Opinions on instant release tramadol compared to slow release tramadol

[Lanadc88]

Hi guys doctor has changed me from instant to slow release tramadol has anyone benefitted from this. I was on 400mg a day instant tramadol along with oramorph plus a range of other meds but the doctor has given me only 200mg of slow release ? Are the slow release actually stronger than the usual ones and that’s why the dose is lowered ? Any opinions from people using slow release would be appreciated

[heatherevans28]

I much prefer slow release. I have taken tramadol instant and slow release. I then changed to dihydrocodeine instant, before moving to slow release.

I found that the slow release versions stopped the peaks and troughs you can get with instant. On instant I would take the tablet and quite quickly feel the benefit along with side effects such as feeling a bit spaced out and sleepy. It would then ease off and I would be in pain waiting for the next dose time.

With slow release I don't have any of the side effects and don't notice any dip in pain relief unless I take the second dose late. I dont think I even released how spaced out and tired I was until I switched to slow release. I now use instant for top up relief on really bad days which can be really useful (if you have consent of your doctors).

In terms of dosages, they can be different as they work in a very different way scientifically. I would just try it and see how you go. There's no harm as it's the same key ingredients so you shouldn't have any negative side effects. Plus they can always increase the dose if needed.

All the best x

[Lanadc88 in reply to heatherevans28]

Thank you that information is great! I use oramorph and paracetamol for break through pain but can you take ir tramadol with the slow release? I’m only asking as that way I can mention it to my doctor about using them inbetween if I have a particularly bad pain episode.

[heatherevans28 in reply to Lanadc88]

No worries. Yes you can. Obviously they will need to check any contraindications in your other medications, but there's no harm in asking.

[Lanadc88 in reply to heatherevans28]

Fantastic thank you I’ll mention it to my doctor when I next see her or give her a call and ask if I have significant breakthrough pain and see what she says because the oramorph and ir tramadol worked quite well together but the effects wore off quickly genes turning to slow release. So with thy and if I have a bad spell oramorph and ir tramadol instead of paracetamol should really give the pain a good kickin lol