Ultram ???

[CarolD]

My doctor... who knows I am an alcoholic...
gave me a script for this as as an aid
to arthritis pain.

From what I read it is a non narcotic
but habit forming.

So how can it be habit forming?

I have not filled the script for the 30
he suggested I have as a trial

Input please..Thanks!

[leeside]

PHYSICIAN DESK REFERENCE

ULTRAM
(tramadol hydrochloride tablets)

Ultram is a centrally acting synthetic analgesic compound. Apart from analgesia, Ultram administration may produce a constellation of symptoms (including dizzininess, somnolence, nausea, constipation, sweating and pruratus) similar to that of an opioid.

WARNINGS
Seizure Risk
Anaphylactoid Reactions

PRECAUTIONS
Respiratory Depression
Increased intracranial pressure or head trauma
Acute abdominal conditions

Withdrawal symtoms may occur if Ultram is discontinued abruptly. These symptoms may include : anxiety, sweating, insomnia, rigors, pain, nausea, tremors, diarrhoia, upper respiraqtory symptoms, piloerection, and rarely hallucinations.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
Maliase
Vasodilation
Anxiety, Confusion, coordianation disturbance, euphouria, nervousness, sleep disorder.
Abdominal pain, anorexia, flatulence
Hypertonia
Rash
Visual disturbance
Menopausal symptoms

DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDAENCE
Ultram has a potential to cause psychic and physical dependence of the morphine-type. The drug has been associated with craving, drug-seeking behavior and tolerance development. Cases of abuse and dependence on Ultram have been reported.

[mikiglen]

carol, my doc is vicodin. if i can't get that, it's ultram
it doesn't give me the same "buzz", what it does is make me happy, energetic, focused and ready for anything. it's not a warm euphoria, it's a cold determination in a sense
there are lots of people who take it, tho, who don't abuse it
it kind of boils down to your mindset, like anything else. if you take it as prescribed, you're ok. for me, ONE, (which is how it's prescribed), has no effect whatsoever, and might be ok (other ultram people?? help...). if you want to get a high, you can
it's kind of like the alcoholic who drinks anything he can...even the watered down wine coolers can give you a real buzz if you want one and drink enough.
we pillheads can abuse anything

let us know and good luck

[Ultra-addict]

Carol,
I just got out of a 30 day treatment due to my addiction to Ultram. For some reason, I preferred it over any other narcotic. And don't let the Dr.'s fool you, by definition, it is not a "narcotic", but it binds to the opiod receptors in your brain just as hydrocodone, oxycodone, heroin, etc. do, and therefore gives the same effect. It also is a selective seratonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, the same as a lot of anti-depressants. So if you're on an anti-depressant of the seratonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor family, I would check for interactions.

In my opinion, it is the worst of the analgesics, because it is not a controlled substance and is not scheduled. Therefore, Dr.'s hand it out like chiclets (for the most part). The withdrawals are sheer hell as well. I mean, SHEER HELL!!! And that is even the sentiment of people who don't abuse the drug. I would be very, very careful. Especially with a history of alcoholism.

[GlassPrisoner]

carol, my doc is vicodin. if i can't get that, it's ultram

There ya go Carol.

[CarolD]

Wow! Thank you all and to those who pM'd me.

Somehow I just had a feeling that Ultram was a
lot more dangerous then my doctor knew.

It sounded too good to be true
and now I know that it is.

I do so appreciate you sharing the real deal.

[Lizrox]

Ultram ruined my life for over a year. All I thought about was where and how I was going to get more.

Good Ole' nonaddictive Ultram; yeah right!! What are the dr's; delusional??

In my opinion, Don't get the script filled.

Liz

[Ten Chips Down]

Originally Posted by mikiglen

we pillheads can abuse anything

Ditto THAT. Good golly man I'm still reeling from running out of, of Soma of all things. LOL! (Hey, it's the most effective sleep-inducer I ever came across. . . .Of course now, I can't sleep to save my LIFE without it being all-night ordeal. lol)

Anyway:

Originally Posted by CarolD

My doctor... who knows I am an alcoholic... gave me a script for this as as an aid to arthritis pain.

UN-believable.

From what I read it is a non narcotic but habit forming.

So how can it be habit forming?

Well Carol, the term "narcotic" has been loosely and incorrectly applied to more and more substances. Technically a true narcotic shares traits with opium-derivatives like morphine. They can either induce stupor or any of kind high + they can relieve pain.

But to answer your question, a drug needn't be narcotic to be ferociously addicting. Xanax for example, is a non-narcotic.

