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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by pussycat on October 3, 2001, at 21:40:11
Hi, I was wondering this: I have been taking Ultram for about 2 years now for restless leg syndrome, this is the only thing that helps me without terrible side-effects. I have hadto go up and down with the doses because I would become tolerant and have to UP the dose, then gradually taper down or use something else for a few days to let my tolerance go low again. Is Ultram for two years and in high doses bad for you? Can this be linked to any disorders? I'm just scared to keep taking this stuff because you don't hear too much about it...Anyone come up with an herbal alternative for RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME? I tried Acupuncture to no avail!!!
HELP!!!
Posted by Mark H. on October 4, 2001, at 21:26:50
In reply to ULTRAM for 2 years in high doses, is this BAD???, posted by pussycat on October 3, 2001, at 21:40:11
Hi P.,
Have you already tried clonazepam, which would be my first choice for restless leg syndrome? I take 1/2 tablet at night (0.25mg), and it helps a great deal. If I take a whole tablet, I find it difficult to get up in the morning.
Fairly high doses of Ultram (e.g., 1 tablet 3 x a day) are used adjunctively to treat refractive depression in those whose mood improves on Ultram. I have not heard of any side effects from long term use, but others here may be better able to answer that part of your question.
With almost all analgesics, however, you want to watch for signs of bruising and internal bleeding.
From my experience, clonazepam is both effective and seemingly benign with long-term use.
Just a couple of other thoughts on RLS: it's extremely important not to drink ANY caffeine (coffee, tea, sodas, etc.) during the day. Likewise, avoid chocolate and other stimulants (ephedra) and even vitamin supplements in the evening. Maintain a regular, adequate sleep schedule -- lack of sleep will tend to increase leg restlessness the next night. Finally, don't watch stressful news or action TV before going to bed. RLS is made worse by inner (adrenaline) as well as outer stimulants.
My RLS and PLMD are also made worse if I take my Effexor too late in the day (normally I take it after breakfast). The Ritalin I take, unlike caffeine, does not seem to increase my RLS.
Please let us know when you find something that works well for you.
Best wishes,
Mark H.
Posted by Gracie2 on October 5, 2001, at 1:57:29
In reply to Re: ULTRAM for 2 years in high doses, is this BAD???, posted by Mark H. on October 4, 2001, at 21:26:50
My dear,
Judging from my own experience, you have nothing to worry about. I began to use Ultram during a stressful job because it has a tranquilizing effect for me. This went on for many years, because I had unlimited access to the stuff. Over time I developed a wicked tolerance for it and could actually tolerate 30 pills a day. I was having terrible problems at home and felt unable to cope without it.
After the funeral of a very dear friend, I also started taking valium along with the Ultram and
my prescribed anti-depressants. Not surprisingly,
I had a seizure. I was in the hospital for a couple of days and had every medical test known to man. I was shocked to learn that all my tests were normal, even my liver. My only problems were mental, and I've been following up on that.
So my personal opinion is that Ultram is safe when taking as prescribed, even long-term. Just do not turn into a gluttonous lunatic like moi.
-Gracie
Posted by pussycat on October 5, 2001, at 3:36:30
In reply to Re: ULTRAM for 2 years in high doses, is this BAD???, posted by Gracie2 on October 5, 2001, at 1:57:29
>
> My dear,
> Judging from my own experience, you have nothing to worry about.Thank you so much for your input to both MARK H and GRACIE2.
As far as Klonopin, I take 1/2 a pill at night as well as the Ultram. The Klonopin is more for sleep disorders though. I usully can't get to sleep, Idon't even GET sleepy without it!!! It does seem to help at night for me because it keeps me asleep throughout the night, only when I wake does the RLS drive me insane!!!
I have RLS CONSTANTLY!!! Most people only seem to be bothered by RLS at night, I have it 24/7
I HATE IT!!! I'm only 30 yrs old, but this happened to me following a discectomy surgery. Never been the same after that!!!
Now as far as the Ultram, THANK YOU!!! I was SO worried about how much I am taking....I do take 800 mgs. a day total. 30 pills? Wow! Was it hard to completely get off of the Ultram? I wanted to know because I would like to eventually get completely off of the Ultram someday, but every time I try to taper a half pill down, the results are terribly painful for me (sweating, dizzy, ill feeling, tired, agitated and EXTREME RLS!!!! to the point of driving me absolutely INSANE!!!!
I guess all this is better than my other option of Vicodin for RLS which my tolerance goes up FAST for and doesn't work anymore after 1 week! Also I find the Ultram lasts all day!! doesn't have a short life like Vicodin.
I was also given Mirapex for RLS too...it was horrible for me , I woke up with fast hard heartbeat and felt VERY strange!! Anybody have results like that from Mirapex?
I found your info very helpful and I am SO sorry for everything you went through!! I hate to hear when people feel so much pain in their lives that they cover it with something from the med cabinet...I hope things are better for you now, things get better when you clear the clouds. It may get bumpy, but it's real....does that make any sense??
Thank you and keep all the info coming.
Pussycat
Posted by Gracie2 on October 5, 2001, at 23:18:50
In reply to Re: ULTRAM for 2 years in high doses, is this BAD???, posted by pussycat on October 5, 2001, at 3:36:30
Cat-
Yes, I've had a terrible time getting off Ultram
because of the length of time (about 3 years)and the high dosage I was taking. After several days without it, I start having anxiety attacks and I quit sleeping. The insomnia is terrible. Last month, I went to my pyschiatrist for help. He is aware of my history of drug abuse and prescribed a low dose of klonapin for me VERY reluctantly.
It helped a little, but not much, and I was afraid to ask for more.
Once the klonapin ran out, I was awake for nearly 72 hours and was almost sick with exhaustion. I went to my GP, who is not aware of my drug history. I was afraid to be honest, because being labeled as a drug user might mean that he could withhold painkillers when I really do need them for an injury. I could just imagine breaking my ankle in twelve places and being given regular Tylenol for the pain.
Anyway, bless him, he gave me a prescription for Seroquel and Xanax. I went home and slept for about 20 hours. I could have wept with gratitude.
Serious insomnia is hell, plain uncut hell.
I have one refill each for the Xanax and Seroquel.
I'm taking them as prescribed and hope that I will ride out my Ultram withdrawal in the meantime, so I can sleep without pills.
Prehaps you can try Seroquel for RLS while tapering from the Ultram. It may seem like you would just be exchanging one medication for the other, but Ultram requires larger and larger doses to be effective (at least for me) while Seroquel does not. I have taken Seroquel for insomnia in the past and never had to up the dose that was therapeutic for me.
Good luck-
Gracie
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