Tramadol or Vicodin or what else is there when you really need something?

[RexLand]

So I've been reading all the addiction and withdrawal stories and they aren't so good sounding.  I have feet pain that is constant unless I'm on something (docs still haven't figured out the cause for a treatment), the pain has been 4 years running.  I used to take some vicodin but didn't have many so never got hooked.  Then I was prescribed Lyrica but that was giving me crazy side effects.  Recently started taking tramadol which got rid of the crazy side effects but now I worry about the addiction/withdrawals for the future.  I deal with a certain amount of pain daily and have limited myself to 2 tramdol for the night and one for the day to keep from doing the high dosage thing (hence the certain amount of pain thing).   So what does a person do when they have real pain and need some type of pain killer to help?

[RexLand]

The reason I posted here is because I don't want to become addicted.  I figure those that have been can give the best advice on avoiding it. I'm taking it for real pain, not pleasure, but I can already tell that I'm becoming dependent on the drug if I delay taking it or reduce my dosage.  Not sure what to do at this point.

[RexLand]

The reason I posted here is because I don't want to become addicted.  I figure those that have been can give the best advice on avoiding it. I'm taking it for real pain, not pleasure, but I can already tell that I'm becoming dependent on the drug if I delay taking it or reduce my dosage.  Not sure what to do at this point.

[Teresa1717]

Hi there! You may want to check out the Pain Management forum since this is the substance abuse forum, but I can tell you that alot of us here have REAL legitimate pain! A lot started taking pain meds for that pain, and then became dependant or addicted. Have you talked to your Dr about all your options for treating the pain? Have you looked into seeing a Pain Management Dr? Have you tried Gabapentin?

Now this is only MY opinion, but Tramadol is an AWFUL drug!! IMO I dont think it should even be prescribed anymore. Most people start Tramadol, for legitimate pain, stay on it for a long time and when they try to stop it, the w/d's are HORRIBLE. Again, this is only my opinion from my experience.

Anyways, Good luck to you. I hope you find something that works!