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Tramadol and weight loss

So I when i started Tramadol i was around 150 to 155 lbs a solid size 10 ( i'm 5'4") Since then I have gone down to a size 4-6 and convinced myself I lost a few pounds and that designers were putting smaller numbers on bigger clothes. Well today i bought a scale (4.99 at Ikea, good deal!) so I hopped on it and I have lost over 20lbs. I was never trying to lose weight and this loss has come upon in the last 6 months. I'm not excercising any more then before can the tramadol just do that? Is it from being up all night? Is this a really bad sign or normal?
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Avatar universal
I was on gabapentin for 6 yrs, my experience was horrible, very bad side effects weight gain is one of them, which contibuted to me getting diabetes from being over weight, also contributed to getting fatty liver, this drug did nothing for my chronic pain in my spine, doctors associate chronic pain with ur brain, its a seizure med which has to do with ur nerological, mind altering drug all it does is make you loopyto make you believe its actually helping, when in reality it does nothing for chronic pain and should notbe prescribed to patients for such, docs are getting fat bonuses and vacations for pushing this med onto their patients, google common side effects of this drug and read before taking it, also google  neurontin suicide lawsuits, people have commited suicide while taking it, gabapentine is the off label name for nurontin,  they have even prescribed this to people with anxiety, which why would they give it to people for that considering people have commited suicide while taking it
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Avatar universal
My brother has been on it for about five months for some nerve pain that has the Drs confused.  Hes lost 55 pounds and Im very concerned.  He still feels awful and doesnt sleep well either.  He hates to change because he thinks something else wont work as well.  Hes a mess.
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1 Comments
Hi Ohiogirl6- yeah, tramadol is a bit of a nasty drug. It can really grab a hold of some of us. It's good that you're concerned. 55 pounds seems like a lot of weight to lose in that time frame. Has he talked to his MD about the weight loss and how he is feeling. What is he taking it for, and do you know how much he's taking?
Avatar universal
I take tramadol for my fibro when I get bad bouts. I have severe back pain but none of the other opiates actually helps. I also have psoriatic arthritis, I have had that for years and the Dr. has tried all kinds of medication to ease my pains.  The only thing that has really worked has been tramadol. I have lost some weight but I am diabetic so I have to constantly watch my weight so I welcome any assistance.  I can be on tramadol for several months and then if I feel like I am feeling well I can go for several months without taking anything.  So I don't find it addicting, but I also have never been a smoker, drinker or have done any type of recreational drugs. Don't get me wrong I am not saying that those that find it addicting has done any of those or part of those ; I am just saying all drugs affect everyone differently. So please think about that and discuss your concerns with your doctor.  it can help if you have tried a lot of others and they haven't worked.
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Avatar universal
why did you stop? i'm seriously asking.  I'm just wondering if people are overweight and can't control their appetites and people are experiencing a mood boost, why stop?  Can a person take 50 mg of tramadol a day for yrs and yrs and experience all the good with none of the bad?
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Avatar universal
I also have been on Tramadol 50 mg at 1-2 every 6 hours.  I have lost 15 solid lbs. in less than a month.  I was 259 lbs. and when the nurse took my weight it was 244 lbs.  I have not lost in years!  It also seems to be helping with the pain....no kidding, something that actually works with a plus.  Can you imagine how surprised I was?
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Avatar universal
Hi
I just wanted to thank you so much for your honesty regarding your situation. I am currently only taking 37.5mg of tramadol every other day right now for pain for broken ribs but I'm still worried that is too much for me as I have a history of depression and an addictive personality. Your advice is very helpful because I could quite easily just eat more of the drugs because they help the pain and make me feel better for a while, but I think already, only after 10 days that on the days I don't take them I feel worse! I really hope you manage to come off them eventually and that you can leave it behind you. Thank you once again for your openess and willing to share your difficulties. Good luck with your recovery.
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Avatar universal
You couldn't be more right. The longer you take it, the worse it gets. I have taken it everyday for two years up until a couple of days ago. I even weaned myself off, or at least I thought I was. I have felt anxiety like I have never have before. Hopelessness, despair, I cry all damn day. Everything makes me cry. I cry over my son not being little anymore. I dont eat, and I dont sleep. I have a pounding headache from crying. Panic attacks, heart racing. I am the most positive person you will ever meet and love life. Tramadol is the devil. I actually gained weight on it. Almost three days with nothing. Feeling like this, makes me not even crave it, cause what it has done to me.
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Avatar universal
I have been trams dramadol for close to 10 years due to several health issue that cause sever pain. Over time I have to increase as pain increase. I am up to 200mg x a day. Over the last 6 months I have gained 40 pounds. Have always been thin average thin. No matter what I do I can not loose it. I was told by friend it was due to long term use of tramadol. The weight gain is really bothering me putting me in almost depression, always been weight concise.  Also started aderall for memory around same time. I feel like I have basket ball in stomach. Can someone please help and advice me on this. I have also started some natural supplements for health issues. Fish oil, omegas, niacin, biotin,a and magnesium. Please help desperate. Health wise feel good.
