Why Tramadol/Should I Take It?

[Audrey_M]

I've been prescribed Tramadol by my neuro, even though I have been upfront with her in terms of alcohol consumption. I drink daily, at least 4 drinks per day.

I have neuro pain. She thinks this is from degenerative disc disease, although brain scans are suggestive of demyelinating disease.

Have had the scrip for a few weeks, but have not taken any yet. Today I feel like I have been run over by a steam roller with very bad nerve pain in my legs, especially the R leg.

[Larrabelle]

I Would stay away from Tramadol all together.  Found stopping it harder than any other pain med for me.

I would talk to Dr. about something else.  It's awful stuff

Red

[elzapatista]

Tramadol has been really helpful for me... but I only take it on occasion for menstrual pain and it always does the trick of taking away the cramping pains, with seemingly no nasty side effects. I wouldn't recommend drinking while taking it, as it usually just puts me over the edge as if I've drank double what I actually have, and I tend to lose control a bit more than I would prefer! I haven't received a prescription to take Tramadol regularly, so I can't give you the best advice in that situation... but that's my 2 cents anyhow.

Best of luck!

[forgetmenever]

Tramadol is THE worst trick ever. It is worse then any opiate w/d I have ever had.I had a nasty habit , I was main lining a 300 dollar a day herion habit, I had such a huge tolerance at one point that I could  not go any where to far and if I did I had no choice but to wear 5  one hundred mill. duragesic patches at ONE time. I was a mess. But nothing ever compared with the pain Tram gives it is horrible even at the smallest dose. STAY AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have been on TRAM since 1998 off and on. I now  take  50 mg. a day for two years I simply can not wean down ,no how! It is a nightmare.Good luck talk to your doctor read about this medication it is no joke.

[josey395]

No!! It's really hard on your body... you could end up in worse pain than ever

[Tuckamore]

Hello Audrey,

It's a very bad idea to mix alcohol and tramadol. It could have serious consequences. Drinking alcohol while taking Tramadol increases your risk for serious reactions. This includes the risk of Seizures and Respiratory Depression. I hope you will avoid any alcohol.

I use to drink socially. I'd have a glass or two of wine several times a week. Since I have required narcotics to control my chronic pain I haven't even tasted alcohol. I initially missed the social interactions but now am very content to sip on my bottle of soda. I sincerely hope you will do the same.

Best of luck to you.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[houseofgirls]

Honestly, I would try to drink as little as possible if you are going to take any pain meds.  It would be best to not drink any alcohol on the days you need to take it.  Its good that you were honest with your doctor, but even still, pain meds and alcohol really don't mix.  That goes for over the counter pain relievers as well.

Good luck!  I hope your pain starts to ease up soon!