Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 3747

Shown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.

Ultram

Posted by Jenny on March 16, 1999, at 18:22:26

Anyone having a difficult or should I say impossible time trying to stop the drug ultram/tramadol? Anyone out there been suscessful? I told my doctor I thought I must be addicted. He says I'm not addicted just dependent. Oh OK. Any suscess stories out there?

Re: Ultram

Posted by Elizabeth on March 17, 1999, at 20:58:16

In reply to Ultram, posted by Jenny on March 16, 1999, at 18:22:26

> Anyone having a difficult or should I say impossible time trying to stop the drug ultram/tramadol? Anyone out there been suscessful? I told my doctor I thought I must be addicted. He says I'm not addicted just dependent. Oh OK. Any suscess stories out there?

Here's the difference between addiction and dependence: when you're addicted, you have "cravings" for the drug when you stop taking it, regardless of whether there are any specific withdrawal symptoms. Dependence is when you experience withdrawal symptoms (which are specific to the particular drug or drug class) but don't have cravings.

BTW, how is tramadol? Side effects, etc.?

-elizabeth

Re: Ultram

Posted by Jenny on March 19, 1999, at 12:21:47

In reply to Re: Ultram, posted by Elizabeth on March 17, 1999, at 20:58:16

> > Anyone having a difficult or should I say impossible time trying to stop the drug ultram/tramadol? Anyone out there been suscessful? I told my doctor I thought I must be addicted. He says I'm not addicted just dependent. Oh OK. Any suscess stories out there?
>
> Here's the difference between addiction and dependence: when you're addicted, you have "cravings" for the drug when you stop taking it, regardless of whether there are any specific withdrawal symptoms. Dependence is when you experience withdrawal symptoms (which are specific to the particular drug or drug class) but don't have cravings.
>
> BTW, how is tramadol? Side effects, etc.?
>
> -elizabeth

Hi. Thanks for the clarification. I really concerned because if I don't take the ultram I get short of breath, don't have any energy, can't sleep at night, my muscles get really weird like I have to constantly keep them in motion. This thing with the muscles uaually happens at night. I know I dependent on ulream. But I've become dependent on the drug itself, not because of the condition of which I was put on the drug for. Do you know what I mean? I called another doctor to see if they will help me get off the drug without such severe withdrawl. I just wish my doctor had told me this might happen so I could have made an informed decision as to weather or not I wanted to take the risk. Thanks for the chat.

Re: Ultram

Posted by aka on March 19, 1999, at 15:10:53

In reply to Re: Ultram, posted by Jenny on March 19, 1999, at 12:21:47

elizabeth - I have taking Ultram for over three years with only good results. It was prescribed for fibromyalgia by a rheumotologist who specializes in FMS. I'm prescribed (2)ultram 50mg up to three times a day. I have rarely needed that - mostly just take (2)ultram at bedtime (along with a chemical cocktail to control muscle spasms, pain, drepression, and sleep!) On bad days I might take ultram during the day to contol the spasms - but very rarely the third 'allowed' dose. I never seem to have a problem varying doses and it doesn't seem to have any effect on my moods. Ultram (and my "nightly mix") has been effective in "controlling" the pain and spasms related to FMS - I hope this info is some of what you wanted. aka
>
Jenny - please note my answer to elizabeth -pain, muscle spasms, fatigue and poor sleep and depression can all be part of fibromyalgia. I am not a doctor but it might be something to look into. BTW, not all doctors are well versed in fibromyalgia (FMS) so do some homework. Also, the ultram ALONE does not help the above symptoms, even the pain, seems to need other drugs (usually a tricyclic) to control symptoms. Again I'm not an MD but just a thought. - aka.

Re: Ultram

Posted by Txn on March 25, 1999, at 21:34:45

In reply to Ultram, posted by Jenny on March 16, 1999, at 18:22:26

> Anyone having a difficult or should I say impossible time trying to stop the drug ultram/tramadol? Anyone out there been suscessful? I told my doctor I thought I must be addicted. He says I'm not addicted just dependent. Oh OK. Any suscess stories out there?

I am with you Jenny.

I too found myself "dependent" on this drug too. I too experienced the fatigue and wierd muscle symptoms at night that you described. I did, however, find a good way to "kick." When you are at the end of your prescription, set four or five pills aside. Stop taking the drug altogether. But take just a tiny fraction of your normal dose at night before you go to bed. It is just enough to stop the withdrawal symptoms, but is little enough to be rid of them after a few nights.

As for the fatigue, you will find that that will go away only with time. Good luck.

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