Tramadol for Chronic Pain User Reviews (Page 4)

• Zano
• December 13, 2019

"The doc said this was not addictive and that I could take up to 6 pills a day. I built up a tolerance and always ran out early. I also found out that I may have anxiety and depression because I felt like I was on cloud 9 on this stuff. But running out...running out is like plunging from heaven and falling to the depths the ocean. Even reducing my dosage or waiting 2 hours from my regular schedule I would start feeling the withdrawals...sweating, terrible diarrhea, body zaps and restless legs. Constant wishing that I had just one more pill...sleepy during the day and cannot sleep at night. Feeling like I would do anything to relieve the pain. This stuff is more addictive than hydrocodone, but it is also an SNRI so the taper has to be no more than 10% each week. Now I am currently taking hydrocodone again as well as cymbalta...I wish I had never heard of tramadol...if you have an addictive personality and run out of your meds early DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG "

• GCP
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 24, 2019

"I've been taking tramadol for years (arthritis, all over, spine, etc.) but doesn't work as good as it used to. Have to take 2/3 to get relief but I am still good with it. Anyone having constipation issues should take a swig of mineral oil every day! It works wonders! It has no taste and pills didn't help me."

• uglye...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 11, 2021

Tramadol Hydrochloride ER (tramadol) "I take 300mg tramadol ER daily, with low dose norco 500mg/750mg as needed usually twice daily. I have fibromyalgia and other undiagnosed conditions, extreme pain untreated but I can live with these drugs, otherwise its torture. I am so drugged out like a zombie but anything to ease the pain. Life is short enjoy what you can now."

• Dan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 23, 2017

"I was given Tramadol after a knee replacement and for osteoarthritis.I had always had mild depression in life and anxiety in spite of an intense exercise schedule.Since taking 300mg daily most of the depression and anxiety have gone..such a relief.My doctor did not know that Tramadol can be effective for depression.There are side effects like dry mouth but benefits outweigh side effects in my experience"

• Osteo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 16, 2017

"Slightly more effective than tylenol, best when taken with tylenol, but even then not enough for my pain. I took for about 2 years, 250mg a day along with flexiril. When I went off it I felt a little depressed for 2-3 days, that's it. No addiction issues. I now I need something stronger, but what a laugh. The FDA and DEA are more interested in getting billions to help addicts than they are helping the 100 million chronic pain suffers in the USA."

• Trama...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 22, 2016

"Stay away from this drug. Few Doctors know how intense it is and what its effects are. I was precribed much "stronger" opiates before and after, up to oxycodone. Tramadol blew them out of the water. I have (had as of 1month ago) been on tramadol for 7 years. I have 2 pars fractures in my low back and this was what I relied on to alleviate any pain. I started with a single 50mg/daily and gradually worked up to 400/mg. I never abused the drug, I simply did what the doctor told me to do. The level of addiction and dependence to this drug is insane. The withdrawal is the worst thing I have ever experienced. Because of that and its negative effects on my life, relationships, work and happiness, I checked into a detox program and am done."

• Panther
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 4, 2016

"After a 3-month heavy regimen of surgeon-prescribed oxycodone due to a head-on collision, the oxy was replaced with generic tramadol 50 mg, 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours. At first I hated it, the numerous side effects caused more suffering than my injuries. I later saw a pain-management specialist who lowered the dosage considerably for my 90-lb frame to 25 mg every 8 hrs and I've had much improvement. My pain is more tolerable, I have no more side effects, nor do I need to sign a waiver to obtain it. Most importantly, I can now function more normally and even drive short distances again. In my case, the correct dosage is the key to success."

• Tels
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2013

"I'm lucky. I got Tramadol 150mg (super strong) after breaking my tibia. With an external fixer, some nights are trouble free, others I don't sleep at all for the chronic pain. The only effective pain relief til now has been the Tramadol. I only use them when nothing else works, and nothing else works, quite like Tramadol. Luckily I don't suffer from too many side effects (except drowsiness) But 150mg is a strong dose, knocks me right out. some people also need antiemetics to tolerate them as they commonly cause nausea. As far as I know, Tramadol is one level down from morphine in the treatment of chronic pain. "

• Tiny...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 7, 2017

Ultram ER (tramadol) "I broke my knee, and all the cartilage came out of the back, I hate NARCOTICS, having bipolar issues, as well, . Ultram is right in the middle, takes pain away , ENOUGH, so I don't have to concentrate on me!"

