Hello all
In order to be on controlled drugs such as tramadol you have to prove to your Dr they are the right meds for you. Who made this rule and is their a campaign to get chronic pain disabilities such as fibro, arthritis, MS or hypermobility syndrome as exceptions to the rule?
Well, I've never heard of that rule and I'm on Oxycontin. My daughter takes Tramadol and she's never been asked to prove she needs it, just to sign for it now. I think your GP is trying to cut back on costs!
How do you 'prove' you need any drug?
The GP or pain consultant decides, with you, the best course of action for whatever your condition is.
You wouldn't give someone with a mild headache morphine any more than give someone with a back trauma aspirin.
Be interested to hear Trekstar 22, what has happened to make you ask this?
Pat x
Hello Trekster22, I wasn't aware of any rule about proving Tramadol was the right drug for your needs. In fact I believe at one time it was suggested that doctors were steering clear of prescribing such drugs due to addiction fears, when such drugs could be helpful in long term pain. They are however a more expensive option and Tramadol is one of the less addictive. I have taken them for ten years now on and off with no query, but that is because I cannot take other painkillers because of other health issues. Only change is the dosage and having to sign for them at the chemist. So if this is the best drug for you there should be no problem getting a prescription for them. Hope this helps you, it could be some government initiative to save money that your GP is trying to implement in your practice.
Never heard of this, I take a cocktail of drugs including one of the newest controlled ones on the market, I have never been asked to justify it, to anyone. A few curious inquiries as to how I'm getting on with it. I'm with katieoxo60, someone is tying to save money.
Hi what is the name of the new drug your on? Many thanks x
Tapentadol the other name is Palexia, although if you are state side it is known by other names as well. I only take a small dose as it makes my blood pressure drop and I can't stand up ! It was prescribed by my pain clinic consultant, I'm not sure if your G.P is able to give it out yet. I have major problems with all pain killers so I am not typical patient. I hope you can get some relief.
I was in A&E a few weeks back and the doctor asked why I take Tramadol and once I went though the place's I have Arthritis and the 3 compression fractures in my back. he just said "Fair enough"
Hello thanks for your advice everyone. Every 6 months they insist on lecturing me about tramadol being addictive. It's possible that I've accidentally ordered them earlier because ive misplaced them. I've been on them for 3 years.
I'm in North Somerset PCT how can i find out who controls this policy?
I thought GPs were supposed to carry out medication reviews from time to time just to check that the patient is ok on them.... Perhaps your GP is just doing their job. Mine never bother. I should have my bp checked at review but that never happens... Have you got the wrong end of the stick here and being a bit defensive? Just checking.... Best wishes
Im very upset by this GPs attitude towards me, it wasn't my regular GP. im autistic i dont get defensive. He was lecturing me about them being addictive (meaning for everyone which isnt true and treating me like a drug addict which i dont appreciate being a long term pain patient.
I'm really sorry to hear you're upset with this locum GP. It's often hard for both parties to get their messages across and people can take offence particularly when suffering chronic pain. This GP may have an unfortunate hectoring type patient approach so it's difficult to see they are trying to help. Some are just not good with people. Hope you're feeling better now....
ive made a complaint about his manner towards me especially the "you cant get what you ask for". GPs blaming multiple disability patients like me on the failing of the NHS just isnt on.
It's good to get it off your chest and for that GP to get constructive feedback about his approach. Good for you! 😜
There isn't any policy to find out about. Your surgery decides how much it spends on druss each to a person's needs.
What does concern me, and others I imagine, is you lislaying your medication.
Is there a reason for you losing them? All prescription drugs should be kept safe and secure for obvious reasons.
x
They told me they have to follow the rules and they're the same for everyone. ive found a copy of the controlled drugs policy and will ask my support worker if they asked to see ID, if they didnt then i know it's just them making stuff up as they go along and i will go to PALS.
i misplace my meds but im the only person living in this house. ive got home help visiting me most days and the meds are away from children. i normally keep a strip in my car (i can drive on tramadol it doesnt cause me to be drowsy). If i used a safe i would forget the code.
