I think I am addicted.....

[Antwest]

I have been on the following for around 8 months which was prescribed to me by my doctor. 8 codipar a day  (2 tabs - 4  times a day, 500 mg paracetamol and 30 mg codeine) also I a taking 8 tramadol a day 50mg tabs 2 tabs 4 times a day. I had a phone call from another doctor at my practice saying that I should not be taking both co diaper and tramadol together as they are both opiates. How should I best reduce the dose? And is it correct I should not take them both? Many thanks

[Antwest]

Many thanks for your help, I have arthritis in my knee and I had a steroid injection about a month ago and have decided to reduce the painkillers. I reduced the intake by half, I had fast irregular pulse, sweats and leg twitches at night, next day I went back to normal dose, problem resolved. Need to reduce more slowly I guess. I had no idea they would cause me such problems.

[clean_in_ks]

Yes, Tramadol is a centrally acting atypical opioid analgesic.  And as you know Codipar is an opiate as well due to the codeine.  What makes Tramadol "atypical" is the SNRI effects.  Using paracetamol WITH Tramadol can boost the pain benefits ....but the dr that called you must not think it is safe.... or necessary to be on these TWO opioids at the same time.

I would ask the dr who called you to assist you in getting off one or the other. The Tramadol needs to be tapered due to it's SNRI properties and synthetic nature.  

If you have been on these meds for 8 mos, I hope you are considering a time in your future where you can wean off these addictive meds.  The longer we are on them, the harder it is to get off of them.
Hope this helps~    

[Jtb12]

Tramadol is atypical  sythenic opiate.  It's considered a class 4 drug. Like Vicodin, valuims are class 4 drugs. Class 2 drugs are oxycodones, adderals the stronger pills. Class 1 are street drugs.   Tramadol can be very addicting as well

[Jinx_777]

i think i would be more concerned with the amount of tylenol (paracetamol ) you are taking.  you are at the max recommended dose and it is very hard on your liver.  i would be asking for something with less paracetamol  in it

[Jinx_777]

tramadol is not 'officially' an opiate to my knowledge.  i believe it's synthetic qualities mimic an opiate, but not sure.  i don't know your pain issues or why you are taking them, but many people are on long acting pain med and another opiate for break thru pain.  so not sure why it is they are saying you cannot be on 2 opiates at the same time.  never heard that one.