Tramadol Hydrochloride

[digital_monkey]

I took Tramadol Hydrochloride for 6 months due to joint pain from my work.  It worked wonders.  I had energy, no pain, and happiness.  But I began to notice that I had to take almost 8 pills a day to feel good.  So I tried to stop.  I cut dosage down little by little.  I felt like ****.  My body had this 'rushing' sensation of anxiety and aches.  So now I have to take at least 1 pill a day just to feel normal.  I stopped for 2 weeks altogether, but everyday I felt terrible, more so than I did before I started taking the meds.  The only way to feel 'normal' was to take at least 1 pill every 18-24 hours.  At least i don't have to take 8 anymore.  I just wanted everyone to know that even though the medical industry denies the addiction possibility, it is really there.  I'm afraid I will have to take one pill a day forever.  Anyways, just wanted to share my feelings with ya.  And my question is, why?  How can I get off this stuff?  2 weeks doesn't even do it.  

[Edeme]

Every body i know that takes tramadol (alot of people) tell me it does not work , I was prescribed  Tramadol HCL 50 MG Tab 2 tabsx3 daily, guess what, they do not work for me. Seams that all the Drs. are pushing this med., are the drug companys giving them perks for doing this. I noticed that the big push has came about within the past year. I understand they are habit forming and they don't do s*** for me , give me back my loratabs, etc. at least they help with the pain, and yes I rather be addited and pain free than in constant pain.

[keys chick]

So I seem to be in the same boat...Moving from Vicodin to taking tramadol for at least the last year. I was taking 2 50mg pills 3 x's a day, so 300mg a day. My dr. wanted me to try 300 mg of Ultram XR which I was glad to try, but got no benefit from. I wonder why. I even took 2 which doubled the amount I was taking before and still didn't get relief from the pain. Was I having withdrawals? I felt worse than before. I saw the thread about taking Effexor to get off the Tramadol, but what do I do for the pain that I have? Is there another solution?

[Ms. Shingles]

There is a book called "Worst Pills Best Pills." I only have a copy from 1999, but in that book it says NOT TO TAKE TRAMADOL. It recommends that the FDA withdraw the drug from the market. It recommends that in its place, you take ibuprofen or combination painkillers containing a narcotic with acetaminophen. mr.lucy66 is in agreement with the book. If I knew then what I know now...

[mr.lucky66]

i feel bad that people are having such a hard time getting off this tramadol. I got a RX once because some P.A. in an ER didn't want to give me a real pain script and I got nothing and felt nothing from it.It effects brain chemicals which is why it seems to be so hard to get off as folks seem to become depressed and lethargic when withdrawling. I think it's better to take a real narcotic if you really need pain relief and it may be easier to withdrawl from. all the best

[Jaybay]

FYI - tramadol and ultram are the same med.  One is brand, one is generic, but the same active ingredient.

Quinine can help with the restless legs part of withdrawal.  It's Hylands Leg Cramps and is available over the counter at most pharmacies.  Do NOT take it with benadryl and better yet, check with your pharmacist to make sure it's not contraindicated with any of your other meds.  I am currently tapering off the fentanyl patch, and found the quinine to be very helpful.  Also, liquid sublingual b-complex helps as well.

You might take a look at the addiction forum here at MH.  Lots of good info on dealing with withdrawal symptoms.

[krazykatie]

I have beem taking tramadol for 13 months, and im scared of the effect it has been having on my body. Has any heard if it effects your menstral cycle? i havent had a period for 10 months now. I have also been experiency stomach spasms and hot flashes, this is while im taking them, so god only knows what will happen when i stop