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Posted 5/20/2010 1:42 AM (GMT 0)
So, I used to be a regular here but went away for a while.

I have had RA for 14 years and have never been on pain meds.

Well, after a sprained back and a nerve compression syndrome and a painful medical test I had finally had enough.

I am hypersensitive to most medications so I asked my primary care what I should try-just to have in case.

She prescribed Tramadol 50 mgs every 4-6 hours PRN.

We agreed I would take it once and call her to let her know if I was able to tolerate it or needed  a dose increase etc.

I am scared to take this drug when I am home alone so plan on waiting until I go on a trip to my families at the end of this month.

Should I be afraid of this drug?  What side effects have people experienced.  (I don't metabolize codiene well and I know this is related but not the same-has anyone had problems with codiene but then been able to tolerate tramadol)

I know this is a low dose of tramadol but half a dose of codiene leaves me virtually unconcious for 24 hours.

Posted 5/20/2010 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
 

   Just be careful of the interactions with other types of medicine(s) you take. It has "possible" with a number of other medicine(s).

 

~~> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tramadol

*hugg*

  dani

Posted 5/20/2010 2:39 AM (GMT 0)
I ran them through the drug interactions site, plus my PCP and my rhuemy both approved the Tramadol. I am less worried about cross reactions and more worried about just how I will metabolize the crud.
Thank you for the information.
Posted 5/20/2010 2:53 AM (GMT 0)
 

    

 

      Dear SJ,

   Everyone "matobilizes" medicine differently. If it is only going to be "PRN" then perhaps it is best to stick with your original plann about "testing it out" while at your parents house. If it is to eventually be on a regular daily regamine, then call you doctor and ask about a possible "slow increase" to work up to the desired dose. (IE before bed each night for a week, before "day time" use)

 

*hugg*

   dani

Posted 5/20/2010 2:58 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah, we are only doing this PRN-most days I am okay. Some times I flare and call my rhuemy for prednisone. Then there are the days when my shoulder/spine spasms-the only help for that is heat and time and so I felt like I needed an option that would at least let me sleep. Codine would let me sleep but-I prefer also waking up in the morning capable of functioning.

I will stick to the plan of taking the first dose when I am with my family-even if I don't need it that night-that is what my doc and I decided.
Posted 5/20/2010 3:45 AM (GMT 0)
 

   Gosh, I am sorry you are having so much pain. I completley understand about not wanting to turn into a zombie.  I really hope the side effects of the Ultram arnt to much for you. Let us know how it goes.

 

*hugg*

  dani

Posted 5/20/2010 3:48 AM (GMT 0)
It's a weak narcotic. Typically the reactions that people have are from combining it with either "triptan" migraine medications (naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, etc.) or from combining it with an antidepressant. If you have a reaction, it is treatable (I had serotonin syndrome before from a different med). You will have sufficient time to call for help & get to the hospital if needed.

If you just want to be extra cautious, maybe it's better to wait. Though even if you have a lot of reactions to meds this one shouldn't cause much of a problem. Biggest complaint I've heard is that it doesn't work. If you are allergic to codeine, you can be allergic to this. I am VERY allergic to codeine, but only had nuisance hives from Ultram (tramadol). If you're not allergic to codeine, maybe it could be a good option. It is a similar but much weaker type of drug.

Hope it helps!
frances
Posted 5/20/2010 4:00 AM (GMT 0)
~~> It's a weak narcotic

   It depends entirely on the dosage as far as "weak - strong". But, is usually more tolerable (side effects) because it is synthetic. I take Ultram myself 3xs per day. It is a good compliment to my daily medicines.

~~> "Ultram is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Ultram extended-release is used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain when treatment is needed around the clock."



Read more: http://www.drugs.com/ultram.html#ixzz0oRFVLCa7

*hugg*

  dani

Posted 5/20/2010 8:32 AM (GMT 0)
I have been on Tramadol on and off for awhile (my pain mgt doc thinks that its wonderful- mostly because he doesn't need it). And like someone else has already said some people-me included- don't notice much relief from it. I didn't notice much at all. about the same as a couple extra strength ibuprofen. I have used it for both my Fibromyalgia and migraines and it hasn't worked for either. My dad used it after his knee surgery and it didn't work for him either- but it could be a family thing! Maybe for some people it just doesn't and for some it could be the Holy Grail of medicines. This could be just what you are looking for- don't lose heart and the best of luck to you! Every time I try a new pain pill right before I swallow it I think: "This is the one!" One time it will be!
Posted 5/20/2010 10:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I've been taking Ultracet (tramadol/tylonol combination) 37.5/325 for years.  I too have serious problems with codeine and can certainly understand your concern.

