Tramadol

I have severe osteo-arthritis in both knees and my doctor has me on Meloxicam.  It is an NSAID so I won't be able to take it because of the WLS.   They want me to go on Tramadol.

Tramadol is a narcotic, and addictive.  My doctor will not switch my perscription until he knows more.

Has anyone else switched to something that was not tramadol?

Thanks!
Dale

I've taken Tramacet/Tramadol off and on for years (I take it as needed) and never had any issues with addiction nor have i got the "high" that coedine or percocet give from it. I find it works for the pain. I like it cause I don't feel "altered" on it.


YMMV of course I can just give my experience

I'm sure some of the experts on this board will chime in with studies and the like for your reference.

Hi Dale, yes, my Dr. had me on Tramacet following my knee replacement, and that was after my WLS...I just told him that I needed a Tylenol based drug...good luck...Patti K.

Dale I take tramadol have have for a while for migraine. Its a synthetic opioid but Ill let you read it for yourself. It works wonders for me.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tramadol

I also to Meloxicam prior to RNY but no longer require something every day. I use Tramacet as need for pain and it works great. No loopy feeling on this med.

Linda

Oh this is great to know Linda. Thanks!!!  This is what I'm hoping as well.

I also take tramacet (tramadol mixed with tramadol) and have no issues with feeling mood altered, no cravings, urges etc.... and I have a history of addiction.  With any potentially mood-altering drug, it's all about being mindful.  Do you really need to take this right now?  How much do you need to dull the pain? (not take it away completely); pain is our friend, it tells us our limits.  Don't mix with any other potentially sedating medications or alcohol, and just be aware of when and why you are taking it.

Good luck, if this doesn't work out for you, I hope you find something that does.

Hi Dale,

I just wanted to chime in on the issue of Tramadol being addictive. I've been taking it daily for pain relief, for a few years ( I have Spinal Stenosis & degenerating discs). I have never gotten a "buzz" from it and when I've run out for a few days, I never had any type of withdrawl symptoms or cravings so I don't think it causes addiction-type problems for everyone. My doctor told me that it's the only painkiller she feels comfortable giving me for relief of a chronic pain condition. I hope that you and your doctor can come up with something suitable for your needs - best of luck to you.

Deb

Tramacet is not a narcotic. I take it for arthritic knee pain and it doesn't give me a buzz...just eases the pain.
Hope it helps.

I was given Tramadol instead of percoset specifically because I'm a recovering opiate addict. It should be fine short term. Best of luck.