Alcoholic and pain medication

[Grandmama01]

After 30 years of drinking I haven't had a drink since 5/5/15. I am in severe pain. I was recently diagnosed with severe carpal tunnel and pinched nerves in my elbow and neck. The neurologist has prescribed Tramadol for the pain. By relieving the pain in this manner am I facing replacing one drug for another? I have never in my life misused any prescribed drug and have never taken any illegal substance. I feel secure in my sobriety however I've read you can become addicted to Tramadol even when you take it as prescribed. The doctor is aware that I've had a problem with alcohol in the past. Opinions please. Thank you

[Ruthy55]

I took Tramadol as prescribed and became dependant very quickly which led to horrid discontinuation. It is ONE BAD DRUG! It has an anti-depressant in it which mixed with the opiad that is in it will hook you quickly. Don't go there, I am still suffering from its withdrawal affects after 8 months. It needs to be taken off the market. My PCP tapered me off but I suffered bad. She now agrees it is a dangerous medication.

[ibizan]

Welcome to the forum!YES!Tramadol is very habit forming as others have posted here!Let us know what you find to deal w/the discomfort you have.And good job in keeping the sobriety!

[Grandmama01]

Thank you. 7 months 30 days today. I'm so proud of myself. To let you know I am giving my prescription to my daughter once picked up. I will only ask for 1 dose at bedtime and she will take the rest to work with her. I haven't decided what to do during the day yet. I have tried everything under the sun other than prescription pain meds. I guess I'll keep taking Advil wearing splints and topical rubs.

[Pickles4Me]

Hi Grandmama01.  Make no mistake about it: Tramadol IS addicting.  It may not have the same properties that Oxy and Vicadin have, but it's addicting nonetheless and prone to misuse.

I also have severe carpel tunnel.  I'm scheduled for surgery on both wrists on 1/21.  In the meantime, my dr. has prescribed gabapentin for me.  It's used as both an epileptic anti-seizure medication and nerve pain.  I found that it really does help the pain and it's not a narcotic.  (If you look up gabapentin, ignore the comments about it taking 3 weeks to a month to work.  It worked immediately for me.)

I wish you well.  There is no pain like nerve pain!

[Grandmama01]

Thanks for your response. I currently take 300mg gabapentin 3x's per day for neuropathy in my hands and feet. I am seeing the surgeon next week to schedule surgery on both hands. I have tried several other pain relief methods to no avail. With that said please know that my pain relief is not worth loosing my sobriety. Thank you

[Steve1906]

Congratulations on no alcohol for six months, good for you!!!!
Tramadol is very, very addicting, I would find other alternatives such as acupuncture. I've had carpal tunnel in both hands since 1977, also have neck and back problems. I almost got adictive to pain killers many years ago so I'll never go that route again.
Do some research...PLEASE read this site below>

http://www.drugs.com/answers/tramadol-addiction-484395.html

Good luck...

[Grandmama01]

I will definately go right to that web site. I currently take Gabepentin for nerve pain 300mg 3x's per day. I have tried several other pain relief methods and non-narcotic meds. Please know that pain relief is not worth loosing my sobriety. Thank you