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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by herpills on July 13, 2014, at 14:16:06
My understanding is that it was already scheduled in a few states, but this will be on the federal level.
Posted by Phillipa on July 13, 2014, at 18:01:38
In reply to Tramadol becomes schedule IV substance next month, posted by herpills on July 13, 2014, at 14:16:06
Same as benzos then. I have no trouble getting RX for them? So is it a problem as it is a pain med same category as Darvocet? Phillipa
Posted by Beckett on July 17, 2014, at 19:24:02
In reply to Re: Tramadol becomes schedule IV substance next month » herpills, posted by Phillipa on July 13, 2014, at 18:01:38
Cr*p. I've been taking Ultram for years prescribed by our family doctor. It doesn't show in standard urine tests.
Posted by Phillipa on July 17, 2014, at 20:08:40
In reply to Re: Tramadol becomes schedule IV substance next month, posted by Beckett on July 17, 2014, at 19:24:02
Either do benzos unless they specifically test for them. I imagine the same is true of tramadol. What are the active ingredients in it? Anyone know?
Posted by brynb on July 18, 2014, at 9:10:38
In reply to Re: Tramadol becomes schedule IV substance next month » Beckett, posted by Phillipa on July 17, 2014, at 20:08:40
Hi guys-
I don't believe Tramadol shows up in urine or blood tests. Like other pain meds it does work on the mu receptors, but it's much "softer", really more of an"atypical" analgesic. It's has weak but rapid-acting SNRI properties, meaning you feel the antidepressant effects immediately, like within an hour. It's also has weak NMDA antagonist properties (works on glutamate, the largest receptor). It was originally designed to be "non-addictive", but naturally, *some* people do get high from it and have trouble getting off it.
My experience has been purely positive. It helps neuropathic/arthritic pain in my legs and arms, and, added to my Lexapro and Ativan, has been an amazing AD. I stumbled on it when I took it for the first time a few years ago for pain. I haven't had to raise my dose, and like any (psych) or other med, it's not a bad withdrawal if done correctly.
Feel free to correct me if my description of how it works chemically isn't right-on--that's not my forte.
I will say I think it ridiculous that it's scheduled. I've never experienced a high from it (and I had a substance abuse problem). The only thing to be careful of with Tramadol is that if you take SRIs or NRIs you need to stick to a low Tram dose as to avoid serotonin syndrome AND seizures.
-b
Posted by Beckett on July 18, 2014, at 12:57:42
In reply to Re: Tramadol becomes schedule IV substance next month, posted by brynb on July 18, 2014, at 9:10:38
I agree with b, and from what I know it is chemically related to effexor.
I use it for neuropathic pain in my feet, too. The AD effect has receeded after a number of years. But I haven't had to increase the dose! Which is really thrilling to me. A number of doctors have tried to dissuade me of it's efficacy treating neuropathic pain, but I had been through so many pain meds that did NOT work (including the darling, Lyrica) (and except for Cymbalta which I could not stomach but worked miraculously).
Posted by ed_uk2010 on July 18, 2014, at 13:31:59
In reply to Re: Tramadol becomes schedule IV substance next month, posted by Beckett on July 18, 2014, at 12:57:42
Tramadol was recently moved to Schedule 3 in the UK due to an increase in the number of deaths resulting from abuse. Just FYI.
Posted by Beckett on July 18, 2014, at 13:55:14
In reply to Re: Tramadol becomes schedule IV substance next month, posted by ed_uk2010 on July 18, 2014, at 13:31:59
If I accidentally double up, I get speedy, then very nauseous. I have wondered how extreme the abuse could be.
Posted by Phillipa on July 18, 2014, at 21:20:13
In reply to Re: Tramadol becomes schedule IV substance next month, posted by Beckett on July 18, 2014, at 13:55:14
My spinal neuro specialist suggested this to me when I said flat out no to Percocet as back, leg now also pain is unbearable at times. I might when see the PT guy on July 28 and let him know how pain is spreading have to schedule another appointment with neuro surgeon and accept the tramadol. I wasn't afraid of abuse I didn't like the idea of taking with lose dose SSRI. Not many choices here motrin is said to cause heart disease and stomach bleeding, Tylenol damages the liver. So you weight you options and go with the least harmful med. And who knows it could help in energy department as well. Phillipa
Posted by Christ_empowered on July 19, 2014, at 19:38:08
In reply to Re: Tramadol becomes schedule IV substance next month, posted by Phillipa on July 18, 2014, at 21:20:13
maybe you could ramp up the tramadol and drop the ssri?
Posted by Phillipa on July 19, 2014, at 20:23:01
In reply to Re: Tramadol becomes schedule IV substance next month, posted by Christ_empowered on July 19, 2014, at 19:38:08
I have none yet. If referring to me. But I do know that Percocet lifts my mood to almost high. Hence don't want something that strong. Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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