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Avatar universal
Thank you for your balanced comment.  I have inflammatory Osteo Arthritis in all my joints along with Hypermobility Syndrome.  I have been taking Tramadol along with Naproxen & Omeprazole for nearly two years now and every few weeks when I am slow ordering my repeat, I run out for a few days and have only had very mild side effects, I usually take some Co-codamol to tide me over – I take 150 to 250mg of Tramadol a day.  Unfortunately I am finding that the meds are really not helping much for the pain and unlike everyone else on this forum, I have gained an excessive amount of weight even though I am very careful what I eat and watching my calories.  The weight gain was the reason for me coming into this forum, I wanted to find out if many other people have had this problem.  It doesn't help of course that I can't do much exercise due to the pain, apart from gentle swimming a couple of times a week - but I don't think the weight gain should be so excessive!
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Avatar universal
I started taking Tramadol for a strained muscle in my middle back brought on by tubing/boating. I was already watching my calorie intake prior to injury, but since starting the tramadol a month ago, I have lost nearly a pound a week. Due to the back pain, I have not been doing ANY exercise. I have noticed that it does suppress my appetite a bit and I am eating much less at each sitting. While the back pain really *****, I have to admit it has been a nice side effect.
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Avatar universal
I took tramadol for at least ten months every 4-6 hrs!  I lost 15-20 lbs because the thought of food made me nauseous.  I am a foodie and I couldn't even read my cooking magazines!  The only foods that sounded good was citrus fruits and sweets( I was never one to crave sweets before). It is very addictive and you become physically dependent and it is very difficult to get off of. It is miserable. I have been off for about a week and a half and I am still having trouble sleeping, restlessness where u can't be still u feel like u r going to scream!  Oh yeah and I have gained 5 lbs!  I now am eating everything and even though I am cognizant of the problem and reasons I can't seem to control it!  I'm going to gym and doing as much as I can, since I have had two total hip replacements in five months!  It's hard to get motivated don't seem to have the energy now as I did on tramadol!  BEWARE OF THIS DRUG!  Be sure u wean off in a controlled manner and just because u r no longer taking the drug your troubles r not over!  I'm waiting for my body to get back to more of a norm, at least the sweats/ chills have tapered off. Hope I don't gain anymore weight while in reacclimation!  Good luck
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Avatar universal
I took tramadol for a couple of years for neuropathy in my leg. I stopped cold turkey and did not have a single symptom of withdrawal.
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Avatar universal
Hello all,
I've had a herniated neck disk for over a year and can't lie down flat on a bed due to the pain. Only two days ago I started taking tramadol. Just 50 mg a day a few hours before bedtime. Already I have insomnia and lessened appetite in the evening and morning. But since I don't take much, the appetite returns in the afternoon!  But have lost 500 grams (about 1lb I think ) without any effort and I don't need to lose weight.
It also makes me feel better and the pain disappears completely.
All in all very happy so far.
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Avatar universal
Here is my story:  I had 2 knee operations in two years---chronic knee pain--The second surgery was a complete knee replacement.  Have taken Tramadol for about a year and a half.  I have lost 20 pounds.  Beginning to get scared about why---NOT TRYING TO LOSE WEIGHT.  I am so relieved to know others are having this same result.  Tramadol is very effective for pain--hate to stop taking it.  
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Avatar universal
Here is my story:  I had 2 knee operations in two years---chronic knee pain--The second surgery was a complete knee replacement.  Have taken Tramadol for about a year and a half.  I have lost 20 pounds.  Beginning to get scared about why---NOT TRYING TO LOSE WEIGHT.  I am so relieved to know others are having this same result.  Tramadol is very effective for pain--hate to stop taking it.  
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Avatar universal
Here is my story:  I had 2 knee operations in two years---chronic knee pain--The second surgery was a complete knee replacement.  Have taken Tramadol for about a year and a half.  I have lost 20 pounds.  Beginning to get scared about why---NOT TRYING TO LOSE WEIGHT.  I am so relieved to know others are having this same result.  Tramadol is very effective for pain--hate to stop taking it.  
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Avatar universal
Hi im the same I started taking them for back pain , lost my appetite lost weight, carnt sleep,headaches.
As for cleaning I CAN'T STOP I felt manic had to sit and wonder why I felt like this , then I relized its the tramadol I felt spaced out, it was horrid .
I rang my docter and explained I was bounceing of the walls with these tablets after 3 weeks of taking them .
2x 50mg 3 times a day :/
That was along with sertraline 100mg a day antidepressant
Not a good mix, started with withdrawls sneezing chills and feeling hot next minute head pain , just absolutely felt awful , spoke with my docter arranged a reduced plan and I swear I will never take them again.
I realized also I wasn't eating but that only enhanced my strange feelings with the tramadol Stop taking these meds there awful and dangerous ........
