Problems With Tramadol

[Bsta1382]

I am a mid-aged male whom has been taking Tramadol Hydrochloride for about 2 years.  I began taking it to control the paid from back spasms that would occur at least once a week.  It was great, providing be the ability to forget about the pain, and be able to work/sleep/live.  As time went on, I needed to increase the dosage to manage the pain.  I then began to feel awful the day after, with little to no energy  I began taking Tramadol during those periods, to get rid of the pain of not being on pain killers (the irony of this situation does not escape me).  It has now become a mandatory daily ritual in order to even function.  

I have tried to stop cold turkey a few times, but my withdrawal symptoms (depression, vomiting, hot/cold flashes, diarrhea, etc) put me in bed for days until I give in, eventually repeating the cycle all over again.

I also have tried many times to slowly decrease the number of pills (50mg) taken and lengthening the time between dosages.  Without fail, I become seriously lethargic and depressed around the clock.  Eventually I give in, and again the cycle starts all over again.

Most embarrassing is that there is a direct relation between taking higher dosages, and my face breaking out.  In addition to the affect on my face, I am concerned about the damage I may be doing on the inside of my body, as well as the fact that it is impossible to function without taking the pills.

Can someone advise the long term affect of taking Tramadol, as well as how best minimize the withdrawal symptoms (especially the energy level) while quitting Tramadol.  I am unfortunately working overseas and getting good and confidential doctor's advise is not really possible.

Thank You!!

[mellie4]

Gore, I just wanted to let you know that you're commenting on a very old post.  It's such an easy thing to do.  The original post was from 2007.

[Gore]

Tramadol will start giving you problems after 4 yrs, curious to know how are U now? please tell us if you are still fine on the trams. Also just reminding yous that ultram has paracetamol on it, so when taking 300 mg of ultram, always think about the paracetamol % for your liver's health.

[Gore]

you can switch to tramadol and go on it for yrs provided you stay on 3 or 4 (50 mg) a day or less day. If this is not enouh to relieve pain, then going on trams by increading the dose will be a bad idea, as more of it will start creating problems in the long run. It will be fantastic in the first yrs of course. Also maybe you should try to take a day off the trams in between during the week, I mean never stay on it continuously as I did.

[Gore]

Addiction with trammies is mainly because of it's serotonergic effect and not really analgesic effect, So comparing with morphine, suboxone etc is not a great idea but I will not go into a debate and lecture here. I am sure most of yous here know about the serononergic effect of tramadol.

[Gore]

I noticed that norgesic _orphenadrine citrate can stop or decrease the withdrawal synptoms or make things easier for you if you are starting to taper. I remember I got down to 2 a day while on Norgesic. That was for 2 days only and there was a noticeable difference on me, body , skin and even believe it or not, a bit of weight in only 2 days.

[Gore]

Tramadol has stop working on me after taking it for 4 yrs now, in the last two yrs I was on 4-5 (50 mg) a day. Ok what does it do to your inside (I am not a doctor - but telling from my own experience and from what others had) 1)  I heard it rots your bones 2) your Intestinal track will be messed up, you will end up with chronic loose stool, malabsorption and of course weight lost 3) messes up with your autoimmunitary system, in fact at the beginning you immune system will be really strong, gradually it becomes so strong that autoiimmunitary problems wil start (your body starts to attack or react to normal cells/organs). As long as you stay on 3 or less a day, you are more or less ok. The best is to take a day off it in between.Please feel free to correct me if what I said is not clear. Also will like to mention that there are lots of fake tramadol on the market, so do not be impress if you are taking 30 a day and no effect at all. The authorities should really be concerned with all the fake meds.