I have tried the plain ultram (tramadol) and found that it does not have the same effect as the combo.  I have no idea why, but my best friend has been taking it several years longer than I have and has the same feeling.  Neither of us found any relief from the extended release ultram either.  Of course, that is just personal experience.

If you are really concerned about taking it alone, you might try it when you have a day with a friend and MAKE SURE TO EAT BEFORE YOU TAKE IT.  I had real stomach problems to get used to when I first started taking it because I didn't try it with food.  I almost missed the one med that has helped with fibro because of this.  Dilaudid helps with my back pain, but not my fibro.

I wish you the best with this new med and hope that it helps.  It has been a Godsend to me.

Posted 5/20/2010 1:25 PM (GMT 0)
I've been taking plain old tramadol 50mg for a couple of years. I find it stops most of the muscle pain but not all bone pain. It gives me a little euphoria, which is great because I also take neurontin/gabapentin which makes me sleepy - so I can function well. Unlike vicodin and other narcotics, tramadol doesn't give me nausea and I haven't needed to raise the dosage.

OTC meds don't do anything for my fibro! But neither do most narcotics, although they do work on surgical and bone pain. I don't usually take it at night because it can keep me awake. I have not had any problem with taking it with only my morning coffee.

Caveat - I took tramadol with Zofran when I was getting radiation for breast cancer and started getting a little seratonin syndrome. I just stopped taking them at the same time and it went away. Be aware of the symptoms if you are on SSRIs. There is a good list on Wikipedia of drugs that will interact and cause this serious problem. Carry it with you when going to the doctor's office.
Posted 5/20/2010 7:00 PM (GMT 0)
I am on ultracet which is tramadol and tylnol in one pill. I have had no side effects from it. I tolerate it just fine.
Posted 5/20/2010 11:14 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone. It sounds like this might be just the thing.
Because of the other meds I am no for RA I can't take tylonol or Ibuprophen very often or very much of them. I don't take SSRI's or any of the other meds that you all mentioned as increasing side effects.
Really I am looking for something that might take the edge off any pain so I can sleep but still let me function 6-8 hours later when I need to go to work. From what everyone said this may fit the bill.
Posted 5/21/2010 12:11 PM (GMT 0)
I am able to function on tramadol . It doesnt make me feel high. I think you will be alright with it.Take Care. Keep us up to date.
Posted 5/21/2010 2:00 PM (GMT 0)
I took ultram and ultracet for years and it worked well for my fibromyalgia pain actually. Unfortunately, after a few years I had to increase to percocet for pain though. I did not have side effects from the ultram and it was a great drug for me for years. I wish you luck with it. You may be surprised that it may work on your fibro too.

God bless and have a low pain day.

Lindaloo
Posted 5/21/2010 2:32 PM (GMT 0)
Tramadol made me nauseated, but was tolerable, it just didn't work good for me, I couldn't get relief from it, but everyone is different
and what happened to me might not for you, I think you should give it a try and see how it effects you, maybe do it over a weekend
or on a day where yoou'll be home.......most people can tolerate this medicine............
Good luck to you and I hope it can help you.
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((sjkly)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
hugz
Posted 5/21/2010 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
I rather be on ultracet I am not ready to go back on heavy narcotics . I did after my gb surgery I took lortab. I am the one that suggested it to my pm and told him I rather not be on heavy narcotics at this time. ultracet works fine on me for my regular pain it doesnt work on muscle spasms but im on flexeril for that. I am quite happy with ultracet and dont experience no unpleasant side effects. I hope you have a lpd.
Posted 5/21/2010 11:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sjkly, I've only recently been put on tramadol because the opiates were thought to be fueling my migraines. I take 100mg slow release at night and the 50mg slow release by day with 50mg for break through. I've been able to work and drive a car fine but find codeine doesn't touch my pain anymore so I can't comment on codeine reactions.