I have taken Tramadol for a long time with no problem. However the pain clinic put me on a high dose of fentanyl patches ( stronger than morphine) and I have just had to withdraw because they now consider they are bad for your immune system and addictive. Apparently now you have to sign a contract for only a small amount and are taken off them quickly. I was on them for 5 years. Unfortunately Gabapentine the replacement isn't really effective.
I have been on klonipin for 30 yrs because of major problems that began back the. It was the only drug after trying numerous ones, and having ptss
as part of problems. I was non-functional, seeing shrink till I finally got on klonipin and it serves me well. I know I am addicted and just like meds for serious pain I have to be on it. Now my insurance and a Doctor with them are trying to get me to stop. My nurse practioner had to fill out paper work to try and prove why I had to get on them and stay on them. I am waiting to hear if they are going to stop them. They are expensive but I pay $70/month and insurance pays their half. I don't know what will happen to me if they do this! I have spinal cord injury, PN, PTSS, along with many other problems! Self cath, disimpact, etc! I am terrified as I will end up in some instituation!!! My psychologist has to advocate for me also! Why out of the blue are they doing this??? I have NEVER ABUSED MY MEDS!!!
PleasE help if you can!!!! Why don't they leave us in peace????
trishj46
Can you ask your shrink if you can try a different form of therapy and then come off the meds when you are ready? Is there a drug which can help with the withdrawal effects? EMDR for my PTSS has meant i can express pain in more socially acceptable ways.
safe hugs
Hello Esie 49 what strength have you been on? Fentanyl
x
I was on 120mcg. It took me 8 months to withdraw.
David has 100 with extra 25 for flair ups but that is too much for him. Been on them over 8 years cos gabapentin no good. Apart from regular drug reviews GP and pain consultant seem happy with this. I can't think of any alternative, which he has tried and work, if he had to come off them.
x
I suppose every pain clinic has different rules. I am on bupropion an antidepressant which helps with withdrawal. I saw my psychiatrist once a week and a psychologist from the pain clinic. I do have more pain but feel much better off them. I really believe they can't find anything to help with the pain. After a while you become tolerant to the patches and they don't work.
Gabapentin caused behavioural problems and severe drowsiness without pain relief. Amitryptiline caused severe depression yes anti depressants do cause depression in me. Co codamol i managed to come off without any withdraw effects but caused severe constipation.
Dr is going to discuss the medication situation in a few weeks time when i see my medical notes.
Hi everyone, yes I agree tramadol is for people that can't take narcotics, or don't want too, if it works for you ,that's all that matters. Anyone dealing with lower back issues, or surgery like me.
I have been on Tramadol for a few years now and I only take them when my pain gets to be totally unbearable almost to the extent of tears (which seems to be getting more frequent). I cant take co codomol and patches had no effect on my pain at all just gave me nausea. Tramadol makes me sleepy and a bit spaced out but it is the only thing that will ease my pain. Gentle hugs Joolz.x
You dont need ID to collect tramadol according to 1 pharmacist.
I am fascinated by this thread and still waiting to find out what it is really about.
See what your Doc says Trekster11.
Pat x
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Please confirm me if there is any fact about this rule because I didn't ever hear about any such rule from my physician.
tramadol is a controlled drug so the GP does have to check with the patient every so often. i will find out in a few weeks time whether the rule can be relaxed for chronic pain patients such as us. You dont need ID to pick up the prescription though.
I get asked for id at doctors for tramadol now as it classed as control drug. Been taking it for 6 years and now have to take co codamol 30/500 with them as they have stopped working.
Been on tramadol since last year may never heard anything about this the GP dos phone me asking about amitriptyline if it was working and how much I was taking but nothing about tramadol I have told the GP I see what dose I take
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CRPS how did this affect your life in the long term?
