I use tramadol for my pain when I need to. I find it especially helpful because I don't want to take any other narcotics. I have extreme fatigue and most medications make me sleep..(ie: one vicodin and I am asleep for 24 hours.) Tramadol takes the edge off the pain without being sedating.
I don't think any med could give me energy!
Hope it helps,
K
Hello and Welcome!
I have tried Tramadol (the name for Ultram's generic without acetaminophen), and I have found it to be ineffective for treating my pain, personally. However, there are a lot of people out there who find immense relief with the medication though. I had trouble with the side effects like headaches, nervousness, trouble sleeping at night and then extreme sleepiness during the day (most likely because I couldn't sleep at night).
The drug was created by German scientists the 1970's. I believe they were trying to come up with a non-addictive narcotic like pain reliever that would be as effective in it's pain relief properties, but have less of the addictive properties. The drug does touch a little bit of opiod receptors in your brain, but not enough to make doctors concerned about addiction or prescribing- at least in the US and in most countries the medication is not considered a controlled substance.
The medication is also thought to have an anti-depressant effect on the brain as well, which can be helpful in treating chronic pain and the depression that comes from being in chronic pain.
Like I mentioned before, many people I've talked to have had immense relief from this medication. Just be sure to take it as directed, don't take more than you need and keep open communications with your doctor and I think you'll be fine. If it doesn't work for you, there are so many other options out there these days. Good luck to you!
-Dusty
Hi!
I just started Ultram about a week ago for fibro pain. I have only had to take one per day and I try not to take them every day, just when my muscles really get acheing late at night. I could agree that it does seem to give me energy initially probably just because the pain is being blocked from my brain and it doesn't hurt to move!!! I can't say it makes me sleepy when its wearing off bc I'm generally tired alot anyway. I'm sure it affects everyone differently. I hope this helps. Message me if you'd like to talk more. Happy Thanksgiving!!!