Taking Tramadol. Bad side effects, but helps with the pain.

[Eatpower]

Hi all, back again.

About a week ago I was having pain under my left rib, it was very excruciating and caused me to breath funny and has made me cry. So I went and saw my Doctor, he examined the area and was unable to give me a definitive answer as to why I'm experiencing the pain in this area, so he asked me do I take pain relief and which I replied yes to, I told him I take Sopadol (Codine & paracetamol) but I made him aware that the pain killer has not had the same effect like it use to, so he prescribed Tramadol and booked me in for a ultrasound and blood test. I got back home took the two tablets, the first effect I notice was I was getting very drowsy, but that was a similar effect like the Sopadol use to give me then as the days went by I started to really exessively sweat all the time and my legs were like jelly and my hands were always shaking.

This has also had a major impact on my sex life. I have no libido what so ever, I try and force myself to have sex, for the sake of my partner but I'm unable to achieve an orgasm. I've also noticed I've been constipated since last Thursday.

I'm in a right pickle here, because these tablets are the only thing keeping the pain at bay, some advise would be much appreciated.

Travis.

[Sher78]

Hey honey, I am the same with Trams, so now I try 2 avoid it but if I DO take them, I always take a couple of anti-sickness pills & find I'm ok 4 a couple of hours but once they wear off, side-effect city

Can't say I had a problem with my sex drive on them but the sweating, shaking etc definitely & the anti-sickness pills worked on all that malarkey like a dream. May also b an idea 2 have a little lactulose when u take the Trams, just 2 combat the effect. Just don't push u'reself & give it time

[Jarrod]

For me, those side effects past after a while (except the sweating) - I've been taking Trams for 4 years and now find them to be more of a stimulant and keep me awake.

Until the side effects pass; do what I did and fake an orgasm or two

Also, chat with GP about it; there maybe something you can take to ease the side effects (Diazepam work for me - but I would not recomend taking that (makes ya moody and sucks to stop them)

[stphnvnsn]

Tramadol nearly put me in the hospital. I did the sweating,no sex drive at all and the constipation and the nausea.I also had pain in my stomach. I got so bad i nearly passed out. my dr took me off of it. Good luck.

[farmerfester]

been taking tramadol since around 2002 with no problems at all we are all differant

[Mainshah]

Tramadols best pain relief ever, nothing worked for me except them bin taking them for over 6 months and all is fine

[silverback]

ask your Doctor if you can try Dihydocodine these are pretty much as strong as you get before opiates !

[madmagz]

Hi Travis,

I do feel for you and your partner as I have been in a similar situation myself, first thing I would say is the codiene has probably caused the constipation, I know it's a subject none of us are happy to chat openly about with our doctors but I do think you may benefit from taking something like fybrogel to help get you "regular" again, I did and am very glad I did as I was hospitalised by the back pain constipation ended up causing. It does sound like you could benefit from being seen in a pain clinic, I go regularly and the turn round in my mental and physical state since going has been huge. I was on opiates when I started going and now only take them when things are really bad as I am allergic to most other pain killers. In fact I hardly ever take any pain killers at all now, I use a T.E.N.s unit for my pain relief and am so glad I do as it means that my brain is less foggy and I don't feel drugged up all the time.

Please have a chat with your G.P. and ask for a referral to a pain clinic and help to get your bowels going again as once this is sorted it makes your whole body feel better and has a knock on effect on other areas of your life which in turn will make your partner happier.

Good luck and take care

Madmagz x

[cloggy73]

Hi Travis,

I really feel for your situation, I was there a few years ago. The pain was horrendous so I too was on codean and then tramadol (by the way it may be that you have costocondriasis sorry about spelling, very common but painful in SLE). I too had the constipation etc but the tramadol had a horrendous effect on me and as others have described on this blog I nearly passed out on the train, felt dizzy, had the sweats etc etc. I just couldn't function on either tramadol or codein they made me feel very spaced out. I'm on cellcept which is a great drug and drugs for seizures and neuropathic pain and NSAI which do the trick. Also talking therapies, medidation and yes a pain clinic/acupuncture help. Really hope you get a way out. Also talk to your partner about your situation, you shouldn't be in a situation where you are having sex when you are in such pain and and almost feel forced/obliged to have sex etc being honest and open is best (I wasn't and it didn't end well) perhaps talk to your doctor about it, or at the pain clinic/councellor. I appreciate this is such a shitty illness but with time and self awareness love and care things can improve.....slowly. Take care, Mx