Tramadol

[coopwall]

P.S.  My Rheumy has me reduce the amount of Celexa I take when on tramadol.  Tram. apparentlly raises the level of serotonin.  Use caution to avoid Serotonin Syndrome.  Talk to your doc if you are on SSRI's or SNRI's.

[tedebear710]

Coopwall - I had very bad RLS issues last year due to serious neuropathy pain.  I tried Neurontin and Lyrica for the neuropathy...the first didn't help at all, and the second gave some relief but the side effects were miserable.  I had chronic vertigo and hand/feet swelling from it.  My Neuro prescribed another anticonvulsant called Lamictal.  It has greatly reduced the RLS attacks.  I take a 100 mg ER dose in the morning.  There have been no side effects.  I also take a supplement called Hawthorn Berry, 565 mg twice a day.  One of my friends sent me a newspaper article written by Dr. Peter Gott about its use to control RLS symptoms.  It is inexpensive and also has no side effects.  My Neuro agrees it won't hurt me or conflict with any of my other meds.  Just thought I'd give you some other ideas to consider and discuss with your doctor.  Good luck, I know it is miserable suffering with RLS!   

[lynnmarie219]

Thanks for all of the fast replies....my rheumy and I discussed Lyrica too but decided against it due to weight gain being such a serious side effect and for me that is a definite side effect I really don't need right now.

I also did well awhile back on NSAIDS but cant take them anymore either so this was my next try at pain reduction. I'm going to try it on a day when I am at home for the day though (like on a weekend) until I see how it affects me.

Thanks for all of your input...very helpful!

[lynnmarie219]

Well I've been experimenting with the Tramadol and I would say that YES..it definitely does help me with the pain which has been terrible lately.

One 50 mg tab will dull the pain but 2 works very well...just have to be a little careful that I don't get too sleepy on the 100 mg dose which I can take every 6 to 8 hours as needed.

Just wanted to update on my experience....hope it helps!

[Suzie]

It's great to hear that the Tramadol is working for you. I've been avoiding all pain meds because of my sensitive stomach - no type of pain that I'm currently suffering from is worse than the agony of reflux.

But you've inspired me to give it a try. Thanks, and I hope you continue to get along well with it.

Suzie

[Carolina]

I took Tramadol for about 10 years, at least.

regularly

It doesn't bother my stomach.

I stopped taking it last year when I was getting so many weird diagnoses and test results from the crazy Neurologist I saw in Texas.

I didn't make any difference.

So I think it's effectiveness had worn off for me.

That happens.

The thing to keep in mind  is that different people react different to each drug and substance.

Just pay attention and keep your doctor posted if anything unusual pops up.

Good luck.

Kisses

Elaine

[lynnmarie219]

I also have a very "sensitive" stomach but haven't had any trouble with the Tramadol either in that area....I do take it with meals or some kind of substantial food though...

Good luck to you Suzie if you do decide to give it a try!

[puccini914]

I wish I could take Tramadol, everyone here seems to have such good results.  Unfortuneately, I'm highly allergic to it.  Makes my throat close up.  NSAIDs make me break out in hives so they'rre out too.  the only thing that I can take is Lortab 10 4 times a day and since my joint pain is so bad I have to take it every day around the clock.  I even take Ambien to help me sleep at night so I don't wake up when the pain meds wear off. I'm sero positive SJS, but I know there's more, right now I've got the lupus rash on my face and joint pain is so bad that Lortabs aren't really touching it.  I hope the Tramadol keeps working for everyone, my husband takes it for his back and he says it works great.

Peace Be With You.
Jennifer

[LeoLady]

Lynnmarie:

Tramadol is my BFF!  No side effects at all, either.  I'm happy it seems to be working for you, too.

Hugs,

LeoLady  (Melinda)

[sewandsew]

Another disadvantage is insomnia.  Well, I can get to sleep but do not stay asleep even w/sleep aids.

[CAT1962]

My Rheumy RX'd this for me in Nov. I never filled it. My joint ain/stiffness, and muscle aches are getting worse, so now I am thinking about filling it. I hope I have no side effects...they seem to find me. 

Is it recommened to take it at NIGHT? Or anytime??

[Nathan]

I take it any time. I find it works best against nerve pains, but it's not as good against the join issues as NSAIDs are.
Bottom line though, your mileage may vary. Take it slow and see how it affects you.

[alittlebooboo]

My doctor prescribed it to me too and I got so nauseous that i'm scared of taking it again 

This was my experience too! except I think I had a full on adverse reaction to it because aside from nausea and vomiting(popped a blood vessel and vomited blood!), I was also having hallucinations and was extremely agitated and sketched out like a bad trip.
I ended up going to the hospital because I got so dehydrated- once I was on IV fluids for a while I felt a lot better.

Needless to say, I won't be taking it again.

[dainbramage]

I was given tramadol when my lymphnodes swell. My rheumy said some pain meds will react with cymbalta, tramadol does not. It did not do a darn thing for me. And I am a lightweight with drugs. Can't take pain pills or I am out for 2 days.

[Jackie]

I have tried to take it for neuropathy in my feet, but each time I get extremely nauseated, so I won't be using it. However, I know several people who use it every day and love it, so I think I am the exception. Give it a try.