Duncan
I need to get off vicoden, I've been on it for 2 years for chronic neck and lower back pain. Is it OK to take tramadol instead? I heard its not really a narcotic and it helps with the pain. I'm in pain most of the time and when I try to stop the vicoden I usually just give in to the pain. If anyone has any other suggestions, I would gladly try anything....
Aracely
Tramadol works wonderful for coming off of vicodin. I have done it myself. Tramadol is non- narcotic but it still acts on the opiate receptors. Therefore you will hav great pain relief and no withdrawal pains. Good luck!!
Adah
I like to start out with a Wikipedia definition.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TramadolI agree with the previous answer. Tramadol is misunderstood, and sad to say, it is addictive. I have taken several different pain medications, and Tramadol is one of the most unique. The transition to Tramadol would be a good discussion to have with your doctor, it involves weeks of transitioning, depending on the length of time you have taken opiates, in your case two years, which is a lengthy period, and this will require special attention. I personally love Tramadol for my pain. It is long lasting. It is not as popular among street users because large doses will cause seizures. It is also a wait for it,wait for it kind of pill. The effects of it are present, but the pain relief and mild euphoria takes a while to present itself. It will elevate your mood because of the SSRI properties that it contains. I am not sure why this drug was formulated this way, some research shows that it was supposed to be the ultimate happy pill. Consult your doc, and I wish you the best.
Ivette
Why don't you talk to a real expert. I am sure that none of the other answers have has 8-12 years of medical training. I am sure none of them have had any experience in anesthesiology. I haven't either, but I am sure your doctor has.If you try to do this on your own you take a big chance that your pain level goes up. You take a chance that any drug test you might have to take in the future you would fail unless all the meds are from legal prescriptions. I know that sometimes it gets real frustrating, especially with all of the bad press about drugs. I have been on narcotics for pain for 18 years. I presently have a pain pump installed under my skin, and it works great. am not saying you should get one, but you should talk to your doctor and follow his advice. If you think he is wrong, and he could be, find another doctor for a second opinion. Your entire future is resting on your decision. I hope you make the right one for you.pp
Rigoberto
Tramadol is a perfectly good pain med and it might be appropriate for your situation depending on the reason you're discontinuing the vicodin.There are plenty of good pain meds available and a good doctor will review the pros and cons with you. If you want to go completely non-narcotic there are medicines like diclofenac (a personal favorite) and celebrex. But don't think you're going to find one that doesn't have side effects, some being quite dangerous in certain situations. Tramadol is sometimes a good choice because it doesn't contain acetaminophen which can wreck your liver with long term use.
Angila
Tramadol is a synthetic opiate with SSRI properties. (It is a very misunderstood and understated medication).At any rate,.. you are in pain, and are in need of relief.You need to speak with your doctor and talk to him about managing chronic pain. Using short acting opiates, like hydrocodone, is *not* appropriate treatment for chronic pain. It is intended for short term, acute pain. In fact, using short term opiates often (over time) causes hyperalgesia -- (an increased sensitivity to pain) which then complicates matter more due to the individual not being able to accurately gauge their *true* level of pain.Ultram in place of hydrocodone is 'ok' -- but you need to keep it in the recommended dosages per day. However, be aware -- tramadol/ultram can and does cause dependence as well. It isn't like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.. it does have properties that can cause dependence and even addiction in susceptible individuals.As I mentioned above, this is really something you need to discuss with your doctor -- your treatment and management of your chronic pain should be much better handled. There are many varying methods to treat spinal pain.. look into the options available.
Byromville
Orosi
Marysville
South Holland
Glen Raven
Ypsilanti