Post Ultram addiction question

[lefty32]

I just recently completed the Subutex (Suboxone) method for a 2yr. addiction to Ultram (Tramadol).  It was successful in getting me out of that nightmare, but since I've been off Ultram and Subutex (about 2 mos. clean), but everyday I have DEBILITATING low energy levels.  I drink coffee like a maniac and have tried more herbal pills and teas than the Dalai Lama, but barely have enough energy to get out of bed.  Has anyone else had this issue?  Even w/ another opiate addiction?  How long will this last?  Another month?  Years?  Anybody have any suggestions on how to shake it?  Will an M.D. have any ideas that won't lead to another problem?  
I've been working (luckily outside sales, so I kind of set my own hours), but I'm freaking out worrying that I'll never be normal again.
Any help is appreciated.

Lastly, if anyone out there's considering it, DON'T go the Ultram route, unless you think you'll like nerve damage, feeling like your head's going to cave in and no sleeping for 5 days while you try to kick it and then sleeping 15 minutes a nite after that.  I took TWO Ambien one nite and ended up watching 3 of the Rocky movies.  Brutal!!!!  My systems all screwed up.

[Suze_C45]

I have been on tramadol since Dec.2004 for pain from severe arthritis all over my body- esp. lower back...

I have insomnia, but never attributed it to ultram- was taking 8 per day- when fibromyalgia really hit me- but now am down to 2-3 per day, with hydrocodone.

Am trying nerve surgeries where I will not need as much pain meds... is my hope anyhow.

I am trying not to take as many hydro as prescribed- do not want an addiction on it... already am loving the less pain on it tho- not take it all away- but better than anything else has...

by the way- ultram/tramadol are non-narcotics, look them up.

[lefty32]

Vicaddict - Ultram and Tramadol are one in the same.  I don't know if it is considered a narcotic or not, but it is SUPER addictive.  Maybe if you take the prescribed 1, 50mg every 12 hours it may not be, but that's a little tough to follow if you have real pain issues.  I went from 1 every 12 hours for knee pain, to needing to take 3 or 4 just to feel normal all in the span of about 2 months.  

Anyway, I try all the green teas, etc. and it's about like taking aspirin for a migraine - just not cutting it.  I'm considering going to a doc to see what he says.  I need to figure it out fast.  I found out depression goes along with low energy.

Cakegirl-
I really hated being addicted.  The only reason I was on Ultram for 2 yrs after I got stuck was because I thought my only hope to kick it was a month long inpatient rehab (the celebrity kind)which I didn't have time for, so I kept on taking it.  Then I saw an ad for a center in Sacramento Ca that used Suboxone and Subutex on an outpatient basis.  So I called, paid my $1,500 and went thru the program.  They put people who aren't too hardcore (like me) on Subutex.  The difference between Subutex an Suboxone is that Suboxone has in it a substance that will put a heavy drug user (heroine, and over the top stuff) into immediate withdrawal if they use while they have Suboxone in their system. That's how they get heavy drug users to not relapse.  But it TOTALLY takes the withdrawal from the problem drug away.  They then wean you off of the Subutex (or Suboxone) it took me about 1 1/2 mos. on Subutex, and once you stop taking that, you have some sleepless nights and cramps, but it's doable.  The only pain in the ass is that when you start the Subutex, you have to be in full withdrawal so they can determine what dosage you need to start with and everyone's different.  So that's a drag, but not too big a deal.  Then there's the low energy issue like I have, but I'd rather have that to deal w/ than being a slave to some chemical.
I'd highly recommend the program if you REALLY want off the ride.

[vicaddict]

I am not the one who should be giving suggestions, because I know I can't take my own advice. So much easier to give someone else advice I guess.

Anyhow, I am curious to know..I thought tramadol and or ultram
( or are they both the same? )  was non-narcotic and non-habit forming? Am I wrong? I have heard of it, but thought it was an alternative to hydro b/c of the non-addiction factor.

Curious because I have been offered it from the Dr and I turned it down b/c I said it didn't work for me. I was lying of course because I want the hydro and nothing else ( sighs )

Also, I know that feeling of not wanting to get up, and like cakegrl said..takes everything in me just to get in the shower. I am just not the same person I was before this hydrocodone. But...have you tried like a green-tea supplement? I have it and I can tell the difference in energy levels taken with a multi vitamin. I take 2 in the morning with my vitamin. It has to have the "ECGC" in it, so I am told. You are suppose to take 1-2 tabs twice a day. I only take the 2 as I have a severe anxiety problem and cannot have all that much caffiene, or caffiene related anything, LOL. So I keep that metabolism stuff to a minimum for fear of my panic attacks.
I get it from my local Walgreens drug store where I get my perscriptions.  
Just a suggestion...let me know.

[lefty32]

Yes, I'm a lefty in a righty world, but oh well.  I was just checking to see if anyone answered me back this AM, but I have to go to work.  I'll answer your question about Subutex (Suboxone) when I get a chance today.  In a nutshell, I couldn't have kicked it without it.
Thanks for answering.

[vicaddict]

Thanks for your response...you are right sleeping alot, and no or low energy is a BIG sign of depression. I suffer from Major depression myself.

I am sorry I did not post the depression thing in my last post..I had it on my mind but forgot to type it!!

I would definately speak to your doc though.

Good Luck!

[cakegirl]

Hi, I am left handed, are you?  I don't have any answers for the exhaustion. Exercise, little by little maybe... I have a question for you, will you tell me about your suxonone experience in detail. I am very close to choosing my doc, just interested to hear from the horses mouth how it was for you. Too bad you doc couldn't try you on Wellburerin SP? I took it for post pardum, and I couldn't get off the couch after my baby, took everything in me to want to shower, or grocery shop. Then I got on Wellburterin and with in 1 week of taking it, I felt like a new person. My husband takes it for adult adhd, 400mg day. See, from what I understand, that anti depressent is in a class of its own. I has a stimiulant type effect, and more people lose weight on it than gain weight. I also helps controll impulsive behaviors, My husband drinks less, and quit smoking on this drug. I took it for about 3 yrs., but had to take 1/2 recommoned dose because I had some ringing in my ears. Also in the beginning many people may experience insomnia. This is short lived maybe a month off and on at worst, from what I have heard. Only bothered me for short time. I think this drug really helped me, but had to go off because my doc thinks I need a more specific drug to treat adhd. now I am on adderall and he won't mix the two. Adderall is speed, and from what I have read here, some people have a hard time getting off it. I could take it or leave it for the most part. I also know kids who only take it during the school week and off on weedends and don't suffer withdrawl druing the weekend. Go figure. Write me back and tell me your thoughts. K