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402205 tn?1230481005

Ultram HELP

I don't post a lot anymore and rarely ask questions but I am confused and need help. I had xrays taken of my lower back and they showed advanced arthritis, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease and spina bifida occulta s1. My dr wants me to rest for 4 weeks and wants me to aly of the ibuprofen, she would give me something else. I stupidly assumed it would be Naprosyn or something. She gave me Ultram. And Flereril. I didn't realize until after I got to the pharmacy as she faxes them over. First the pharmacist says I can't take the two drugs together as that would put me at high risk for seizures, and I was confused becasue I didn't realize what she had given me.

My question is should I even take the Ultram at all. I know so many have problems getting off of it but what are my choices, destroy my stomach with the ibuprofen or take the Ultram. I wouldn't be asking if the pain wasn't bad. She gave me 50 mg to take 4x per day for 2 months. i don't want to take it for that long.
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Avatar universal
sent you those links, hope you are feeling better!!!
xoxo
sah
Helpful - 0
495284 tn?1333894042
COMMUNITY LEADER
mimi do i have to come over there and make you rest???  Be a good girl now and go and lay down.  I can still see you sitting there!!!!!!  LOL    Glad you got some good info on this.  Feel better my friend          hugs to you       sara
Helpful - 0
371980 tn?1276740809
No i have not! Oh Oh...i better knock on wood! LOL!! The only side effect i have ever goten from it was when i was first put on it it did make me dowsy but that did go away rather fast.
Hope that helped!

Jen
Helpful - 0
402205 tn?1230481005
Jen,

Thanks so much!

Have you had weight gain?

Melissa
Helpful - 0
371980 tn?1276740809
Mimi,
So sorry to see you in pain. I know how you are feeling though. I know there are mixed reviews on Lyrica but it has helped me a great deal. Dont get me wrong i still have days when i am in pain, escpecilly with the weather changing, but i know i am better, pain wise, since i have been on it. Just a thought.
Take care of yourself and i hope you feel better soon!
Jen
Helpful - 0
402205 tn?1230481005
Thank you all for you're info. This place has been a lifesaver for me more than once in the past 8 months. , I've been on here for a long time and know the struggles a lot of you have had with Ultram. My doc was vicodin(227 days clean!) and vicodin sounds like a walk in the park compared to Ultram.

Avis, that was SUCH helpful info, thank you. I haven't taken it yet, I'm still taking ibuprofen against my dr's orders but I really think it may be the lesser of 2 evils for now. If I would be a good patient and actually rest it may not be so bad but I can't seem to do that.

I just want to know why my doctor didn't know about all of this, didn't tell me anything, thank God for the pharmacist.

If anyone has any other alterantives I'm open to them I've tried moist heat, ice hurts, I stretch a little to get out the stiffness but I was told not to even do brisk walking. I'm just lost right now...

Melissa
Helpful - 0
199177 tn?1490498534
hey girl I just posted this yeterday and put it int he health pages we have had alot of people asking questions about it latley..
I have seen alot of info latley on tramadol some every incorrect .So I thought I would put some infromation together so everyone will have a better understanding of it .

It is addicting
You do have ephoria
It should NOT be used by ANYONE with addiction issues.

What is the most important information I should know about tramadol?
Physical Dependence and Abuse

ULTRAM may induce psychic and physical dependence of the morphine-type (μ-opioid) (see DRUG
ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE). ULTRAM should not be used in opioid-dependent patients. ULTRAM
has been shown to reinitiate physical dependence in some patients that have been previously dependent on
other opioids. Dependence and abuse, including drug-seeking behavior and taking illicit actions to obtain
the drug, are not limited to those patients with prior history of opioid dependence

You should not take tramadol if you have ever been addicted to drugs or alcohol.
Seizures (convulsions) have occurred in some people taking tramadol. You may be more likely to have a seizure while taking tramadol if you have a history of seizures or head injury, a metabolic disorder, or if you are taking certain medicines such as antidepressants, muscle relaxers, or medicine for nausea and vomiting.

Take tramadol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Do not take more than 300 milligrams of tramadol in one day.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. A tramadol overdose can be fatal. Overdose symptoms of a tramadol overdose may include drowsiness, shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, extreme weakness, cold or clammy skin, feeling light-headed, fainting, or coma. Tramadol may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Tramadol should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. Tramadol can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Do not stop using tramadol suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, tremors, chills, hallucinations, trouble sleeping, or breathing problems. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication. Do not crush the tramadol tablet. This medicine is for oral (by mouth) use only. Powder from a crushed tablet should not be inhaled or diluted with liquid and injected into the body. Using this medicine by inhalation or injection can cause life-threatening side effects, overdose, or death.

