:00AM
To: headache queen
I am a migraine sufferer and I don't know much about Ultram except that I have learned through reading this forum that it is very addictive.



There are many medications out there for headaches that are non-addicting.  I take Imitrex for my headaches, it works very well for me and it is non-narcotic and very safe. There are many other medications that are similar to imitrex which also work very well.



Perhaps you could write back and give us a little more info. on your situation.  How long have you been having the headaches? Were they diagnosed as being migraine? How long have you been taking the ultram and at what daily dose?



I'm sure there are people who have been involved with this drug who will respond to you. I am currently weaning off of Fiorinal a barbituate medication commonly prescribed for migraine and very addictive.



Please stay away from that one if your doctor mentions it!!

Please keep posting



Golden Slipper

by taeme, Nov 11, 2002 12:00AM
If you say you have headache 5 times a week, drugs like serotonin reuptake agonists, like fova,axert,imitrex might be of help. They have also talked about being on some type of beta blocker, for preventative(which is a blood pressure type medication) but definetely consult your doc before starting anything.  DO NOT start something on your own. I don't know your history so you may have some contraindication for these meds.  There are others too you could try after these but maybe something like this could work for you.  Mind you this isn't going to help with any of the withdrawls you are or probably will experience (according to what you said) coming of the ultram.  Here'something in my drug book ultram is listed under narcotic/opiod analgesics.  So I don't see how it couldn't be addictive.

by juliegal, Nov 11, 2002 12:00AM
To: Headache queen
I am a migraine sufferer as well..I also have back problems - so I was addicted to Hydrocodone - I have been off of it for 30 days, I will say this - the worst headaches I have had in my life were during the time my body wanted more of the hydro.  Once I broke that cycle the headaches have become MUCH better.  I take maxalt for my migraines as well as zomig...there are many out there that are non-narcotic and work like a miracle...please please get something like that and stay away from the ultram.  I have not even had to take a migraine pill in over two weeks, and I was taking them like candy along with the Hydro and nothing was helping....I can certainly understand feeling like you cannot function without it - I was right there - but I will tell you once you break away from it - and get through the hurts - you will be so thankful you did....

by cheermom, Nov 11, 2002 12:00AM
To: headache queen
i too suffer from migraines which is how my addiction first started (percocet).  when you stop taking the meds you have what is called "rebound headaches" which can be worse than your "normal" migraines.  i read that a lot of times doctors will stop all meds and you have to just let the headaches come.  after that they come a lot less often and you can opt for another treatment.  of course this is general migraine info and not addiction related however that may be why you feel the headaches even worse when you try to come off the ultram.  i dont have any personal experience with ultram but i have used imitrex, zomaig, midrin, all to no avail.  i do know when i was working at an orthopedist's office ultram was availabe by samples.  they would hand out 10 packs of them with a script.  maybe its changed now that addictions are on the rise.  sorry i couldnt be more help with the withdrawal but like i said the headaches themselves are probably "rebounds" and the rest is your withdrawal.  good luck, it does get better with time, i swear...

by Thomas02, Nov 11, 2002 12:00AM
To: headache queen
what cheermom said. Rebound headaches are quite common when narcs or narc-alikes such as Ultram are involved. Imitrex is your best bet. Good luck.



Thomas

by suzieneedshelp, Nov 11, 2002 12:00AM
To: headache queen
Well, yes headaches are my pain as well.  i am addicted to stadol, a synthetic narcotic nasal spray. They did not know it was addictive when it came out!  I've been on it for over 10 years though.  Anyway, yes the imitrex works wonders , cuz its non habit forming. Not pain killer but goes to the root of the problem.  But sometimes it doesn't help either.   So..then i need relief and to be able to sleep.  Maybe sleep it off, the head ache pain that is.  Have u tried progressive relaxation, biofeedbaack, acupunture?  There are many alternatives.  Are you aware of food truggors?  : onions, donuts, any thing with lots of yeast, msg (including seasoned salt, chinese food, etc), bananas, alcohol, cigarattes, etc.  WEll, best wishes to another migraine sufferer.  Do u also get nausea and light sensitive?

Peace to all!

Suzie

by Jo NYC, Nov 12, 2002 12:00AM
To: Fellow Migraine Sufferers
I've been reading this forum for over 2 years now, mostly just spectating.  Just reading every day has helped me immensely.  October 1st I reached TWO YEARS CLEAN!  Never had one setback since I made up my mind to finally get clean and relaize that I had to accept help and "fess up" my predicament to my family and loved ones.  That's my 2 cents of advise on starting to reclaim your life.  But that's not why I'm compelled to post today.  I am also a fellow migraine sufferer, since I was a small child.  But as I've gotten older (my 30's) they had mutated into much more than just a headache, and lasting at least a week.  Then I would have 5-6 days or relief, and it would start all over again.  I went through the full gamut of traditional therapies:  Fioricet (although it never helped me, and I didn't find myself addicted, just disappointed it didn't work), taking calcium channel blockers (Inderal, Calan) everyday, of course the narcotics which only made the headache worse and last longer, and the Imitrex, Zomig, Maxalt type of medications.  The last group each helped the FIRST time I took them, and then dwindled in effectiveness.  I found myself taking them like crazy hoping it would help, only to be amazed I still had a pulse and they definitely cause rebound heaches which is why I suffered every other week.



Then one day, a caring neighbor of mine cut out an article in the newspaper (and not the Journal of Medicine type, more like the local rag) about migraine sufferes whose lives had been almost reborn by eliminating the medications, and taking Magnesium supplements every day.  I started in the middle of a bad bout.  I take 250 mg per day and it has saved my life, my sanity and my career.  I no longer have that terrible aura and sickness for days and days.  I still get a mild migraine every month (must be a hormonal thing), but I take the magnesium twice that day, and it never gets so bad that I can't work or think or worry it's not going to subside.  It almost seems to run in the background and I don't really classify it as bad becuase of how I used to suffer.  



I was skeptical at first too, but I was so desperate I was ready to drink the urine of a pregnant armadillo if I was sure it would stop the headaches!



And the best part is, you get it right from anywhere that sells vitamins, even Supermarkets, Health Food Stores, KMart and any large pharmacy/drug store.



It may or may not help, but hell, it's worth the try.  Good luck to all.



Jo in NYC

by The Golden Slipper, Nov 12, 2002 12:00AM
To: Jo in NYC
Thanks for the info.  I am at the stage where I will try anything.  I am currently weaning myself off of fioricet.  I am very addicted to it.



I have a headache almost everyday which I am treating with imitrex. Although it is non-addicting I am still very uncomfortable using this drug daily. I'm sure I am having rebound headaches.



I have an appt. coming up on Tuesday with an addictionologist who I am hoping will be able to help me through this.



I will look into your remedy and thanks again.



Golden Slipper