TRAMADOL

[Maujy]

Hi I have been taking Tramadol capsules 50mg for about 18 months 4 a day for degenerative Spondylolisthesis  (slipped lumber discs). At first they were amazing they not only took the pain away but gave me such a wonderful feeling of well being .However as time wore on I have noticed that though they reduce the pain now only somewhat I find I am feeling terrible as a whole heap of unwanted symptoms have started creeping up on me. It started with widespread joint and muscle pain then added to that depression and anxiety and negativity has crept in and more recently over the past 6 months my eyes have become severely painful and inflamed and I have been diagnosed with a cataract. I always did suffer with Blepharitis on occasions but now I have it 24-7.  And so I have come to the conclusion after doing a bit of internet research that I must I coulsurely be having bad side effects to this drug. I decided to come off of it by only taking 2 50mg capsules a day instead of the 4  I started by taking the 2 early morning and by the afternoon I found I couldn't concentrate and felt terrible like I was in existence but not really here. So I have taken another 50mg making it 3 capsules a day instead of 4 and have started feeling better.   I would really welcome any insight and support as how to correctly wean myself off  all 4 50mg capsules. Many thanks in advance.

[Maujy]

Thanks for reply jenjen most helpful as I'm new to the forum and not so familiar with how it works......So now I'l search in the groups forum.

[jenjen1966]

I don't have any experience with trams myself, but several here have. You can search in the groups section. There is a whole community of tram warriors. Also, in the search, try Emilys post. We aren't allowed to give specific taper instructions, but slow and steady is best. Hang in there! Others will be along with more help and information.

[Maujy]

Hi Thanks for the reply much appreciated. My problem is that the Ortho doctor at the State hospital said they don't give any form of medication for pain relief for my condition as the med will mask the pain and I won't be able to notice any further damage to the spine...I COULDN'T BELIEVE WHAT I WAS HEARING. Needless to say I trotted off to a low cost private doctor who prescribed me Tramadol (I am a state pensioner and have no med insurance).
Over the past few months I have mentioned that I think the Tramadol is causing a whole load of side effects but he said NO not to his knowledge does it cause joint and muscle pain and eye problems and I somehow have a feeling that he will tell me to just stop taking them if I feel that way....look I could be wrong and he may well help me come off them. My question to you is PLEASE tell me how your doctor has helped you withdraw from Tramadol? Also do you or anyone out there know if joint and muscle pain and eye problems are side effects of taking Tramadol? I feel like I'v been placed in a torture rack. And now besides the back ache I now have all these other side effects.  I also would be grateful of any feedback as to what other pain med I could go on to for my slipped discs that does not have these terrible side effects. Unfortunately I can't take anti inflamatories
so it makes things a bit difficult. Many thanks for your feed back.

[zerokewl123]

Hello and welcome Tramadol is a pain in the butt to come off...it acts as 2 drugs instead of one its got a antidepressant factor to it and a pain blocker factor so a verly slow and steady tapper is better but I would consult your doctor and come up with a good taper with him/her...you well be free of this drug it well just take time to come off this...im 30 days free of it and still have problems sometimes.... If you have any more questions you can PM me. have a great day