Tramadol

[cgmomma]

Why is Tramadol HCI considered non-addictive and non-narcotic?  I have read so much about it and it says EVERYWHERE that it is "narcotic-like" and that it is an opiod.  It also says that if you have been dependent on any other drugs you should not be given Tramadol.  Shouldn't this drug be considered a controlled substance?  I am asking this because I was addicted to percosets and then the doctor gave me Tramadol for pain.  I stopped taking it and I feel horrible!!!!  I think it was wrong on her part to prescribe this to me.  She said it wasn't addictive and non narcotic.  Thanks in advance for you answers.  

[sososo]

i been on tramadol for over 10 yrs  in the last 2 yrs i have 2 back sx plus a broken neck  my c1 vertabrae was completely severed and shocked med personal that i was still alive

i am wondering about a  class action law suit  do u guys feel that is possible
and how many would join

i am also one that was told i would be on some type of pain med the rest

of my life   on a extremely high dose

tramadol works well but trut

[empathy323]

I have heard the pro's and con's of it as well but want to add another thought.  You are in enough pain to be seeing a pain doctor and the doctor is trying to help you.  It really limits what they can prescribe if you can't take anything habit forming because some of the best drugs for CP management are narcotic or similar.  I don't know what type of pain you suffer from but there is a drug called Diclofenac that I use along with my other medications.  Diclofenac is non-narcotic it is an NSAID.  It takes awhile to build up in your system but when it does I and others have found that it can be very effective especially for any kind of bone/muscle/joint pain because it builds up in synovial fluid.  It may be worth talking to your doctor about it.  I take 75mg’s  AM & PM. You come to the Dr. with pain they want to help and they just may have felt that the tramadol was a good option for you.  I am sure they meant no harm.  Some people have a harder time when they stop taking any medication.  For example I have been on and off meds for 21 years and have never felt bad stopping any of them except for my pain coming back or being worse.  Everyone is different and your body obviously has an especially hard time when you go off medications.  I would talk to your Dr.  I am sure you can come up with a better plan for your body and how you personally handle meds.  I wish you the best and hope you feel better.

[Mollyrae]

Hello. With the things I have heard about Tramadol, I'm very suprised that it is not a controlled substance. From what I understand, the withdrawls can be just as bad as narcotic. They say it isn't habit forming but like you, if you are to stop taking the drug, you end up feeling as bad as if you too narcotics. Go figure. I wish I had additional info for you.
Take care....Mollyrae

[Tuckamore]

Hi Cgmomma,

You are correct. There are countries that Tramadol is considered a scheduled drug but not by the U.S. DEA.   Here's what I was able to find about it: "Tramadol is an atypical opioid which is a centrally acting analgesic, used for treating moderate to severe pain. It is a synthetic agent, and appears to have actions on the μ-opioid receptor as well as the noradrenergic and serotonergic systems."

And..."Some controversy exists regarding the dependence/addiction liability of tramadol. Grünenthal has promoted it as an opioid with a lower risk of opioid dependence than that of traditional opioids, claiming little evidence of such dependence in clinical trials. They offer the theory that since the M1 metabolite is the principal agonist at μ-opioid receptors, the delayed agonist activity reduces dependence liability. The noradrenaline reuptake effects may also play a role in reducing dependence."

And..."Studies into the dependence liability of tramadol show that patients are no more likely to abuse the drug than normal NSAIDs. Despite these claims, it is apparent in community practice that dependence to this agent may occur, but in higher doses and long-term usage. However, this dependence liability is considered relatively low by health authorities."

I was surprised to learn that NSAID are also considered "addictive" in some research, go figure that one. Any pain medication will leave you with some withdrawal symptoms as well as if you have pain it is no longer be treated.

Others will post with additional information, comments and suggestions. I wish this was not happening to you and I am sorry you are feeling so lousy. I would discuss this with my physician.

Best of luck to you . Let us know how you are doing and please take care, Tuck