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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by puppylove14 on September 24, 2006, at 21:02:13
I have been reading this message board for about a month. I started taking tramdol (caplets) in May recreationally, I never thought I would take it regularly. But, I had been using it for about 3 weeks recreationaly as I had been on vacation but I stopped taking it as I had started a new job. I started feeling severely depressed and I could not figure out why. So to treat this I started taking my tramadol and it made me feel much better. I took it about 3 -4 times a week for about 3 months. Then, I ran out and still felt depressed. I thought I was just depressed but couldn't figure out why as everything was going well in my life. I had not taken tramadol for 2 weeks. Then, I got more tramadol pills. This time they were the white caplets. I took them again. I didn't take them one night and woke up throwing up with diarehha. I didn't think it was because of tramadol as I had never had this reaction to the capsules. Then, I started taking them again. I used them most often on the weekends and on Monday I always felt the worse. FINALLY, I put two and two together and realized this depression was due to my tramadol use. Now, I am on anti-depressants (Lexapro) and Xanax. It's been less than a week but the Xanax doesn't do anything for me and I feel really agitated because I want to take my tramadol. I even through out 50 of them because I could NOT stop thinking of them. Has anyone had a similar situation and has anyone found a way for help? Thanks.
Posted by Impermanence on September 28, 2006, at 0:24:14
In reply to Tramadol (ultram) led to Depression, posted by puppylove14 on September 24, 2006, at 21:02:13
Tramadol has antidepressant properties, The one time I abused this drug I felt morphine like calm followed by panic which I thought was Serotonin syndrome, I took some of my sisters beta blockers and that calmed the situation. I haven't taken Tramadol since. I know this might not be much help to you but I thought it would be wise to share my Tramadol experience with you.
Posted by pseudoname on October 8, 2006, at 16:26:23
In reply to Tramadol (ultram) led to Depression, posted by puppylove14 on September 24, 2006, at 21:02:13
Hi, puppylove. Are you doing any better?
If the tramadol problem is persisting, you might want to look into buprenorphine (Subutex, Suboxone), which is given to people trying to recover from opioid dependence. It's an opioid that can take away opioid cravings but (if taken as directed, usually) doesn't make people high or euphoric, although it can also help with depression.
Posted by puppylove14 on October 8, 2006, at 16:43:44
In reply to How's it going now? » puppylove14, posted by pseudoname on October 8, 2006, at 16:26:23
Thank you for the advice. Luckily, I am getting help. Although tramadol once consumed my life, I was able to slowly rid myself of the pills. At one point, I had over 150 pills but I threw them out gradually. 50 here, 20 there.... I used to take 4-8 pills a week, now the most I have taken is one. And since I only have 2 left, I will be fine. I am on anti-depressants and Benzodiazepines for anxiety and I am feeling much better. It is nice to not have the drug consume my mind all the time, although there are still cravings I am feeling much better. Thanks again.
Posted by pseudoname on October 8, 2006, at 16:51:31
In reply to Re: How's it going now? » pseudoname, posted by puppylove14 on October 8, 2006, at 16:43:44
Sounds like you did very well, p-love. It's nice to know there are (sometimes) ends to what seems so intolerable. I'm glad to know you're doing better.
Posted by MidnightBlue on October 27, 2006, at 10:45:29
In reply to Re: How's it going now? » pseudoname, posted by puppylove14 on October 8, 2006, at 16:43:44
I'm not sure I am understanding. You took 4 or 5 tablets per WEEK? Less than one a day and you said you were badly effected by it? These were 37.5 mg? 50 mg?
I understand you were not taking these for medical purposes. For awhile I was taking one 37.5 tablet a day (for pain). I did not feel horribly addicted to it. I could have taken 3-4 tablets a day if needed, but did not like the way they made me feel.
Posted by puppylove14 on May 28, 2008, at 0:20:34
In reply to Re: How's it going now? » pseudoname, posted by puppylove14 on October 8, 2006, at 16:43:44
> Thank you for the advice. Luckily, I am getting help. Although tramadol once consumed my life, I was able to slowly rid myself of the pills. At one point, I had over 150 pills but I threw them out gradually. 50 here, 20 there.... I used to take 4-8 pills a week, now the most I have taken is one. And since I only have 2 left, I will be fine. I am on anti-depressants and Benzodiazepines for anxiety and I am feeling much better. It is nice to not have the drug consume my mind all the time, although there are still cravings I am feeling much better. Thanks again.
yes - its me puppylove. almost a 1.5 years later and im back on tramadol. been back on it for about 8 months. i stopped talking it for 5 months and felt much better with my life, i was also taking antidepressants, ambien, and xanax so that could have something to with it as well. i went on vacation and started talking tramadol again. it felt so amazing to take it again that i continued. i stopped taking my antidepressant because i didnt want to mix it with tramadol/ultram. (thought it could lead to seizures) so now im taking about 8 - 12 pills almost everyday. why do i take it almost everyday?
it makes me feel good/happy/energized/my normal self. when i dont take it, i feel like crap. i get all sweatly and feel yucky and just feel "SAD". its the sad part that makes me keep taking it. i feel good taking tramadol, i feel like it treats my depression and there really isnt anything that wrong with it, RIGHT?! trouble is, i take a look from the outside and know that this would be categorized as addiction by most people.so i dont know if what im doing is wrong or not??it helps me with my depression and i feel normal. i dont take enough to get high high, it just makes me feel normal and gives me energy to get things done. if i dont take it, i lie on my couch most of the day without energy (not literally but seems like that).
another problem with the drug is that you build tolerance so quickly. if you take it everyday, you have to take more and more to feel the effects. im trying not to take more each day and stay stable. i think thats my best bet.
really though, i dont know how ill ever stop taking it or why i should? i know i "should" but it makes me feel good. i feel happy and ready to live. i dont know of any long term side effects? people all over this board and some doctors say tramadol is fine to treat depression - so whats the truth???? should i stop taking it (which i cant anyway) or can i continue taking it, feeling fine and safe and not worrying so much that what im doing is WRONG WRONG WRONG.
This is the end of the thread.
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