meds and depression?

[Elbo34]

I became addicted to Ultram for about 4 months, realized it and got off it one month & one week ago.  The first week was very difficult but got through it.  My dr. prescribed Lexapro for help, but after the first week I didn't think I needed it.  Now I think I do!  I have migraines so right now I take:  Imitrex (as needed) Topamax 50mg per day (Topamax helps but doesn't completely get rid of the migraines and I cannot take a higher dose due to side effects of this medication).  I am about to start taking a birth control pill to see if that will help with my headaches as they are definitely menstrual migraines.  ***I feel moody, paranoid, slightly depressed (anxiety only lasted the first week off the Ultram) and I did not feel this way before I started the Ultram- it is affecting my relationship and well being and I feel I need help.  Could I have affects from this drug this far out after stopping it?  Would Lexapro help and would it be safe with the other drugs I am taking?  

[el_dave]

I find it's a lot easier to just taper off using tramadol. If, for instance, you've been doing 800 mg of tramz a day, then for a week you do 750 mg a day, next week 700 mg (darn pigeon keeps wanting to dance on the keyboard, I guess he has something important to say) then next week down to 650.. anyway, I find that with a taper like that I've no withdrawal symptoms at all. I've got to say, though, that in my experience once you get past that first week cold turkey, you should be over the hump and things shouldn't be so bad. I'm sure the apap in the Ultrams (which is the difference between those and straight tramz) can't be the issue, so the only other thing could be that other stuff you're using to "help with withdrawal symptoms". From multiple personal experiences, I do advise you to just "wean yourself" off tramz (or ultam) with tramz. None of my usual "I know nothing" disclaimers for this one, this one I do know something about. Drugs and insane pigeons are my specialties.

[scarletbegonias]

have you ever received help for your actual addiction?  i am a recovering addict also and i know from experience that things do not get better by just "stopping" and then trying to re-medicate w/ other non-addictive drugs.  as addicts we think there is a pill to "fix" everything but really we need help dealing w/ our core issues....