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Avatar universal
I started taking tramadol for back pain and hip pains 4 days ago and I've had discoulored urine and haven't slept I've ate twice and if I smell food I get a bad headache and very notious I've also been wanting to do nothing but clean Ive already lost ten pounds I'm very concerned I wieghed 164 and now weigh 154 I take two 50 mg everyday when I wake up and around noon or so if anyone has any sugesstions that'd be great!
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Avatar universal
Hello ive been on ultram 6mos now for fybromyalgia and herinated discs. It does help w the pain. Ive never abused by taking more then the recommended amount. However addictive personalities runs in my fam n i fins my body achy very bad if i go a day w out taking any. Ive also lost 30 pounds. Im at a healthier weight now. But im losimg 1 to 2 pounds a wk. Very fast i feel. Is this a side effect from ppls experience? Shuld i taper off n only take pn horrible pain days? Is it ok to b on Ultram for yrs at a time? Any personal srories or advive wuld b so greatly appeciated! Pls n thank u! Have a blessed day :)
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5495828 tn?1368808050
Using this drug safely should be discussed with your doctor, as with any prescription pain medication there is a potential for addiction....some prescription pain meds are worse than others....when used with caution it is very effective and can be used safely.....don't use more than prescribed! If your pain is not relieved at your current dose then talk to you doctor for a possible increase in dose.....check with your doctor or pharmacist, but IBprophen can also be used with Ultram or the generic "Tramadol" for additional pain relief. Use your common sense!!  Addiction is a powerful thing and will keep you at the mercy of your doctors! Once addicted, your doctor won't be so generous with your pain medication.....just use it wisely!
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Avatar universal
I take 50 mg of tramadol once to twice a day for osteoarthritis.  I weighed 240 when I started and I now weigh 233 within a week. It did gave me bad nausea the first day I took it and I threw up whatever I ate.  The second day I was a little nauseated, but by the third day I didn't experience it anymore.  The biggest reason I am losing is because I am craving foods I usually wouldn't like apples and carrots, and I am able to actually work out since I'm not in so much pain and that feels amazing.  My appetite is definitely still there but not as severe as it usually is.  As for insomnia, tramadol did keep me up the first night I took it but I have slept like a baby every night after.  I guess it is just different for everyone.  Good luck to anyone taking it for pain.  It has definitely improved my quality of life.  I weighed 50 lbs less last year but gained it because I had a leep procedure on my uterus for cervical cancer which messed up my hormones.  Since gaining all of that weight my arthritis has been so painful so I'm very grateful for this.
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4406183 tn?1354089367
I don't see why anyone would abuse tramadol other than to lose weight (because decreased appetite is the only side effect I've experienced, and I take the highest dosage allowed).  I was on the highest dosage allowed of hydrocodone/acetaminophen for several months.  Tramadol works so much better.  Unlike hydrocodone, you won't experience the "la di da di da... everything is so great" feeling.  I think that's why people abuse hydrocodone.  Anyways, I say try it.  I has really worked for me.  To deal with the decrease in appetite, I make myself shakes with protein powder and frozen fruit.  Easy way to get calories in quickly.
Good luck to you!
Helpful - 0
4406183 tn?1354089367
I also take tramadol and have experienced decreased appetite.  I'm 5'4" and 112 lbs and very lean.  I love my clothes, but I would have to get them  altered if I loose anymore weight because I'm already a 00 or XXS.  

The cheapest way for me to get my calories when I'm not hungry is to make a protein/fruit shake.  I buy the Walgreens brand of chocolate protein powder and Walmart mixed frozen fruit.  Add the following to your blender: 1 1/4 cup of water, 3/4 scoop of protein powder, 2 cups of frozen fruit.  You can add sugar or sugar substitute to make it sweeter; then just blend it again.  You can taste the protein powder at first, but after about 3 shakes, you can't taste it anymore.

I hope this helps!
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Avatar universal
hi.  i can relate to ur post.  i am 37 and have been on tramadol for 8 years.  i have taken 8 to 9 (50 mg tablets) a day for the past 8 years.  i want to start to taper off but i have severe depression and anxiety and am afraid what it will do to me mentally to come off of it.  when i first started taking it it was amazing.  i felt so happy, energetic and had no appetite whatsoever.  i went from 150 lbs to 105 pounds and i am 5'6 so i looked really, super thin and my muscles were just eaten away.  anyway, now i still take the same amount but gained all the weight back due to the tolerance i have developed.  plus since my muscle mass was decreased so much it all came back as fat.  so anyway...i just wondered how i should come off of it.  i had 2 major surgeries on my back in 03' and 07' and have chronic degenerative disease so i am in constant pain...but not so much that i need this much medication.  i was gonna try to taper down 1 pill a week but i dont know if that is too fast.  maybe i should do half a pill per week....the longer the taper the less the withdrawals will be.  what do you think?  what has your experience been coming off and how did you do it?  thanks.

Tracy
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