Vicodin VS Tramadal

[cyndle56]

I have degenerative disc disease and have been taking 3 10 ml vicodin with acetaminophen for 5 years with very little side effects.  Because the back pain is now getting severe, my doctor wants my to switch to Tramadal.  Is Tramadal a stronger pain reliever and what side effects does it have?

[designgyrl]

I also have degenerative disc disease.

[designgyrl]

I've taken both Vicodin and Tramadol, it depends on your level of pain.  Tramadol was working pretty well for me until I ended up having a reaction to it and had to stop. I was getting dilated eyes from the medication and the doctor had to put me back on vicodin.  So, it's definitely worth a try, I wouldn't automatically not try it, some people do very well with it.  

[jamlws]

Sorry tuck my father inlaws doctor told him that it was mainly for nerve pain. It did help him at first but now he can't even move. So he really needs something stronger.
Tramadol may work, all you can do is try it and see what happens and it if don't make sure you let your doctor know.
Jamie

[Tuckamore]

Hi Cyndle,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. Worsening back pain must make your days and nights very uncomfortable. My heart goes out to you. I am very sorry to hear that it your pain is worsening.

I respectfully disagree that Tramadol cannot be an effective pain medication. Granted not for ever one but for some ppl it can be and is very effective. I don't think that your physician is necessarily trying to move you "down the scale."

In my opinion I have one of the best physicians in the world. She prescribed Tramadol for me when she was looking for something besides the Hydrocodone (Vicodin) to control my chronic pain.

A former colleague of mine swears that Tramadol is more effective for her than Hydrocodone. She actually went from Hydrocodone to Tramadol. Why is it effective for her? Because we are all different and different medications work differently on each of us. Actually your physician may be making a smart move. In my opinion it's worth a try.

Tramadol is prescribed for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe chronic pain in adults.  It works very similarly to morphine.  It IS an opioid medication. Tramadol  also has addictive qualities. It is NOT prescribed primarily for nerve pain. It is prescribed for all types of pain. In my opinion, and the opinion of medical professionals it will soon be a scheduled narcotic.  KY has already placed it on it's list of "controlled substances."  There may be more states that has followed KYs lead.  

So I would not be so quick to write off it's effectiveness or to judge your physician. As I said it was prescribed for me. When it became clear that it was not as effective in my case as Hydrocodone my PCP made medication changes that did decrease my level of pain. It was worth a try and I encourage you to give it a chance also. I have found that the more compliant and willing we are to take our physicians suggestions the more apt they are to help us. My PCP works very hard with me, not for me or against me, but with me to effectively manage my pain. She makes positive comments regarding the fact that I am always willing to follow her recommendations and directions. First and foremost they are human too and appreciate our respect (when earned) and compliance.  

Please let us know how effective Tramadol is for you. I will watch for your updates with interest. I am so sorry that your back pain is increasing. We understand chronic pain and the many challenges that it brings to our daily lives. I hope you will consider "staying" with us and being active in our community.

DDD is a chronic painful condition that usually can be managed, at least to some degree with the right combination of medications and treatments. I hope that you and your physician will find that right combination. Chronic pain patients require a good, flexible physician that is concerned and willing to listen. I sincerely hope that your physician is just that. I'll look forward to hear from you soon.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[RunningMom]

Wow, unbelievable.  You need to find yourself a new doctor today!  Perhaps its time to look for a good pain management clinic.  One who will treat your long term chronic pain.  The side effects of tramadol will be different with everyone.  For me, with just one dose, made my entire body tremor for hours.  I will never touch it again. Good luck.

[jamlws]

Vicodin is stronger then Tramadol. I think if you get put on tramadol you will be in alot more pain. My father inlaw takes it and it does nothing for him. I took it and it did nothing for me. Vicodin on the other hand did help my pain alittle. I would try to talk him into not doing it, ask him what is the main reason for changing your meds. I hate to say it but if you get them changed like that you will be in alot more pain. This is just my option. Tramadol did nothing for me. I know it is more for nerve pain, that is why my father inlaw is taking it.
Best of luck to you
Jamie

[fedup710]

I have to agree with the above.  As far as i know tram is more for inflamation than pain relief.  You should question his reasoning if you have always taken them as prescribed.

[lcbookgirl]

I have to agree with nxrble.  Tramadol's are what my doctors offered to me when they were trying to get me off Vicodin. I've used them in the past a couple of times as an aid in getting off vicodin but as far as pain relief they are definately a step or a few steps actually back.  I would certainly question my doctor on this because it seems to me he/she is more interested in getting you off narcotic pain medicine than in helping you.  Good luck.

[nxrble]

Find a new doctor.
If you've been on 10mg Vicodin for 5 years, and your back pain is getting worse, for your doctor to switch you to Tramadol is a bit of a slap in the face. On the ladder of narcotic pain relievers, Tramadol isn't even on the first rung-it's a non-narcotic that "mimics" opioid effects. On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being pure morphine and 1 being Darvocet, Tramadol isn't even a 0, it's a -1.
If you were responsible for three years, and your doctor wants to move you down the scale of effective pain relief, as I said, find a new doctor.