Tramadol Helps with Exhaustion

I was originally prescribed tramadol for arthritic pain in my knee. I had no idea at the time what to do about fatigue which could come and go. I didn't think more of it. The tramadol helped greatly. No side effects. I was fearful to tell my doctor about that tramadol was helpful for fatigue. In fact I told a internest about my fatigue and the strange feeling of saddness and he said it was all in my head and should see a shrink. After that I kept my mouth shut to this day. I told my primary in general clunical terms about experiencing depression. So over the years I have tried 10 or 12 different antidepressants. SSRI, DOPA RI, TRICYCLICS etc, etc. All had side affects that were nasty. I feared the clinic doctor would discontinue the tramadol because of the opioid crisis. But eight years later I still take one 50 mg morning and noon. That along with 2 to three cups of coffee per day I have moderate fatigue a couple times per week. My body creates some accustom but not total. Thats why I stick with this dosage and am able to work with what I have got. I feel sorry for people who can't find relief. As a note, my fatigue started after two years of extreme mental trama that caused me to live in a constant state of hypersympathetic.
Without the relief the tramadol gives I'd be divorced and living under a bridge. Also, I have spent thousands on private counseling with multible thearapies. For me it did not change my fatigue. Everybody is different. Keep that in mind all the time when seeking or giving an opinion.

I was originally prescribed tramadol for arthritic pain in my knee. I had no idea at the time what to do about fatigue which could come and go. I didn't think more of it. The tramadol helped greatly. No side effects. I was fearful to tell my doctor about that tramadol was helpful for fatigue. In fact I told a internest about my fatigue and the strange feeling of saddness and he said it was all in my head and should see a shrink. After that I kept my mouth shut to this day. I told my primary in general clunical terms about experiencing depression. So over the years I have tried 10 or 12 different antidepressants. SSRI, DOPA RI, TRICYCLICS etc, etc. All had side affects that were nasty. I feared the clinic doctor would discontinue the tramadol because of the opioid crisis. But eight years later I still take one 50 mg morning and noon. That along with 2 to three cups of coffee per day I have moderate fatigue a couple times per week. My body creates some accustom but not total. Thats why I stick with this dosage and am able to work with what I have got. I feel sorry for people who can't find relief. As a note, my fatigue started after two years of extreme mental trama that caused me to live in a constant state of hypersympathetic.
Without the relief the tramadol gives I'd be divorced and living under a bridge. Also, I have spent thousands on private counseling with multible thearapies. For me it did not change my fatigue. Everybody is different. Keep that in mind all the time when seeking or giving an opinion.

@diyguy I know that some people cannot tolerate Tramadol, but I'm with you...thank heavens for Tramadol. I'm surprised that you've been taking Tramadol for eight years, as I've heard/read that it isn't intended for long-term use. No side effects?

Hello @diyguy, welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing how tramadol helps you. Have you thought about any alternative treatments or therapy for your fatigue symptoms?

Here a few sites that may provide some helpful information.

Self-help tips to fight tiredness
-- https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-and-tiredness/self-help-tips-to-fight-fatigue/

Healthy Strategies for Fighting Fatigue
-- https://www.brainmdhealth.com/blog/healthy-strategies-for-fighting-fatigue-and-exhaustion/

How to Stop Feeling Tired All the Time
-- https://www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/home/articles/always-tired

My condition started after 2 years of living in life threatening situation which I have had to keep confidential to this day. I slept very little and maintained hypervigilance. Basically continous sympathetic systems ongoing. Even though I eventually recovered my ability to think and feel normal my body changed and my brain goes into spasms of hyper vigilance with very loud noise or agitated people. I tried it all. All. Its tramadol or live like a hermit. Nobody can know. Not even my doctor. But he knows there is more to my story. He is a very wise doctor. I live a double life.

Hello @keeptrying , welcome to the Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm sorry to hear you are dealing with an issue that causes a lot of constant pain and exhaustion. I find your reaction to Tramadol very informative and I appreciate @johnbishop connecting us so that I can share my experience using it with you.

I use Tramadol for moderate to severe joint pain. I am prescribed 50 mg 3 times daily but usually only take 50 mg to get me through my work day. I do not consider Tramadol a very effective pain medication but it does help and it's effects are unique. I take the 50 mg and about an hour later I feel a twinge of mild nausea that last maybe 30 minutes, I know the medication is kicking in when this occurs. I then feel unusually optimistic for about an hour, maybe two then it begins to taper off. By optimistic I mean that I want to become active, I begin to look forward to doing things at work and begin mentally planning after work projects. I had not thought of this as a boost in energy but more of an antidepressant effect. This reaction lasts for about 4 hours or slightly longer. I did ask my G.P. about this and got a funny look along with "Hmmmm".
I would add that I cannot sleep if I take Tramadol before bed. 4 hours before yes, but any sooner I will not sleep until the effects wear off. I am more alert driving and it never makes me drowsy and no euphoria.
I have read that Tramadol is closely related to some antidepressant medications and can have an antidepressant effect.
Maybe more than you needed to hear but it does have a unique effect.

@keeptrying do you find it difficult to sleep if you take it near your bedtime?

@vdouglas
Von