Formal studies on Ultram and Addiction

[Lynn B]

I'm a recovering addict (garbage can type) who has been clean and sober in 12-step programs for 5 years now.  I had a very ugly relapse 5 years ago over chronic pain -- had been clean and sober for 7 years before that.  Due to my realpse I participate in a professional diversion program.

I've been taking Ultram for chronic pain (along with Neurontin and wellbutrin) for about 3 years now.  I've done well.  Have never had "that" feeling with any of my meds, and have not had a desire to take them other than as prescribed.

Unfortunately, my diversion program is now insisting I stop Ultram because it is addicting.  Have any formal studies been done?  I honestly don't believe I can stop taking it without relapse -- pain's too bad.  Pain management doc states the only other way to go is to take other "true" opioids -- I KNOW I won't be able to do that for very long without relapse...

Got any ideas?  I'm really stuck here.

[Mike P. to Ken]

I would say - don't take 'em together and you should be okay. Of course, the Ultram is like a wine cooler after having a 5th of Scotch a day habit, but it will help some. God, I couldn't even imagine withdrawing from Oxycontin...Anyway, it'll help you a little - especially if you take 2 or so...But, if you're trying to get off 'em for other reasons and already over the hardest part of coming off - let it be. If the worst of the battle is over, all the Ultram will do is prolong the rest. I'm no doctor but I'm pretty sure these 2 drugs WILL NOT interact in a detrimental way. Of course, it all depends on how much ya take.

Mike

[Mike L to Mike]

MIke,
  THANKS for quick reply wow.I know I need to come off oxy. I'm have bad back problems currently being treated but do not get relief I need from 3- 10mg. I can see where this is headed and would like to stop but withdrawl symptoms are terrible. I'm wondering if ultram would ease the discomfort.Or wll I just be getting int another bad situation. Heard of bruprenex( ? ). But nobody prescribes it.

[Mike P. to Ken]

Yeah, I hear you...But if you are honestly getting it together, a little Ultram might keep you from taking a couple of the other just to "get by". You know? If it's tolerable, it's easier to quit. It just is. I know some people here will take the other side as far as a "helper" drug that's also an opiate...but believe me, they won't make you high if you're taking Oxycontin. You'll still withdraw, just not so hard. Which is better? Which leads to a pull back to the initial drug? It all depends on the individual - do what YOU think is best for you. That's the key, especially if you still have bad pain from your back troubles. Take care

[Brighty]

Thanks Mike... well I guess that means it would not be safe for an addict to take... am I right ? How about someone who is not addicted to anything... can they take it without fear of getting hooked ? Just wondering.... Oh.. is it a scheduled or controlled substance ? I'm not sure exactly what non-narcotic means... would it mean it is not derived from opium ? Hmmm... no, honestly I don't know for sure what it means getting your head in "that place". I mean... don't you have to have the chemical do that or can you just get there some other way ??? If Ultram does that then what's in it that can make a person high? Afterall, I never heard of someone getting high on Motrin. What is this "synthetic" substance?? I hope you don't think I'm either stupid or flip... I really want to know so I don't get bamboozled by the addict in my family !!! You know.. if there's an injury or some reason to take pain meds.... I like to know the scoop!! Love, Brighty

[Mike P. to Ken]

I don't think that people take Ultram to get high per se - some do, but there's probably another drug that it's replacing. Another stronger true opiate or derivative. I think Ultram can be taken responsibly. I really do. In fact I took it for a long time until one day, after doubling the dose - I found I was a little high from it. Later that night, of course I tripled it and was a happy little kid. Was I zonked? No. What I mean by "that place" is - when someone firsts smokes pot or snorts heroin - it is many times NOT a pleasant experience. It takes awhile to learn which way to let or not let your mind and body go. If you let it go one way, you may enjoy the high a lot more. If you let it go another, you may get a headache, feel ill etc. depending on the drug in question. Needless to say, this iniatial experience turns many people off of drugs right off the bat and that's good. But many of us, especially those of us who were put on pain medications by a doctor for a prolonged period of time, get to a place "in their head" where they can really groove on a drug. It's what eventually starts drawing you back. It's the place you try to get to every time you use after that. You never seem to ever really get back there though. Sometimes it's close, other times it's futile. Non-narcotic means that it isn't an opiod or derived from opiates. Vicodin is a semi-synthetic opiate. Codeine is an opiate without chemical manipulation. Hence 5mg of Hydrocodone = the equivelent of 30 mg of Codeine. It's been altered to somewhat decrease unwanted side effects, yet is a stronger pain reliever...blah blah blah...anyway, Ultram was "derived from" opiates. They thought they changed the molecular structure enough to kill pain, yet not give euphoria. Kinda like aspirin or motrin. No those to things won't get you high, but they don't come from the same source as Ultram. Either way, they have left a few molecular keys in there that fit some peoples opiate receiving key holes. I'm one of them and I know there are others. No, it's not Morphine but what is? :) Hopefully I've been thorough and correct in my info...I worked at a pharmacy for three years (no I didn't steal) so a lot of this stuff wore off on me. Take care and ask away if someone (I believe it was your daughter) does something to make you wonder...we'll let you know. I wouldn't bite someone's head off for taking Ultram though...It's really mild...some people think it's a joke altogether. Take care - Mike

[barbara to pain and lortab]

I can see where you are coming from. All I can suggest for possible case studies or other info is to search, Ultram or Tramadol, and you may find the answers you need to back up your arguement to keep your license. Even if you have to go through many pages. Sometimes the best info is not found on the initial 10 choices provided.