Tramadol and weight loss

[kawaii33]

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?

[tigerfanmom1027]

I have taken Tramadol on and off for about the last five years for pain from sciatica and herniated disc. I have not seen the loss of appetite or weight loss others above have discussed and I would never take a pain medication for weight loss unless under the care of a doctor who specifically prescribed this for weight loss. There are stronger pain relievers (hydrocodone and other true opiates), but the side effects are just too extreme for me. The worst side effect I have ever had with Tramadol is nauseated - for some it is important to take this on a full stomach.  Finally, I have more restless sleep since taking Tramadol, but I also began going through menopause at about the same time, so I can't attribute my sleep problems to Tramadol.

Other positive side effects I have experienced are elevated mood (although I do not struggle with depression) and relief from restless leg syndrome (a welcome surprise). As far as drowsiness - yes, for me Tramadol usually produces a very relaxed feeling which is short lived. It does NOT help me sleep.

I only take 50mg in the early evening and on the rare occasion that it does not bring needed relief, I have taken another (as long as at least six hours have passed). Again, I have never taken more than 100mg in a 24 hour period and even that is rare - I usually only take 50mg. I do not take it every night, but more like four times a week. I have never had a seizure, have never experienced severe withdrawals (and I have gone for several months without taking it), but I do experience more restless leg and a barely recognizable depressed feeling during the first few days without Tramadol.

I think this is a great medication IF you are taking it under the care of a good doctor and I wouldn't be afraid to try it for pain if your doctor recommends it. From the many comments here, it affects people differently (My husband cannot stand Tramadol. He says it doesn't help with pain, but produces the worst nausea he has ever experienced). If you decide to take it and want to discontinue - this too, should be under your doctor's care.

For the many on here who struggle with depression, but don't want to take Tramadol or antidepressants... talk to your doctor (if he will listen) about St. John's Wort or Holy Basil, both available from your neighborhood health food store.

[Nobiku]

I decided to go back on tramadol.  I posted above that I lost 135 pounds while on tramadol...I went form 297 to 162 in about 18 months.  Of course, I ate properly and exercised - somehow tramadol set my mind right so that bad eating habits disappeared.  I am now back up to 210 pounds having stopped for almost 2 years.  I still try to eat right but gradually the old ways came back.  I started tramadol again last week and I am right back to my healthy lifestyle (healthy with the exception of tramadol).  We'll see if the depression returns, but Iwill get my weight back down to where it should be.  I'm off and running...I'll post more as I know more.

[Fibrofriendtoo]

I have severe fibromyalgia pain as well as cervical dystonia, degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis.  I tried many medications from Lyrica to strong opiates, but the side effects always outweighed the benefits or else they just were not effective.  I never had a problem with addiction and at 5' and 100 lbs., I don't want to lose weight. However, my doctor would like me to try Ultram for my pain because it is not as  strong as some as of the drugs we've tried and she thinks I might be better able to tolerate it.  After reading some of the posts here it concerns me that this medication could be so harmful.  I will probably need to be on it for the rest of my life because of my chronic pain problems. I am 60 years old and never had addiction problems and have been on many opiate pain meds for various reasons over the years, but couldn't wait to get off them because they made so sick.  Do you think I still should stay away from Ultam?  This is kind of a last resort for me.  I've tried just about everything you could possibly think of (including homeopathic and alternative medicine theparpies) and I can't function with this level of pain.  That is why I am considering the Ultram; for pain control and nothing to do with losing weight.  Is it worth it?

[maibmoe]

Well Im not taking the pills for my weight loss, i am taking it for my pain....however unlike everyone else, i have gained weight.  I have put on more pounds and it is deprresing me!!

[EJ1984]

Tramadol should not be used as a weightloss solution. I've been on tramadol for severe headaches related to glandular fever (extended) and a chronic sinus infection as well as migraine headaches. I use tramadol because it is the only pain medication that works.
I was a very healthy young woman. I worked out at least 9 times a week and was working towards competing in an upcoming body sculpting competition. All of my healthy muscle mass has disappeared - and while smaller on the scales than I was before I started taking this drug I am definitely not in better shape.
Weight loss via prescription drugs is not a long-term solution. It may make you feel better in the long run but there really is no substitute to a healthy diet (fat, sugar and carbohydrate (and alcohol) controlled), exercise and water (to flush the system).
Don't rely on quick-fix and reliant addictions - they're not worth it.
E

[virgen6969]

ive been on tramadol for the last 7 yrs..am addicted to it,please stay awy from this drug..its worst than any addiction..you know..today its my first day trying to tamper off the widrawls symptoms..i feel tired,,dizzie..and clumpsy with out energy. i tryied before to quit cold turkey and i couldnt..tramadol mess ur brain,,i have multiple health condtions..its about to be 2 oclock in the after noon and i have taken only 2 tabs of 50mg today..and let me tell you it will make you loose weight..in the first years of my used i wasnt seen to much of loosing weight because i wasnt taking to much..what happend is your body becomes tolerant and the less you take it wont do anything for your pain,,and it gives a sence of power you dont get tired at all and you get lots of energy..next thing you know your hook up on tramadol,,and is a nasty addiction,,it will make you hunt for dr.s and for prescriptions it will make you lie to get more it will make you search the internet to buy them...its a living hell..am a mother of 6 am about to be a grandma..and i want to last to see my grand children..tramadol will kill you like any heroin addiction,,,you can overdose your self by accident with out even knowing your about to do so...i was a very good looking women i was around 177 ponds but well proportion in the right spots...now i feel embaring when every where i go every one tells me how skinny i am..am 57 in tall..and am down 145 lbs...people might think its a good weight..but the thing is its not...because is not that i loose the weight on a healthy way..it has been through addiction...and i look sick..i look old when am only 35 yrs old..please who ever have an addiction with tramadol...and are looking to brake the habit,,please stick to your guns do it before its to late...am a user and an addict of it...and if you dont know me you dont even realize i am..i have a beautifull house nice car etc..but the people that knows me knows there is some thing wrong cuz i look sick..well if theres any questions reply back...and if theres any miss spellings remember am in pain and kicking of the addiction wright now its not easy..wish me luck..