Steps forward in reducing medication.

I currently take tramadol 100 mg in the morning, a flexeril and generic ambien (10 mg) before bed.

I have been trying for the past six months or so reduce the medication load. I am doing this with my doctor's permission. I tried cutting tramadol down slowly, and the ambien as well. At the time, the lowering of the dosages were not effective. I have been taking a 1/2 (5/325) hydrocodone with dinner for years. I did start last week leaving the hydro out of the mix completely, and so far it hasn't been a problem. I so hope this continues! I am not super active at night so the aches aren't that bad.

I have come to the conclusion that (for me) medication for fibro works best when you use the least amount possible to manage the condition effectively. That is just where I am in my treatment--some 12 years later. There is always going to be discomfort and low energy. The important thing is that it doesn't interfere with life.

Eventually, after a few months or so, I am going to revisit lowering the ambien. I plan to try a 10 mg one night to 7.5 the next.

My hat's off to you, Myself. I haven't been able to do anything close to what you are, but I do get by on the least amount of medication possible.

It always surprises me anew whenever I tell a doctor that I'm having such-and-such an issue (and that I suspect it's too much of a particular med) and their first suggestion is to raise my dose of it! Or, they'll throw out the name of a new one. Then I'll say again that I'd like to try cutting down the original one instead, and they'll say, "Sure, if that's what you want to do."

It's almost like I have to fight to keep a low dose...of course, not so with Hydrocodone! Unfortunately, I'm still taking that, but no more than before.

Anyway, good for you!

Debbie

Thanks, everyone. A week now with no hydro. Yes, I am pretty achey by the time I go to bed--but the muscle relaxer helps significantly. On bad nights, I plan to take the MR before a hot bath, which ought to take care of the discomfort.

The next step at the beginning of November will be another stab at reducing Ambien. I have never like Ambien--but it is the only choice of my insurance.

I drink Sleepytime Extra before bed--the Celestial Seasonings tea that has added Valerian. Give it a try.

Also-LM-thanks for the suggestion from a few months back. I am now tutoring online--mostly college-level writing.

And Welcome back, Debbie!! Nice to see a familiar handle.

Thanks, Myself!

Online tutoring sounds really interesting. Quite a switch for you! Pros and cons to anything, of course, but those early mornings of in-person teaching - yikes. You did that for a long time. I hope you're enjoying not having to anymore!

Debbie

Wow!! Talk about not having a clue.

My dad was a professor too, and he had some interesting stories about students like this, and about being pressured by the administration when they were athletes. Not heartening.

Debbie