Obviously I'm new to the forum (my 2
nd post) but I do have a great deal of experience with Tramadol. I would like to give you some advice that I wish someone had given me years ago. First of all, on and off, I've taken Tramadol for over a decade total. I started the med after an upper back injury that was severe and required the med. I recall the first dose of the medication was like having a layer of haze lifted and my energy level jumped as well. I felt warmth spread throughout my head and felt better than I had in years.
I didn't know it at the time but one of the great side effects of Tramadol is the way it directly increases / mimic's Serotonin. I had tried many anti-depressants – Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac etc.. and saw some improvement in mood but nothing even close to what I saw with Tramadol. This all occurred so long ago (1990's), that the drug (at that time) was considered totally non-addicting and my doc kept refilling my prescription for 1 year straight with no issues. He also increased the dosage when I felt the pain had increased and then locked it at 400mg day.
After about 2 years word came out that it was in fact addicting and after a visit he decided my back was healed and stopped the refills. I actually agreed due to the fact that I didn't want to become addicted (I knew I was but thought it was something I could kick).
I stopped cold turkey and 24 hours later started having severe back pain with spasms that felt like electric shocks running the length of my back. I ended up going to the ER and told that I was having heavy withdrawals. The ER doc prescribed me about 20 pills and told me to taper these.
I'm not going to go into the full gambit of how I ended up doc shopping to keep up my supply but that's exactly what happened. The reason I go into this detail is to show how you can start out with a controllable situation but totally, out of ignorance of what you are dealing with, end up a major addict.
In my earlier post I mentioned leveling with your doctor and letting him/her know you might have an issue and that you are really using the drug as an antidepressant. If your doctor refuses the medication ask for a referral to a psychologist. Prior to your appointment, go to
www.healthgrades.com and search out a local psychologist with good reviews (read the reviews to confirm they match what you’re after). Ask the doctor to refer you to that psychologist and deal with that doctor. I know many people that have taken Tramadol who can stop the med with no issues. Myself, I have no issues stopping Vicodin, Darvocet, even OxyContin and this is because they don’t hit the Serotonin receptors in the same way as Tramadol.
You mentioned in your original post that you felt like the “Old You” and that is a very good sign that this drug is a match for you as an Antidepressant. I’ll monitor this thread and will be glad to answer any questions you may have but the simple answer is to level with your doctor and get treated for the actual problem instead of lying about a non-existent issue. The doctor may want to try you on other anti-depressants and knowing you are likely low on serotonin may be able to give you a good alternative but even if this is the case make sure they taper the Tramadol instead of forcing you through a cold turkey run which is very rough with Tramadol. After trying a few other drugs they will most likely place you back on Tramadol with a maintenance dose that can last indefinitely. Good luck !!