• stay...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 15, 2016

"I take tramadol for RA.Early on I would take too many in an 8 hr shift as a CNA and find no relief. After a re evaluation of meds my pain is moderate to severe deepening on what I've done that day. Otherwise I'm finding my use of tramadol is to keep withdrawals at bay...They are HARSH. More noticeable when I'm trying to sleep. I get extremely tired there is no fighting the urge- except when you try to sleep, Uncontrollable yawning, my whole body becomes HOT, sleep is not an option. Uncontrollable jerking of my arms and legs. Pains in my head, unbelievable gas. Did I mention how hot I get like I'm in an oven. Sensitivity to cool air, like your nerves are exposed, but your hot at the same time.. Down to 2 to 4 a day tho."

• Chris...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 11, 2016

"I suffer from severe chronic pain nearly 24/7 I have diabetic neuropathy, lymphedema and no circulation in my legs, all combined are pain beyond belief. Tramadol relieves my pain better than any pain meds I have been on."

• Ryyy
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 23, 2023

"Ok medicine. Took the lowest dose, took almost all my pain away with gabapentin, from 5 with that alone to 2. It is helping my back pain and is doing more for my nerve pain than Percs, but gabapentin is working better for that. Feeling nauseous, tired, itchy, and weaker than with other pain meds because of serotonin sensitivity. I think this is a good medicine. I would definitely take this if it's your only option. It makes a big difference compared to Tylenol, which I can't take everyday. This medicine usually doesn't work well for severe general pain, but I'm happy that I can do chores with little issues right now, which was a problem for weeks."

• Cry...
• March 29, 2017

"I was given Tramadol for multiple pain. I have some arthritis, a form of osteoporosis (cannot think of the name of the form I have), Fibromyalgia, lower back pain. Tramadol in no way has helped me. My opinion of this drug is about as negative as you can have. Some of the comments are postive and I am glad it works for them. In addition, I am also clinically depressed and take meds for that. However, Tramadol in no way helps me with my depression. As a matter of fact, until reading these comments I had no idea it was even used for depression. Overall I would never recommend this drug to anyone and would rate it a zero in terms of helping with chronic pain of any kind."

• pig...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 19, 2015

"Suffer from fibromyalgia,two bulging disc, sciatica,restless leg syndrome. It usually takes me an hour or two to function in the morning. Have been on tramadol since it first became available.will continue to use this amazing medicine as long as my Dr prescribes it."

• guggy
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 12, 2015

"I have chronic hip pain, this drug has helped, I am still aware of pain but it doesn't bother me, it is very strange BUT !!! I have not slept this well in years, I feel fantastic, I don't care my hip still hurts. I think I am having an anti depressant reaction but I was not depressed but I do feel great GOOD & BAD It really helps sinus and breathing but when you don't take the next dose horrible tingling and sinus pressure return I was only taking at night, today I made the connection thanks to these reviews so I will take one after lunch, I have only had it a week but I love this drug so far"

• Chronic...
• October 28, 2016

"Had spine surgery and Tramadol hasn't touched the pain. When Darvacet N-100 was available my pain was managed and it's not a narcotic! Yet, the FDA because a few people had cardiac issues (probably had before taking the med) took Darvocet N-100 off the market! Now the government wants to limit the narcotics we get and keep us in constant pain so our daily lives are spent trying different avenues to ease the pain. I've had so many complications from Tramadol that I can't read, I fall, I can't drive and I'm greatly depressed. None of which I was having before. This is a sugar pill and I have stopped taking since it only causes me harm...thinking of going to a Naturopathic physician since the government is involved in big pharm."

• dal
• March 5, 2019

"I have had extreme shoulder joint pain. Tramadol relieves pain for 24 hours a day. Take only two 50 mg tablets. No side affects at all. Have had two shoulder operations and was about to have shoulder replacement surgery. Now hopeful that will not be an option."

