What are your experiences with tramadol ?

Posted by Always Hopeful @AlwaysHopeful, Jun 16, 2024

I have been taking tramadol for over 20 years. It was first prescribed for knee pain. This was the era when they did meniscus surgery. I'm sure the medication is not effective for me now, but it continues to be prescribed. Any other thoughts or experiences?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

It’s worked well for me over the years. When I had my knee replacement surgeries, I ended up taking something a lot stronger. Then once I got off of that that I went back on the tramadol.

REPLY
@mesor

I am a 75 year old female. I had the exact same experience as Dorma when my doctor first prescribed Tramadol for me. Ten years ago I had a TKR. After several rounds of PT, I continue with leg and knee pain 24/7. Three years ago, I fell and required a back surgery including a fusion of L4 and L5. I have done several rounds of PT which did very little. I continue with back pain daily but Tramadol takes the sharp edge off leg, knee and back pain.

Jump to this post

Today, I bragged to my doctor about my knees being painfree since the lazer treatment. Guess what? I'm experiening some knee pain! At least it is not as bad and I've been knee painfree for al most 2 weeks.
Do you have acetominiphen with your Tramadol?

REPLY

No, I don't use Tylenol with tramadol because Tylenol tends to make me drowsy. I don't need to be any slower. I do use aspirin with it as I have been instructed to use aspirin for heart disease.

REPLY

A rheumatologist offered me a trial pack of ten tablets, with clear instructions to titer up which I followed. When the pack ran out, I didn't feel it was particularly helpful so I didn't seek a prescription. When the pills ran out, I had a terrible response - I went to a very dark place. Fortunately these feelings passed in a few days, but it was a very disturbing experience especially given I had only taken it for about 2 weeks. I can't imagine what it would be like after having taken it for a long time. Be very careful not to go cold turkey, and even with a supervised withdrawal take great care and get help.

REPLY

I have tried Tramadol for my back pain. I am dizzy 24/7 for 6 years with no diagnosis after 6 doctors. Tramadol made me dizzier and gave me this weird disconnected feeling. I think this works well for some but I react badly to opioids.

REPLY

It relieves my pain but reduces my overall functioning by at least 15%. Have only used it twice since I cannot tolerate the side effects.

REPLY

Sheesh for all of the people who can't tolerate it, it's a wonder it made it through clinical trials.

REPLY
@elizadolittle

I started taking Tramadol after I developed spinal stenosis. Two pills plus Gabapentin five times a day, then 4 times a day. I tried my best to get off it after the operation. No luck. I'm taking it with acetomenophen 4 times a day. I'm not trying to get off it anymore. I've decided that at my age, if I become addicted, who cares? It beats the awful debilitating pain. My acupuncturist used a laser treatment on my knees about 1 1/2 weeks ago. Amazing! I've only the slightest feeling of sensitivity since. I'm going to see if she can do the same on my side.

Jump to this post

I can't take it or most drugs because of terrible reactions usually affecting my eyes.

REPLY

That's awful. Have you tried accupuncture or lazar treatment for pain? It helps me.

REPLY

It all depends on the dose. Try to use the smallest amount first for an hour (say 12.5 mg) to see if it works. If not increase to 25 mg. Do not consume alcohol while taking tramadol or you will regret it. The low dose works for me when ibuprofen or Tylenol are inadequate.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.