![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Stone on May 27, 2010, at 19:39:43
I've been on 2x50mg of Tramadol for around 10 months now for pain management. I've recently had surgery now to correct the problem and I now need to come off Tramadol.
The thing is, I have an anxiety and depression problem and Tramadol kept that at bay (since Tramadol has SNRI properties) while I wasn't on an anti-depressant and I'm afraid that when I taper off I will get panic attacks and suicidal feelings again - not to mention terrible withdrawal symptoms.
I am wondering if it is possible to taper down slowly off Tramadol and introduce an anti-depressant (SSRI/SNRI)? This is so I am then on something to help control my anxiety and depresison longterm.
I am not sure what the interactions are by tapering down but I am aware serotonin syndrome is always a risk with tramadol along side any other SSRI/SNRI but like I said I am not sure whether this is still relevant when switching.
Thanks
Posted by Phillipa on May 27, 2010, at 21:57:13
In reply to Avoiding tramadol withdrawals, posted by Stone on May 27, 2010, at 19:39:43
Did your doc have any suggestions? Glad surgery fixed the problem but it seems quite a few people then are left to find a way off the pain med. Do you see a pdoc? Phillipa
Posted by Stone on May 28, 2010, at 3:53:46
In reply to Re: Avoiding tramadol withdrawals » Stone, posted by Phillipa on May 27, 2010, at 21:57:13
> Did your doc have any suggestions? Glad surgery fixed the problem but it seems quite a few people then are left to find a way off the pain med. Do you see a pdoc? Phillipa
My doc doesn't really have a clue about what to do. I've got to figure this out on my own and then present my proposal of what I think I should do to him.
I do also see a pdoc but once again, has no clue in regards to how tramadol works and how to switch from it.
I've basically got to figure it out on my own and then suggest how I might go about doing it and if they like what I've proposed they will let me do it and provide a prescription of what I need. However there is little to no information about tapering off tramadol and going on something else which makes it difficult - hence why I am posting here.
Posted by floatingbridge on May 28, 2010, at 19:37:30
In reply to Re: Avoiding tramadol withdrawals, posted by Stone on May 28, 2010, at 3:53:46
Hi Stone, I can't provide any information for you. I do have a question for you, if I may ask.
How did you transition from whatever ad to tramadol? I currently take 50 pristiq and would like to start tramadol/ultram.
Thanks for any information.
Congratulations on your successful surgery--that must be a great feeling.
Best regards,
fb
Posted by Phillipa on May 28, 2010, at 20:22:27
In reply to Re: Avoiding tramadol withdrawals » Stone, posted by floatingbridge on May 28, 2010, at 19:37:30
Stone are there any addiction specialists in your area? As maybe they could help you design a plan? Phillipa ps not saying your're addicted just need help in figuring out how to stop the medication.
Posted by Stone on May 29, 2010, at 17:35:18
In reply to Re: Avoiding tramadol withdrawals, posted by Phillipa on May 28, 2010, at 20:22:27
floatingbridge, in answer to your question I wasn't on any anti-depressant when I started Tramadol. I came off my anti-depressants long before I started taking tramadol because I was getting too many side-effects on the particular one that I was taking. Then when I developed a health problem which needed surgery not long after, my doctor advised that I go on Tramadol to deal with the pain while I wait for my surgery.
Phillipa, there are addicition specialists in my area but I fear they will want to get me off it too quickly or perhaps even cold turkey. I have heard some really bad horror stories about how addiction specialists have made people do stupid things with their medications in my area. This is why I am reluctant to approach one. I want to do my research and go equipped with the knowledge when I go see my doctor. This is so I can make sure whatever plan is made is done right and not foolishly rushed.
Posted by floatingbridge on May 29, 2010, at 20:00:08
In reply to Re: Avoiding tramadol withdrawals, posted by Stone on May 29, 2010, at 17:35:18
Hi Stone, if I come across any good reading, I'll post--though my reading takes me in the other direction.
Did I mention the online board called dailystrength.org? Tons of support groups exchanging info. A possible resource....
Posted by Phillipa on May 29, 2010, at 20:33:01
In reply to Re: Avoiding tramadol withdrawals » Stone, posted by floatingbridge on May 29, 2010, at 20:00:08
Stone I don't blame you as here in NC not even a pain clinic will prescribe tramadol. I've asked two of my docs. Sad isn't it when you know they work? Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.