Need advice on Tramadol

[bladerunnerb]

Hey, all.  I'm coming off oxycontin and hydro.  Done with Oxy a week ago...just tapering down to hydro at 4 - 5mg per day, then 3 per day the next week, 2 the next week, 1 the next week and then done.  I'm also using .1mg clonidine, which has REALLY helped...I tried cold turkey before (twice) and never made it this far.  

However, the Dr. prescribed me 50mg tramadol to use (like 10 refills of 60 pills).  He said it is pretty strong, but less than codeine and not a narcotic.  He would like me on this for my back injury.  I took two 50mg today and couldn't tell a thing...but I have a feeling it is because I'm used to the hydro and oxy.  Is it a lesser evil, or should I be worried?

I am worried about the Tramadol...it's not a narcotic, but it looks like some people have gotten addicted to it.  Anyone had experience with it?  I've sent a message to AVISG because I think that was her poison.  I find it hard to believe the doctor would be helping me taper and quit the hydro and oxy, but then get me hooked on something else.  I'm pretty much physically dependent, and somewhat tolerant to the hydro, but am really working to quit the opioids because I found myself liking the buzz even when the pain was minimal.  Any advice would be appreciated.

[avisg]

I sent this to you in your PM as well.

It is as addictive and going off it makes hydro seem like a picnic .Run fast and far away from tramadol.Its a synthetic opiate . If you have an addiction to opiates then they should not have prescribed it for you .Doctors seem to continue to do it even though they have known its addicting for years.

[bladerunnerb]

Thank you so much for the input!  Malenurse, were you ever hooked on hydrocodone or oxycontin?  I just wonder how bad the tramadol is compared to them.  They killed me cold turkey...couldn't do it myself.  My doctor seems really on top of things and really easy to talk with...I'm surprised he would put me on something like that when he knows that I don't want to be on the opioids and are tapering me off the hydro because of the physical symptoms.  I mean, I do have back pain, but I would hate to go through all of this taper just to be hooked on something else.  I have GERD, too...so I can't take NSAIDS (such as ibuprofen or other meds), so I'm wondering if he's thinking this may be the best solution given all the stuff.

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

The Doc's don't know their a** from a hole in the fround sometimes. The trams can be big trouble - and you know? - they never worked for me either - Avisg will take care of you with information on the trams and I bet you (and your Doc) are surprised. They are not as innocent as most Doc's wouldlike to think....you are wise to be on your guard

[malenurse57]

Hi,
I am addicted to tramadol, today is 21 days clean. The tramadol binds with the opiate receptors just like an opiate. It also has an antidepressant effect andf is VERY dangerous and addictive, If @ all possible I would try to stick to ibuprofen or advil for pain and see how that works because as you come off of pain killers your body will tell you that the pain is greater than it really is. Just another way your body gets you to feed the addict in you.
Good luck and God bless.