Problems With Tramadol

[Bsta1382]

I am a mid-aged male whom has been taking Tramadol Hydrochloride for about 2 years.  I began taking it to control the paid from back spasms that would occur at least once a week.  It was great, providing be the ability to forget about the pain, and be able to work/sleep/live.  As time went on, I needed to increase the dosage to manage the pain.  I then began to feel awful the day after, with little to no energy  I began taking Tramadol during those periods, to get rid of the pain of not being on pain killers (the irony of this situation does not escape me).  It has now become a mandatory daily ritual in order to even function.  

I have tried to stop cold turkey a few times, but my withdrawal symptoms (depression, vomiting, hot/cold flashes, diarrhea, etc) put me in bed for days until I give in, eventually repeating the cycle all over again.

I also have tried many times to slowly decrease the number of pills (50mg) taken and lengthening the time between dosages.  Without fail, I become seriously lethargic and depressed around the clock.  Eventually I give in, and again the cycle starts all over again.

Most embarrassing is that there is a direct relation between taking higher dosages, and my face breaking out.  In addition to the affect on my face, I am concerned about the damage I may be doing on the inside of my body, as well as the fact that it is impossible to function without taking the pills.

Can someone advise the long term affect of taking Tramadol, as well as how best minimize the withdrawal symptoms (especially the energy level) while quitting Tramadol.  I am unfortunately working overseas and getting good and confidential doctor's advise is not really possible.

Thank You!!

[Gore]

Tramadol has stop working on me after taking it for 4 yrs now, in the last two yrs I was on 4-5 (50 mg) a day. Ok what does it do to your inside (I am not a doctor - but telling from my own experience and from what others had) 1)  I heard it rots your bones 2) your Intestinal track will be messed up, you will end up with chronic loose stool, malabsorption and of course weight lost 3) messes up with your autoimmunitary system, in fact at the beginning you immune system will be really strong, gradually it becomes so strong that autoiimmunitary problems wil start (your body starts to attack or react to normal cells/organs). As long as you stay on 3 or less a day, you are more or less ok. The best is to take a day off it in between.Please feel free to correct me if what I said is not clear. Also will like to mention that there are lots of fake tramadol on the market, so do not be impress if you are taking 30 a day and no effect at all. The authorities should really be concerned with all the fake meds.

[Ssloan]

I have been on tramadol for 4 years. I am taking 1 200 everyday and I am addicted. I was exhibiting all the signs. Lying about how much I was using and lying to myself. I am on day 2. I stopped cold turkey. All the symptoms are there. Aches, pain, sweats, restless legs etc. The problem is I also feel way less stressed at work, sleep better and more patient with my boys. I lost 25 lbs. I just hare it when I'm down to my last 10 and how I start acting and feeling.  That right there tells me I have a issue and why I am going to kick this habit. Wish me luck and good wishes to everyone else in the same situation.

[rockhawk]

Well, I have been using derigiesic patches for the past year, and have found that even though they turn the pain off and I can do more, I am also very much unable to get going in the morning.

For the time being, I am going to just stick with my Ultram. Another thing that may not be pleasant to talk about but is true for the majority of people in pain and low back pain is the poop issue. When my pain level is high, I have to use the restroom many times a day. When I have the right amount of pain control, I notice my bowels are also not out of control.

Now that I am off the Morphine patch, the poop issue is still there, yet Ultram seems to give enough to keep me from going all the time. In the early years of my chronic pain, I had to know where the toilet was in any place I went. What hassle that was!

Today is a good day. Not worried about my meds, pain is in control, and I am more willing to accept limitations that come with nerve damage.

:-)

[mr.lucky66]

No Sandee you are being very informitive. I didn't know that. I was under the impression that addiction and pain mgt. were two different things. I say this because a lot of these pain doc and clinics will through you to the wolves ot methadone if they think you are to dependent or milking it.. I have been on both sides and it's much better to go to a doctors office than a  methadone clinic with Ali Babba and the 40 thieves. Fortunately for me, I don't take or need any narcotics at this time and hope this continues. all the best

[sandee1818]

I am sorry I conveyed the wrong impression here I take heavy duty meds and ultram does not contribute much but anyway I suggested the addiction spec so one could maybe get off ultram at a more COMFORTABLE level. My pain spec is also addiction spec alot of pain mng drs are also addiction spec I diid not mean any disrespect to anyone and I wish you good luck

[mr.lucky66]

Why would someone need an addiction spec. for chronic pain? They don't treat pain they give methadone or suboxone. I glad ultram works for you but it's very hard to stop after long continued use. Longer to get off of than a real narcotic,