Only that you might find the slow release versions better then you aren't getting a huge input of the med all at once. If my joints are really inflammed it takes the edge off them but I find I still wake but even on oxycontin I was waking (too many joints involved). I hope you get some relief. I really liked the fentenyl patches they worked best of all but my migraines were getting out of control. Good luck with it all. Codeine used to make me sleepy once upon a time now its like taking a placebo! Thank goodness you still get a reaction and will no doubt find some relief.

I also used to take one codeine with a straight tylenol in the early days but if you're having problems with tylenol then I guess its not an answer for you either. Try the slow release 50mg tramadol and see how you go, best wishes, golitho
Posted 5/22/2010 11:17 PM (GMT 0)
The 50 mg tramadol (I don't do slow release because I WANT it to wear off) was okay. I had to go to bed 20 minutes after taking it because I could not even keep my eyes open but It did wear off appropriately so I was able to function in the morning.
Since I don't currently need constant pain medications just something to occassionally take enough edge off so I can sleep this is perfect for me.
I can take tylenol occassionally but due to the other meds I am on I am not supposed to take it often or full doses.
Anyway the trial of taking it when I was with my family worked out great and I now feel comfortable taking this if I need it.
Thank you all for your replies and the great information you shared.
Posted 5/23/2010 6:32 AM (GMT 0)
hi i read your post about tramadol 50mg  it is a drug like vicodin infact i used it to try and get off of vicoding that is was on for a bad colon problem, well in the mean time i had  a seizure, so if i were you if you are prone to seizures then be very carefull but this drug can cause seizures even in people who have never had one, i would wait and try it around family
Posted 5/23/2010 3:24 PM (GMT 0)
I have to disagree thunder tramadol is compared to codiene. Tramadol is no where near the strength of vicodin . I had vicodin while recovering from surgery and its nothing like the ultracet I take now for pain. I hope you have a lpd.
Posted 5/23/2010 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
I'm glad it helped you without any bad side effects, good going, yeah!
Sounds like you'll do okay on this medicine, I'm glad for you...
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((sjkly)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
hugz
Posted 5/23/2010 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
I have been using Ultram ER (time-release Tramadol) for 4 years. I started with 200mg and moved to 300mg about a year ago.

I have a damaged hip from a car accident (and failed surgery) as well as scoliosis in my upper back.

I'll also take 10-15mg of hydrocodone or 5-7.5 of oxycodone for breakthrough pain.

I know that many have not found Tramadol to be effective, but it has definitely helped me. It doesn't do much for the scoliosis pain, but it has a significant benefit for the hip pain. For instance, about three weeks ago, I forgot to take my daily pill and about 6 hours later, my hip was extremely sore. Also, I recently tried dosing back to 200mg and remained at that dose for about 2 weeks. The hip pain was noticeably worse and so I recently returned to 300mg.

As a time-release, I don't have any side effects, nor cognitive impairment. When I first started taking it, I took it before bed and found it hard to get to sleep. Now, I take it in the morning and with some tolerance that has built up, it doesn't interfere with sleep.

Though I have also been taking other opioids since my accident in 2004, I still find tramadol to be of benefit -- at least for me. Drugs effect people differently, of course, but personally have found it to help with my chronic pain. Moreover, as a mild anti-depressant (it works also like an SNRI) I think my mood has been better -- though that could just be because it has also helped with the pain.

The main caution I have it to not use it if you are using a SSRI or SNRI. There is a risk of seizures from "serotonin syndrome".

Let me also note that one person on this thread remarked that she/he has had headaches from opioids. Opioids inhibit the release of vasopressin, which is an anti-diuretic. Thus the opioid may make you pee too much and thus dehydrate you. That is my experience with oxycodone and unless I drink a whole gallon of water, I will have a nasty headache the next day. So, if you do have headaches, significantly increase your fluids and see if that helps.
Posted 5/25/2010 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
  I take 100 mgs of tramadol four times a day and have been now for 3 yrs . I have no sie effects and it is a life saver for me.
Posted 5/25/2010 10:30 PM (GMT 0)
I can't imagine taking 200 mgs of this stuff-I would be unconscious.
However the 50 mgs worked great.

I was lauging at myself when I asked the doc for "the lowest possible dose of something that Will wear off before morning."
Since she knew that even codiene cough syrup is too strong for me she was amused too.

The good thing was that I did not have to try to convince her that I really did need pain meds...
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