How addictive is Tramadol ?

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Sun, September 13, 2009

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I have been taking Tramadol (and neurontin, flexeril, and vicodin) for quite some time for nerve damage, fibro, and lower back pain. At my last vist to the pain clinic, the guy working at the front desk pulled me aside and warned me that tramadol was addictive and I should be careful about taking it. He said he and his wife both took tramadol after a car accident and that they had really bad withdrawl symptoms when they stopped the drug. I have noticed that If I am late taking my pills, I start to sweat and even shake a little. That and the most weird sensations in my legs - like electrical currents coursing down to my feet. This is scary. Anyone have some experience with this? I would appreciate some input.

Thanks

Jeff

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Anonymous

9/14/09 6:15pm

The other meds you are taking are probably as addictive or maybe more addictive than the Tramadol. I've heard vicodin is highly addictive.

Ladybey

9/16/09 12:26pm

Hi,

Three years ago I was prescribed Tramadol for my lower back pain, and I was on it for approx 16 months. When I was switched to a different drug I had no withdrawls or problems at all.

I also had a Friend who was in a bad car accident, and she decided she wanted to go the hololistic way to deal with pain and she stopped cold turkey taking Tramodol and she was fine also.

I guess everyone is different, but I wanted to share my experience and my Friends experience regarding the Tramadol with you.

Wishing you wellness.

Jeff L

9/19/09 3:09pm

I get all my meds through the VA, which means I have to phone in to the regional pharmacy for refills. I waited a couple days too long to call in for my pain pills and I ran out of Vicodin. I guess I must not be too addicted to them =] I decided to conserve my pills this last week while waiting for my refill and dropped from 6 to one a day. I have been hurtin, but not having withdrawals. However, if I'm an hour late with the Tramadol I start to sweat and shake.

Seems to me there is a lot of difference in how this med is tolerated.

Jeff

I hurt too

9/16/09 1:30pm

All the medications you are taking are addictive. When Tramadol first came out it was bragged to be the only non-addictive pain medicine available. About 5 years later they were sued in a class action suit because of many cases of addiction. Now, they have warnings that it "might be habit forming". I personaly was prescribed it and began having severe headaches soon after. I had pain, so I would take Tramadol, pain medicine, for my headache as well. After two weeks I had a massive gran mal seizure that caused a bit of memory loss for that week. I did not take more than prescribed, and followed the prescription to the 'T'. I try to not take anything but when I do, now it's Vicodin. Yes, I know it's an opiate but as you know life is much shorter when you hurt daily.

Best wishes.

Jeff L

9/19/09 3:09pm

I get all my meds through the VA, which means I have to phone in to the regional pharmacy for refills. I waited a couple days too long to call in for my pain pills and I ran out of Vicodin. I guess I must not be too addicted to them =] I decided to conserve my pills this last week while waiting for my refill and dropped from 6 to one a day. I have been hurtin, but not having withdrawals. However, if I'm an hour late with the Tramadol I start to sweat and shake.

Seems to me there is a lot of difference in how this med is tolerated.

Jeff

Lorie Stransky

10/ 2/09 10:18pm

I totally agree with you, everyone is different when it comes to meds and how they react. My friend is an recovering alcoholic and swears my Tramadol. I think this is the best drug for former addicts, who want to take the safest route. However I had the side affect of it causing me to be depressed. I too am concerned about the addiction aspect, but I have to be accountable to my pain clinic and they are pretty strict. I have wondered if legislating for marijuana to be used for medicinal purposses would be a good alternative than having all these pills wreck my stomach. Just a thought? Hope all is well!

Jeff L

10/ 3/09 8:07am

Hi Lorie,

I didn't know they used tramadol to fight addiction. Learn something new every day...

I have heard all kinds of stories about marijuana helping with chronic pain, but I am still skeptical that it will ever be legalized nation wide, even if it is just for pain. Too much controversy.

Jeff

Microwench

10/16/09 3:06pm

I've taken Tramadol for about 4 years now for Fibro pain. Admittedly, I take it pretty rarely, but I have never had any problems. Thruthfully, as mentioned in other comments, Vicodin and Felxaril tend to me more addictive than Tramadol.

Don't let anyone scare you. Do your own research, pay attention to wht your body tells you, and don't hesitate to ask your Dr any questions you might have. if your Dr is not willing to honestly and fairly discuss your treatment, find a new one.

Jeff L

10/17/09 2:24am

Hi Microwench,

Maybe you haven't had problems with Tramadol because you don't take it regularly enough. I have heard others say that having a set schedule for their pills - of whatever kind - has bred dependence. It could be that since you are not taking it all the time, you will be lucky and avoid getting hooked.

I agree about the research. I have been trying to read and find out as much as I can about my meds. I think it is a really good idea to be as informed as possible.

I just started seeing a new doc and I really like him. He listened. He took the time to answer questions and explain things. Hope he keeps that up =]

Hope this finds you well

Jeff

How addictive is Tramadol ?

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