ain't love grand? now about addiction...

[groovygirl]

I had to say something about the ongoing soap opera/love story that is unfolding here on the addiction forum.  Although it is nice, sweet etc etc etc, it IS another thing to sift through to get to the answers most of us are looking for.  I personally wouldn't want my love life discussed on an addiction forum, but I guess it's different strokes for different folks.

I have a question about addiction...What is in Ultram that makes it so addicting?  It isn't a narcotic...right?

[Sundown]

Welcome if this is your first time here. I agree with you that ultram can be prescribed as an effective analgesic when indicated. However, I repectfully disagree with you that it is a non-narcotic. If it looks like an opiate, acts like an opiate, and is capable of creating physical dependence like an opiate, it's an opiate. I think it was pretty slick that it's manufacturer got FDA approval for labelling it as a "non-narcotic", using the guise of "it's mechanism of action is not fully understod". Except for the part where they glossed over the "it appears to weakly bind to subsets (including mu receptors) of opiate receptors". If I were on the advisory panel on this one, I would not have supported approval with that labeling. Many have used it safely and effectively, just as many have used more classic opiates safely and effectively, but if you read the expereinces of some people here, there are those who have become addicted and suffered from a withdrawl syndrome virtually identical to that seen with opiate withdrawl. Prescription drug addicts need to exercise the utmost care and vigilance in using any mood altering drug. If they can take it as prescribed for legitimate medical indications, they deserve whatever medication their physician believes most appropriate. But only the addict will ever honestly know whether they are having an issue with a substance or not. And ultram has caused difficulties for addicts in this forum.

Anyway, once again welcome. You have found a place filled with caring, loving people seeking support form each other.

Sundown

[gem1angel]

Hippee, i just wanted to say sorry about your nephew, it must be difficult on your sister, yourself and family.

My thoughts are with you!

Hope your all doing ok!

[Tomasello_MD]

Ultram, (tramadol) is not a narcotic however it does carry the potential for addiction in some users. I have prescribed it in the past "carefully" in those who have had problems with addiction to opiods or other narcotic medications. The usual dose is 50 mg 4 times daily. There is a newer medication known as "Ultracet" which is 37.5 mg of tramadol combined with acetaminophen. This, I have found to be very effective in some individuals and it does have a lower incidence of addiction than plain ultram.

[taeme]

Go for it we're listening. Sorry I go back and forth from this to homework. But I'll be here for a little while and I'll try and respond.  Or maybe someone else will be up.  I usually give up about now as far as having anyone respond.  But I'm here now.

[2old2fast]

Thanks for reply.I really need to vent my misery

[taeme]

This isn't exactly a chat, but its a forum that you can post questions about addiction and recovery or give advice.  Most of your questions are answered fairly quickly by someone who participates in this forum but at night when people go to sleep it slows down.  Welcome to the forum were glad to have you I've only been here about 1week and a half but it feels like home.