• grumpy
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 15, 2019

"I have severe pain issues with RA, OA and spinal canal narrowing from the base of my skull to my lumbar region. I've been taking this for 6 years. I am awakened every single night from pain, and I must get up and go take my next dose, wait for the pain to dull enough that I can lay back down. It's exhausting. I was given percoset for kidney stones and actually felt normal for the week I had them, then it was back to the tramadol, 2 tabs, 4 times a day routine with constant exhaustion and pain spikes. Dr won't switch me to something better, the whole addictive speech. Problem is, my condition will never get better, but only worse."

• Newpo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 13, 2015

"Pain management physician will prescribe this, but not anything stronger. I have had degenerative disc disease for 17 years. I have had three back surgeries, without success. I have been on many medications in the past, with methadone working the best. I weened myself off methadone because of side effects several years ago. Physician's won't prescribe narcotics anymore because so many people abused them. Tramadol will take the edge off my intense pain, but not enough to be considered a success."

• Drewd...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 31, 2016

"I started taking Tramadol for spinal stenosis and peripheral neuropathy about 11 years ago along with Lyrica. It seemed to help the pain for several years, but I started noticing the sweating if I was as late on a dose. After several years I wondered if it was the pain I felt or withdrawal symptoms. This last weekend we left town and I forgot my pills. I am cold turkey now only because I want off. It is not pleasant, but doable I hope. I was prescribed 400 mgs/day, but usually only took 300 unless the pain got real bad. And yes, it did help my pain. I was told I would be on both meds for life. I want off the tramadol, but I can't get off the Lyrica. I tried."

• sijii
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 24, 2014

"I have been taking Tramadol (50mg) for several years. It was prescriped by my PCP for moderately severe osteoarthritis. Am unable to tolerate NSAIDs. I also have Norco (10/325 hyrocodone/acetamphine) as a back up. I experience chronic low level pain which I deal with through exercise and acupuncture and use Tramadol if it worsens - so I do not take daily and have never experienced any withdrawal symptoms as some people have mentioned. For what I use it for, it works fairly well and I have no side effects. But the notion that it is not addictive is false and as of August 2014 has been re-classed as a Schedule IV. In terms of acute pain, I do not find it nearly as effective as Norco but I only need that 1x or 2x a month."

• WITHD...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 23, 2015

"Given this a few years ago for pain. Dosage had to be increased to keep effect. Wasn't providing the relief as in beginning. Then to 300mg a day after 2 years and I decided I wasn't benefitting from it. Took myself off by slowly reducing dosage over two months. What a NIGHTMARE, chills, twitches CRAVING for it. For 4 MONTHS I was getting what I describe as electrical BRAIN ZAPS as I turned my head to look at something. When my head turned my brain would do a slide show with electrical zaps trying to catch up. It was a MONSTEROUS FEELING of no longer being in control. 4 months of agony and all I had to do to stop it was to just take a pill but no way on earth was I going to throw away more 4 months. It is addictive! I know from my experience."

• arturus
• January 14, 2016

"While this drug may work for pain (worked great for that) coming off it was a diff. story. I was on it for 6 months and it worked alright beside some depression issues. Tried talking to my doctor and basically got told all people who come to his office are addicts and he swears there are no side effects. When I stopped taking it ohh boy. My gf noticed I was short tempered depressed (severely) and just all around unpleasant.I was crazy, almost checked myself on a 48 hour hold. Now a week out and I feel a lot better. No tramadol and no craziness."

• Severe...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 12, 2015

"I take it for severe lower back pain. I have to take the maximum dose of 400 mg a day and you must take it on a regular basis every four hours and you may not feel the full effect unless you've been taking it consistently. I am 50 years old very active and travel often the only side effect that I have is constipation if I don't take it on time my body tells me because then the pain reoccurs within 10 minutes of taking tramadol I feel fine"

• Nicolef
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2017

"I was prescribed Tramadol in the early treatment of my autoimmune disease when my pain was so intense I was bed ridden. It was a complete joke. It did nothing! Taking 4 Advil gave me more relief than Tramadol (took my pain down from a 10+ to an 8). Luckily, I was switched to a schedule II med and now I am a fully functioning person. I think the drug company needs to do additional HUMAN research on this drug and NOT on mice/animals. In reading the reviews, I see that it does work for some people but for others it's basically a tic tac with the side effects of addiction."