Ultram is tramodal and tramodal is what's known as an opioid or synthetic opiate. I'm honestly not sure on tramodal's status as narcotic or non-narcotic, but I can show you this:

Physical Dependence and Abuse
ULTRAM may induce psychic and physical dependence of the morphine-type (see DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE). -from RxList.com

People do became very much dependent on Ultram and one can only assume that prior active alcoholism = propensity for easier, faster addiction. And that, you don't want of course.

Man, did you do the right thing by *thinking independently, posting on here, and not just filling that script on blind faith alone "because he's.... 'a DOCTOR'.*

YES I respect doctors and other credentialled "experts." But boy, I swear. If I've said it once I've said it on here 10,000 times lol: Paper credentials do not guarantee expertise and unfortunately, just as caveat emptor cautions the buyer, caveat aeger or "let the patient beware" must apply, too.

Ten

[historyteach]

Carol;
Arthritis pain can be completely debilitating.
I know; my mom is right now crippled as a result of Rhumatoid Arthritis. People often severely underestimate the extent of damage to body, mind and spirit as a result of arthritic pain. And the management of RA is very difficult, especially with a flare up.

I have a very healthy regard when it comes to medications. I have to. I am very sensitive to them. Drugs that are meant to do one thing have the ability to make me stoned out of my mind. More than once, I've handed the filled perspription right back to my doc, telling him/her, "no thanks!"

Yet, because of my experience dealing with my mom, I can tell you that I would try the ultram. (I've been on it before; I had no problem with it.) I would be vigilant, to be sure. But, many of our members have shown us that, when medically necessary, and in keeping with our Step work, particularly the 10th step, we can receive the medical help necessary to alieviate pain and still stay sober.

Arthritis pain is not a minor inconvenience. It's not just some aches and pains. It's deforming; bebilitating, and, as I'm now learning with my own mother, it can be life threating. Please treat it with the gravity it deserves. YOU are worth it.

Shalom!

[tennchick9598]

Thanks to ultram, and my addictive personality, I was in an inpatient detox here in my state. If you were an alcoholic, please dont take it, it is addictive, I was a slave to it, and it brought me down, my whole life was brought down!!! Stay away from it.......good luck

[WENDYLOST101]

Carol, I usually post in the friends and family board, my husband is my addict. The night I trruly discovered he was addicted it was because the doctor had given him ultram. He was running around the house like a wild man accusing me of stealing his wallet, and I had not even seen the thing. He was doing other crazy stuff, but we have had so many crazy nights since then I cant remember everything. My suggestion would be call the doctor and tell him you are uncofortable with that and ask for something else.

[TheKidGotCaught]

Carol,

If you have any history of addiction, you already have the personality. You should not take it. While all these things help pain it comes at a great personal risk. Sure many have taken different types of pills and have been fine, however if you see the size of this community addiction is always possible and very probable. I went from ultram, to hydrocodone, to oxycodone and after 2 years im 9 days clean. Do yourself a favor and stay away.

much love always,
j

[leeside]

The herbs I read for Arthritus are: Devils' Claw, Cleavers, and Meadowsweet.

[Morning Glory]

Here is a list I found yesterday Carol.

http://www.egetgoing.com/drug_addiction/legal_drugs.asp

http://www.oasas.state.ny.us/AdMed/pubs/fyipain.cfm

[hope3]

Hi Carol, I found the low down from a non personal use point of view at this site http://www.ultram-er.com/html/pult/prescribing.jsp?

Once there Click Full US presciber information. Look at the readings about abuse: It is an opiod. Godd luck with your arthritis, Hope3.

[CarolD]

I tore up the script

Thank all of you for your honest sharing.

SR Rocks!!

[Ultra-addict]

WOO HOO!!!!!! WTG, Carol. Extremely wise and awesome decision.

[doorknob]

Hi Carol,

I hope you can find some effective treatment. It's no fun being in constant pain.

DK

[Lizrox]

I'm glad you tore up the script. That drug is poison...

Liz

[shanala3]

it is VERY addictive, i was hooked on it.

[tennchick9598]

Yea, stay away from that no matter what. I am wishing so bad that I had some even tho I just came out of detox in November!!!! Best of luck with everything else, were pulling for you!!

[Ten Chips Down]

Originally Posted by TheKidGotCaught

If you have any history of addiction, you already have the personality. You should not take it. While all these things help pain it comes at a great personal risk.

J, that was just spoken like a true pro, then followed & backed by your own compelling experience. I am impressed. Heaven knows, it applies to me. Never again will I "need" to be reminded that the beast only sleeps; he is never very far from awaking.

Thanks man.

Ten