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Driving while taking Tramadol?

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Posted 4/5/2011 4:57 AM (GMT 0)
This really seems to be the drug of the hour in our discussions lately!  Is it that new, or are doctors just pushing it more now for some reason, I wonder?

I'm taking it for breakthrough pain (more evenings than not, though, lately) and my question is, does anyone drive while taking it?  I will if it's just a short drive in town, don't notice a problem....I only take 25 mg most of the time.  But tomorrow I'm going out of town, and I won't get back till after the time I'd usually take it.  (I already know that it's going to be the kind of the day that exaccerbates my pain.) 

I can wait if necessary, of course, but then it doesn't always work as well.  So should I take it before my half-hour drive home, or is that a bad idea?  I don't feel dopey when I take it - removed a bit, but not dopey. 

I also still don't understand if it's a narcotic or not - what I've read seems contradictory and confusing.

Help?  rolleyes

Debbie 

Posted 4/5/2011 5:51 AM (GMT 0)
If you think it impairs you at all, then you should not take it while driving. I've been taking it on and off for years and don't feel impaired so I'll drive if I need to. My reaction time, motor skills, and concentration are all about the same whether or not I take tramadol. The first year or so, I would not drive after taking tramadol, I felt I was impaired.

Tramadol acts like a narcotic for most people. It can cause euphoria, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms. It is not classified or regulated like a narcotic which is great for most of us. If it was regulated like a narcotic, we'd have a much tougher time getting it.

good luck.
Posted 4/5/2011 12:08 PM (GMT 0)
Tramadol was the second painkiller my doc gave me, after sulindac. Sulindac did nothing for me at all. From what I understand tramadol works like an opioid but isn't, and isn't a narcotic at all. From what I've found on the 'net it seems to work for a lot of people and seems to be fairly well-tolerated, all things considered. I'm glad it exists because I don't get any relief from NSAIDs and do not want to mess with narcotics unless I absolutely have to.

I agree, if it impairs you at all I wouldn't take it until you get home. I tried driving across town shortly after I started the tramadol and had that feeling you describe. My reflexes were demonstrably slowed and my attention was off. I was really afraid that I was going to get into an accident.
Posted 4/5/2011 12:17 PM (GMT 0)
Debbie, if I were you, I'd wait until I got back home to take the Tramadol.  Many times people don't realize that whatever they are taking or drinking is impairing them!  If you were in an accident, you would be considered driving under the influence.  I'd rather be safe than sorry.  I'm used to pain and could tolerate it until I got back home.  Of course, I would take it before I got my coat off!  smilewinkgrin

 

Sherrine

Posted 4/5/2011 6:09 PM (GMT 0)
I have driven while taking tramadol with no discernible effect, other than the desired one of alleviating pain.

But, then, I don't feel any loopier than usual when taking it.
Posted 4/5/2011 6:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Debbie,

I would just like to say this totally depends on how you feel while on Tramadol. I did not drive when I started tramadol but as my body got accustomed to it I did, also when I was sdjusting the dosage I did not drive.

Take care
Rose
Posted 4/5/2011 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
I started taking tramadol about 3 weeks ago. I don't drive after I take it. Sometimes I feel loopy after taking it and sometimes I don't. I just never know, so I made myself a promise never to take it and drive. I usually take mine with dinner and if I need to go anywhere at night, my hubby is around to take me. Also, my 7 year old is almost always with me, and if anything ever happened, I would never ever forgive myself. Better safe than sorry...
Posted 4/5/2011 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Debbie.

I take Tramadol as well. It it the only med that does not make me feel groggy. I take 50mg 3 times a day as prescriped by my pain doc. It all depends on how you feel. Everyone is different and reacts differently to medications. If you have any doubts then I would most definately wait until you're home. That's what I do when my husband isn't able to drive to around. Most of my other meds make me really groggy so I hardly ever drive anymore. If I have to drive myself somewhere I'll wait till I get home to take my meds. Better be safe than sorry.
Posted 4/5/2011 10:58 PM (GMT 0)
Debbie if I remember correctly you are sensitive to drugs. Heck darvocet helped you LOL. I would probablly wait if I were you. I drive while taking it but have never felt loopy or drugged.

I think it is the drug of choice today due to all the controversory about narcotics now a days.
Posted 4/6/2011 3:55 AM (GMT 0)
Well, I did decide to wait, and it's a good thing because I was already so sleepy. I think it depends on the day as to how it affects me, but I have noticed that if it is going to make me relaxed mentally, that comes very quickly, within a few minutes, definitely before tha pain relief.

Denise, you have an incredible memory! Yes, I am sensitive to drugs...a real cheap date!

Debbie
Posted 4/6/2011 7:57 PM (GMT 0)
Debbie, don'r give me too much credit about the memory thing.   It actually stinks.  Some stuff I retain and others go bye bye.  Glad you waited
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