Tramadol Helps with Exhaustion

Posted by keeptrying @keeptrying, Dec 6, 2017

Besides the constant pain, the exhaustion of trying to carry around 2 dead, numb legs (I call logs) exhausts me until I can do nothing. My neurologist prescribed a minimal dose of Tramadol for pain, but it is wonderfully effective at giving me some ENERGY so I can just do simple basic tasks. Anyone else either have this extreme fatigue or a Tramadol experience?

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

I found out by accident that tramadol significantly improves my restless leg syndrome. I take 50mg twice a day...once after lunch another 2-3 hrs before bed. I used to get excessively tired mid day with uncontrollable yawning and my RLS would go off the charts. I noticed that if I took the 50mg tramadol mid day BEFORE these symptoms, they would not occur. So not that tramadol gives me energy per se, but it prevents a horrible energy crash and a terrible onset of RLS symptoms. When I first began using tramadol 10 years ago or more, I did notice that when i would take my earlier dose (usually to prevent symptoms while flying), I would be in more pleasant mental state, prompting me to refer to it as my happy pill early on. That aspect has subsided or is much less noticeable.

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@dotscott

I found out by accident that tramadol significantly improves my restless leg syndrome. I take 50mg twice a day...once after lunch another 2-3 hrs before bed. I used to get excessively tired mid day with uncontrollable yawning and my RLS would go off the charts. I noticed that if I took the 50mg tramadol mid day BEFORE these symptoms, they would not occur. So not that tramadol gives me energy per se, but it prevents a horrible energy crash and a terrible onset of RLS symptoms. When I first began using tramadol 10 years ago or more, I did notice that when i would take my earlier dose (usually to prevent symptoms while flying), I would be in more pleasant mental state, prompting me to refer to it as my happy pill early on. That aspect has subsided or is much less noticeable.

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Hello @dotscott, Welcome to Connect. Since you mentioned restless leg syndrome, I thought you may also be also be interested in the following discussions

-- Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and Opioids: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/rls-and-opioids/
-- Is restless leg (RLS) related to seratonin syndrome? Tips for relief?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/restless-leg-syndrome-3/

Are you able to share what you were searching for when you found Connect?

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Pregabalin has just about eliminated my RLS.

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@jazz4hire

I know this post is 3 years old but WOW .. everything you stated in your post concerning Tramadol and its affects on you are very similar to mine. I get a burst of clarity / energy or more of an anti depressant effect after taking it. I can think clearly and I am not inhibited by heavy issues in my life. I try to be mindful and cognizant of whether this is just a "feel good" feeling like someone may feel when they get high? I have never smoked weed o done recreational drugs before, so I can't really speak to how they feel, but the best way i can explain my feeling is that I feel more "NORMAL" with some undeniable euphoric feeling, but its more a matter of clarity for me. Another side effect is that my sinus and allergy issues all but subside when I take Tramadol. Just want to leave this post in case someone else was experiencing the same thing and had questions as well.

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Lol I know I'm now 4 years behind from seeing this, But my reactions are the same It's a good feeling that helps me get a lot of work done and Im happy to speak to people on the phone. ( My job requires me to make a lot of calls). it also never helped really for pain. Would you guys know of an alternative to this medication to keep receiving that "Feel Good" feeling? I have only been prescribed tramadol for a short-term surgery I had on my foot and I'm all out. I found this website while searching for alternatives to this medication. How can I obtain a regular prescription for this as well?

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@zagla

Lol I know I'm now 4 years behind from seeing this, But my reactions are the same It's a good feeling that helps me get a lot of work done and Im happy to speak to people on the phone. ( My job requires me to make a lot of calls). it also never helped really for pain. Would you guys know of an alternative to this medication to keep receiving that "Feel Good" feeling? I have only been prescribed tramadol for a short-term surgery I had on my foot and I'm all out. I found this website while searching for alternatives to this medication. How can I obtain a regular prescription for this as well?

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Remember, this is classified as an opioid.

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@zagla

Lol I know I'm now 4 years behind from seeing this, But my reactions are the same It's a good feeling that helps me get a lot of work done and Im happy to speak to people on the phone. ( My job requires me to make a lot of calls). it also never helped really for pain. Would you guys know of an alternative to this medication to keep receiving that "Feel Good" feeling? I have only been prescribed tramadol for a short-term surgery I had on my foot and I'm all out. I found this website while searching for alternatives to this medication. How can I obtain a regular prescription for this as well?

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Hello @zagla and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Since you mentioned interest in continued use of Tramadol, it is worth mentioning what @cantab has shared also, that it is an opioid/controlled substance so you may face some challenges along the way. Here are a couple of articles that may be helpful.

- Is tramadol a narcotic opioid / controlled substance?:
https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/tramadol-narcotic-opioid-controlled-substance-3555992/
- Tramadol Alternatives – What Are Your Options?:
https://druggenius.com/alternatives/tramadol/
Is your main need for Tramadol for pain control?

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@johnbishop

Hello @keeptrying, welcome to Mayo Connect. I see this is your first post. I'm happy you found us. Connect is a great place to ask questions, share your health story and learn what others with similar health issues are doing for treatments. I'm tagging other Connect members who have talked about using Tramadol to see if they can share their experience. @barbararene, @mrfish, @techi, @vdouglas, @carpe_bean, @steeldove are you able to offer @keeptrying any information or experience with Tramadol?

@keeptrying do you have a diagnosis for your neuropathy? I have idiopathic small fiber neuropathy but only have the numbness and no pain in my legs so I've never had to take pain medications.

John

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I feel the same way..

I wake up every morning feeling very tired/fatigued and exhausted.

Sad to say as soon i take some capsules of tramadol, i feel automatically energized...am worried that I am getting addicted or dependent on tramadol

My worry is: does overuse of tramadol increase creatinine level and then lower eGFR?
KINDLY HELP

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@swajuihian

I feel the same way..

I wake up every morning feeling very tired/fatigued and exhausted.

Sad to say as soon i take some capsules of tramadol, i feel automatically energized...am worried that I am getting addicted or dependent on tramadol

My worry is: does overuse of tramadol increase creatinine level and then lower eGFR?
KINDLY HELP

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Welcome @swajuihian, I think worrying about long term use of any medication is pretty normal. I've had similar questions on a few medications I take also. Here's some information I found on that discusses the topic.

"When tramadol is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. However, people who have continuing pain should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using narcotics to relieve their pain." --- Tramadol (Oral Route) Side Effects - Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tramadol-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20068050

Have you discussed your concern with your doctor?

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@johnbishop

Welcome @swajuihian, I think worrying about long term use of any medication is pretty normal. I've had similar questions on a few medications I take also. Here's some information I found on that discusses the topic.

"When tramadol is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. However, people who have continuing pain should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using narcotics to relieve their pain." --- Tramadol (Oral Route) Side Effects - Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tramadol-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20068050

Have you discussed your concern with your doctor?

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Thanks so very much J bishop...I appreciate your concern and response

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@johnbishop

Welcome @swajuihian, I think worrying about long term use of any medication is pretty normal. I've had similar questions on a few medications I take also. Here's some information I found on that discusses the topic.

"When tramadol is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. However, people who have continuing pain should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using narcotics to relieve their pain." --- Tramadol (Oral Route) Side Effects - Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tramadol-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20068050

Have you discussed your concern with your doctor?

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Tranadol is a low level pain reliever. Take it as prescribed and you’ll be fine. If it really helps stay with it.

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