more on Tramadol

[Viva001]

I was having insomnia like crazy, & a Chiari patient suggested that it was the Tramadol.  Sure enough.  Now I take it first thing in the a.m., before I need it, & Im sleeping better (but not great).

I was telling my veterinarian about it today, & he said that he was glad that I told him.  He said said it's commonly prescribed for pets, but he questioned the side effects; in his experience he wondered if it was too agitating for them-- they paced & panted, & then he questioned whether it even relieved pain.

[auntij2746]

Thanks for the suggestion about the antihistamine Selma. Insomnia has been more of an issue for me this time around :-( I dread going to bed so much that I know I stay up way too late just putting it off. Then it's the tossing/turning all through the night. about once a week, I'll take an Ambien just to get a nights sleep if I need to be up in the am for some reason.  sometimes, taking magnesium helps if you can find just the right dose. I I never had this problem before chiari. I I was always one who would be asleep as soon as I was in bed and sometimes before that. I I now have a new understanding for everyone who can't sleep that I never had before, so that is a good thing.  in fact, I would have to say that a blessing of chiari for me is a deeper understanding of all those who suffer for any reason.

[selmaS]

  The issue is ALL meds can react different on each person differently.....there is no way to know how we will respond....I was given a med yrs ago to help me relax and it was if I was taken something to give me energy....I was running around like a chicken with it 's head cut off....I could not sleep....so, it is something that not all Pharmacists may see, but I feel should expect the possibility.

[Viva001]

The pharmacist said he never heard of it causing insomnia.  We lucky Chiarians.

[Rosieboardman]

I hated tramadol when I was on it :/ it made me super tired it in the day and then I couldn't sleep at all at night, I was always throwing p ect. Horrible drug.

[selmaS]

  I have just a general store brand....nothing special and it works great.

[Viva001]

Which antihistamine?

[selmaS]

  Right now, I am only on TOPAMAX, but when I have this pain as I did when I went to the ER I have Valium and Dilaudid....and was told to take the antihistamines along with it...I saw that it helped me sleep and helped my PND and GERD issues so I continue to take them.

[Viva001]

What kind do you take?

[selmaS]

  Not sure if I shared with u when I went to the ER this summer I was told to take an antihistamine along with pain meds, and found that I sleep better in taking them...non drowsy for the day and the reg drowsy formula b4 bed....it is  working for me and not only do I sleep better, it helps my PND so my GERD is better too : )