Tramadol

[Retallack]

Morning, I am on 6/5.5mgs taper over 5 weeks and all going well so far. I have had an MRI of my left hip as I have been having pain and limited movement since last September. It shows moderate osteoarthritis and a cyst in the hip which is obviously rubbing on nerves, causing the pain. Due to see an Orthopaedic Surgeon in 2 weeks. I asked my GP if there is any pain relief I can take on my "bad days" (Paracetamol doesn't cut it) and she has prescribed Tramadol. On researching it it appears that you have to take it daily and I only want something for when the pain is excruciating. Does anyone have any experience of taking Tramadol or have an alternative suggestion please ? Thank you in advance.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I suspect that that is for ongoing pain conditions - in fact all painkillers work better then when taken regularly to prevent the pain developing in the first place so you need to take it before the pain returns in those cases.

A quick trawl found a few studies relating to use of tramadol for acute pain and I am fairly sure my nurse daughter was given it for acute pain. I can't see why you can't use the tramadol like that,

An alternative would be cocodamol (paracetamol plus codeine) - you can get the low codeine dose version OTC but the high codeine dose is on prescription only. Beware with them both though - constipation is a risk with either so don't let that get established if you need more than the odd few doses.

[powerwalk]

I've used Tramadol only on an occasion as opposed to ongoing. Ive used it in the past for very severe bladder pain when I was working and just couldnt face the day sitting there, also for severe leg pain (i have fibro). I will say that for ME its an smazing painkiller, like this is what life would be like for a normal person, BUT i only take it extremely rarely as I feel like hell the next day, even only taking one, but I am very bad with meds generally. If it suits you I dont see why you couldnt take it when you need it, it would be great to find something for when you are bad. I would if I was ok next day. You could try and if it doesnt suit, maybe something else might. Good luck.

[123mossie]

I found tramadol quite strong, like you I only needed pain relief (hip) intermittently. Gp prescribed Zapain, which is codeine 30mgm with paracetamol 500mgm.I found it very effective, I usually took only one but two is the prescribed dose. Codeine does cause constipation, so extra fluids and regular lactulose

worked for me. Its also addictive, something to be aware of. Good luck with the ortho, hope you get on a list fairly soon.

[piglette]

I was given Tramadol for my hip pain. It is an opiod and in my opinion works very well. It does cause constipation, but I just took it when I needed it.

[Croft9232]

Same for me. I take it infrequently, only when OA very bad, it does give me insomnia, but does work for relief of pain.

[Retallack in reply to Croft9232]

Thank you, that is good to know.

[Purplecrow]

The following is my opinion...I am not a doctor...just an informed consumer of this drug.

I am currently detoxing off tramadol, after using it daily for 6 weeks. The pain relief for sciatica was adequate, but there is another component in the pill, which made it problematic. Tramadol should not be taken with SSRI anti-depressive meds, such as sertraline, escitalopram, venlafaxine, and others, because it has a similar effect of reducing the reuptake of serotonin in the brain.

There is risk of developing serotonin syndrome as a result of using both Tramadol and these drugs. Several other drugs are contraindicated as well, some antibiotics, etc.

Again, I am not a medical professional...you should do your research, perhaps discussing with your pharmacist ...to see if any of your medications put you at risk when using this drug.

Kind regards, Jerri

[Bcol]

My OH has Fibro and uses Tramadol on the occasions when she needs it and has no problem with taking it as needed rather than on a regular basis. I use Co-Codamol 30/500 (prescription only) if/when I need it for my OA.

[Retallack in reply to Bcol]

Thank you.

[Constance13]

Paracetamol didn't cut it for me either but Cocodamol (30/500) does.

[betsgirl]

Some years ago my husband was prescribed Tramadol for an ongoing stomach related problem. Admittedly he was on it for a few years but we discovered after some time that on the days when he mistakenly forgot to take a tablet, he would feel quite unwell the following day (he would experience flu like symptoms and have to stay in bed all day) and it took some research ( and discussion with the GP) to link the symptoms of these days to realise that he was experiencing "withdrawal effects" of Tramadol, which is an opioid, and a very strong medication. It took him some time to be "weaned off" Tramadol and obviously he has never been prescribed it again. However, I am sure that your GP will discuss with you whether it is suitable to be taken on an "ad hoc" basis, as opposed to a regular daily therapy for your pain. I hope that you find relief in whatever you are prescribed and that you get your hip sorted out.

[Harleyhoo]

I’ve been on tremadol for many years now, I was prescribed this pain killer to take the place of excessive narcotics or in my case the extra morphine I am was prescribed. It really helped me have a better quality of life with regards to conversing with others and helped lift me from being disconnected with life really. It’s effects are only good if you take it regularly so as to let it take and stay effective. Be relieved that you aren’t prescribed narcotic forms as I have been on morphine for over 30 years now with my condition and it doesn’t take long before you get addicted.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Harleyhoo]

Tramadol IS an opiod - aka narcotic.

[Jane424]

Hi, Am so sorry about your pain. I am on tramadol for chronic pain and it doesn't work for my PMR. Yes, it is something for long term use, but there is a short term version, which I take for breakthrough pain. It is called Tramacet and is Tramadol + acetaminophen (which makes the tramadol work better.) I take half a pill and it helps. Mainly, I take 8 hour Tylenol through the night and find tylenol helps the aching part of PMR. Good luck. Jane