Ultram versus Vicodin

[William]

Has anyone had any experience with Ultram for lower back pain?
I've been trying to find information on Ultram.  
Does anyone know anything about the drup Ultram?
I am suffering from servere lower back pain caused by multiple colasped and bulging disks.
I have had four epedural injections in the past year still without relief.
I've been taking 30 Vicodin HPs a week for a year now, but I am still suffering and I am finding it difficult to concentrate after taking Vicodin. I want to stop taking Vicodin before I become more dependant on it than I already am.
My Dr. has suggested switching to Ultram in the past.
Some pharmacist say that Ultram is addictive while others say it is not.
Before I switch to another medication I would like to know what I am getting myself into.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
William

[mr.lucky66]

Vicodin is Stronger than ultram and soon Ultram will be a controlled drug as it is in other countries. The worst thing about it is the mood elevation or antidepressant effect it has. It makes it really hard to stop and it's not a very good painkiller.It is also thought to be hard on the liver.

[AntB19]

I now take 4 ultrams and 4 robaxin daily yet my pain is still very severe with no help from either, pain still severly occurs. But i have found that vicodin affects me a little bit stronger than either of the ones i am perscribed to now. Yet vicodin isnt very strong, just my opinion on things!

[OldManOBIE]

Not all people have the same reaction to ULTRAM. Some people do not get addicted, some do. Some people do not get pain relieved by the drug, some do. I personally became addicted to ULTRAM. I started out taking 2 a day. When I decide to quit, after about a year, I was taking 8 a day. I was waking up in the middle of the night just to take some. The withdrawal period was very, very hard.

Before I tried ULTRAM I was taking VICODIN. I never became addicted to VICODIN. I was taking it for 2 years when my doctor became concerned and had me stop. I was able to stop with little or no problem. I waited a month before starting ULTRAM. (just taking Aleve or asprin).

Some doctors (mine) are scared to prescribe strong pain killers because of the scrutiny they undergo. So I have started taking ULTRAM again. I take 1 tablet a day, but only on Friday - Sunday (when I am the most physical). I go through a mini-withdrawal every Monday, but it is not bad.

[mr.lucky66]

The MD on this post earlier said it was definetly addicting. Many others said it too. Some few who take it don't think it's addicting but the overwhelming concensious is that it is, and I know it is. Besides it affects brain chemistry  and isn't very good for pain. It should be a no brainer not to take it even though some idiot docs give it out like candy.

[jae242]

Well, I thought Id add my two sense here. I live in South East Asia where Tramadol (Ultram) is available over the counter. Im young, like to party every once in awhile, and have used it actually as a bit of an 'upper' - Id take just one when  Id go outv for the evening (as others probably know, Ultram keeps you up and perky compared to other pain killers). It produces a great high mixed with alcohol plus good music and people, etc,etc. Although, I soon came to the point to where I dont feel as 'social' or enjoy myself as much without it. This is the scary part. Im trying to ween myself off it on the weekends when I go out, when Id usually take it at parties, etc. Just to warn people (if you were somewhat curious about its addictive qualities like me, did a search, and found this site), this stuff (Ultram/Tramadol) can become addictive, believe me.

Also, a question for someone who might know: is stomach acid/indigestion a common side effect of Ultram?

[miki589]

This is a very old post...Go to post question , then ask and that will help alot more
http://shurl.net/75f