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  • BDD Moderators: Keif’ Richards

Tramadol - AD

R

riptaz

Bluelighter
Joined
Apr 30, 2011
Messages
67
Hi Guys,

I am currently on mirtazapine for deppression and anxiety but also use tramadol for the high it gives. My question is, is there any anti deppresant that gives instant releif from depression like the tramadol does because I've tried a few AD's now (which all take about 2-3 weeks to work, which is another 2-3 weeks of depression and anxiety for me ) and although the mirtazapine seems to be uplifting my mood slightly (after 2 weeks of useage) nothing seems to take away the deppresion like the trams do. I know I could just stay on the trams but I don't want to be taking them for ever.

so in short my question again is, does anyone know of a AD that can provide a nice "high" instantly without waiting 2-3weeks for it to take effect.

I know tramadol does have some AD actions (SNRI) I think? But is there an AD like it because im building up a high tolorence to the trams and am going over the 400mg daily dose and getting them from a "Friend" is not cheap either lol.

Any advise or help would be greatly appriciated because I can't stand this deppresion any longer its taking me hostage.

Thanks
 
The instant relief you get from tramadol is more likely to come from its opioid action than it's SNRI action. Opioids provide beautiful relief from depression because they take away all the negative feelings and generally cushion you from the world but unfortunately the risks of dependence and increasing tolerance (as you are already discovering) make them a poor choice in the long run.. adding opioid dependence to your depression really isn't something you want to do.

I'm really sorry, but there isn't anything I know of that provides magic quick relief - certainly nothing pharmacological that would be sustainable in the long term.. I'm glad you are finding the mirtazepine is helping a little. I found the best way to tackle depression was to combine an antidepressant with CBT, or at least with behavioural changes that work towards improving your mood - getting out of the house, seeing friends, doing things that make you happy and exercising .. it's natural to want a quick fix when you feel how you do, but really it sounds like you need to come off the tramadol and try to work towards a more long lasting solution. I'm really sorry..

Ps please do taper down from the tramadol as there is a risk of seizures - there's no fixed level at which you will definitely have a seizure, but over 400mg/day isn't a safe level to be taking.

If you fancy looking into CBT and haven't already, there are a couple of free online resources - MoodGym and Living Life To The Full which you could take a look at. Stick with your mirtazepine too if it's starting to work - it's very early days.

Good luck!
 
well I'm not too sure about how quickly it works but Effexor seems to be the most similar snri to Tramadol maybe try that one and see if your results are similar.. you must note that there will be NO mu opioid receptor agonizing from effexor though so that may be the True Litmus
 
Anything with opiod action is not going to be recognized as a AD in medical literature of today. Opiates did have their place as AD in the past, but most if not all of these people turned into fiends. And were very unmanageable in terms of treatment. Still never sounded like a good Idea to me. The only thing I can think of that probably would be effective is subutex. All of this is in a grey area anyway.
 
I dont think this is relevent for mirtazapine but be careful if you switch to another AD particularly Venlafaxine and the information leafelets suggest mixing with Tramadol can cause serotonin syndrome. I aslo believe that both drugs lower yuor siezure threshold.

Someone else with real medical knowledge might be able to add a bit more to this as I'm guessing mixing any SSRI or SNRI with Tramadol may not be a good idea.
 
^ very good point!

Although the risk isn't quite as high with mirtazepine as with a classic SSRI or SNRI, it is still there - it's not wise to mix any serotinergic drug with tramadol due to the risk of serotonin syndrome. Antidepressants can lower the seizure threshold as well, although it's not a common problem with them.

Interaction between mirtazepine and tramadol

Good catch atm - and another very good reason to taper off the tramadol, riptaz..
 
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