What is tramadol?

Tramadol is a narcotic-like pain reliever.

Tramadol is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Tramadol extended-release is used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain when treatment is needed around the clock.

Tramadol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.


What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tramadol?

You should not take tramadol if you have ever been addicted to drugs or alcohol, if you are currently intoxicated (drunk), or if you have recently used any of the following drugs:
alcohol;

narcotic pain medicine;

sedatives or tranquilizers (such as Valium);

medicine for depression or anxiety;

medicine for mental illness (such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia); or

street drugs.

Seizures have occurred in some people taking tramadol. Your risk of a seizure may be higher if you have any of these conditions:

a history of drug or alcohol addiction;

a history of epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

a history of head injury;

a metabolic disorder; or

if you are also taking an antidepressant, muscle relaxer, or medicine for nausea and vomiting.

Talk with your doctor about your individual risk of having a seizure while taking tramadol.

Before taking tramadol, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

kidney disease;

liver disease;

a stomach disorder; or

a history of depression, mental illness, or suicide attempt.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take tramadol.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tramadol may also cause serious or fatal side effects in a newborn if the mother uses the medication during pregnancy or labor. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Tramadol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Tramadol should not be given to a child younger than 18 years of age.
Tramadol may be habit-forming. Tell your doctor if you feel the medicine is not working as well in relieving your pain. Do not change your dose without talking to your doctor. Do not stop using tramadol suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, tremors, chills, hallucinations, trouble sleeping, or breathing problems. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication. Store tramadol at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Tramadol is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription
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554880 tn?1222458740
I would try the flexiril first, You have legit pain and obviously need something but be very careful with Ultram, Being on it for a little while taken as stated shouldnt be that bad but it can be very bad, I am getting off of it because i do not want to take it anymore after 4 years and I am tapering over the next few months with my docs help.You have to get some relief somehow though .
Helpful - 0
352798 tn?1399298154
Good to see you around! Ultram carries with it, it's own set of problems. I know you are in pain but trams may be opening up a can of worms for you. Flexiril is a muscle relaxer and may help you immensely. I have used it as needed for a long time. I recently switched to Zanaflex and I feel less groggy when I take it, especially the day after.
   I haven't seen avis around this morning, but I am sure she will have some great input for you too.
Helpful - 0
429432 tn?1343594190
I can't take ibuprofen or naproxen, they both KILL my stomach. My hubby took Ultram for awhile, but it didn't work real well for him, doesn't mean it won't work for YOU. He has an addictive personality , but had no problem going off it. Hope someone can give you a better answer...GL...cat
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
sounds like you have some legitament pain going on here
please read In Times Of Illness, its an NA book, very short
i too suffer from chronic pain and liver disease, i feel into the ultram trap in recovery, took it after a bout with gastro pain, they gave it to me when i left the hospital
i took one pill in the morning and a half of one at night
it was extrememly hard to stop taking, and the ultram caused me to have unexplainable pain that was not there before
i am one of those people who are all for complete abstinance from all drugs
but i also know that people who stay clean for long periods of time, may have to face, injury, illness, surgery, mental illness, and may need medication

here are my suggestions to you

tell your sponsor what you are taking
be accountable to someone
keep a daily journal of your feelings on the pills
ultram in know for making people insane, it has an anti-depressant quality to it
some people do not do well with this drug
read pages 98 and 99 in the basic text
make sure you really need pain meds before you take them

the conditions you are living with are there for life, i also have to deal with my illness for life, what i did was worked the steps on chronic pain
i had to have faith that if the dteps could help me with drug addiction, they could help in other areas of my life

i can send you a work book, that explains the steps on chronic pain

i am off to a footbal game, send me a meessage if you are interested in the steps
Helpful - 0
495284 tn?1333894042
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi mimi.  I am sorry you are having so many problems right now.  Hopefully Avis will be on and can let you know about the Ultram.  I do know they are very addicting.  Guess im not much help am i!!!!!  Rest your little body and get better.   hugs to you     sara
Helpful - 0
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495284 tn?1333894042
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