Posted by bulldog2 on April 17, 2010, at 8:32:00
In reply to Re: ultram, really... » ed_uk2010, posted by floatingbridge on April 16, 2010, at 19:04:53
> Hi Ed, I do have chronic pain, sad to say--not as bad as many, so I'm not complaining. I don't know. I think that tramadol might mess with my pain mechanisms for lack of any techniqcal understanding--that maybe I would end up with a shortage of whatever they are, endorphins?. I am also looking into LDN as well, though my pdoc has not heard of that. That's why I'm seeing a specialist next week--for assessment and possible treatment plans. Then we'll see. OTC stuff doesn't touch the increasing flare-ups. Thanks again--it's a big idea for me to even entertain. In many ways, I'm in disbelief that I could be really ill.
>
> Thanks for writing.
>
> > > Well, this one has effexor-like properties. That's why I would consider it--my pdoc suggested it as an option.
> >
> > I know, but I wouldn't generally recommend taking it as an AD. Opioids can elevate mood in the short term but I don't believe that they benefit depression in the long run. Even though tramadol may be different, I can't imagine that it would be better than Effexor in the long term.
> >
> > If you suffer from chronic pain, I would consider tramadol. Otherwise, I think it would be sensible to avoid it.
>
>Yes any opiate or stimulant causes your body to release less of the associated neurotransmitter. Less endorphins when taking an opiate and less dopamine when taking a stimulant. Also when you stop meds the body will gradually recover to its former levels. However when you're in pain your body is already not releasing enough endorphins or you would not be in pain. Tramadol is considered the milder of the opiates. It is not even a full agonist at the opiate receptor. Chronic pain is very debilitating. It certainly does take away from quality of life. Unfortunately decisions are rarely black and white or the perfect decision. I remember last year I resisted taking opiates for the longest time. So I sat in an easy chair all day gritting my teeth and being miserable. Finally went to the doc and asked for real pain meds. I did not take it for euphoria but so I could function. It was nice being able to not feel pain and walk around again. When I had to get off of them I did not find it that awful. A half a pill a week until I was off. Not really bad at all.I've talked to others who also did not have a hard time. People who end up chasing the high and get addicted will have a more difficult time.
You have a lot of options. Stay on your current pain med and antidepressant if that's working. I saw one study where tramadol was added to effexor for a double whammy.
I think quality of life is indicator for me. I find nothing noble about people who won't take pain meds and are so righteous about their ability to endure pain. Stupid maybe? God put the poppy on this earth for a reason. Maybe a gift to mankind to be used judiciously.
poster:bulldog2
thread:943398
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100416/msgs/943669.html