Tramadol now classified a narcotic, thinking of quitting pain killers

MattB

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I'm so vindicated. Had to go to the docs today because apparently they won't refill Tramadol anymore unless I go in once a month to get a refill. See, they finally figured out that it is a narcotic, which I've been telling the docs who kept prescribing it to me that it was, or at least acted like one pretty dang closely. They kept going back to their brochures or computers and saying that it wasn't a narcotic.

I was prescribed the med for my lower back pain which I've been experiencing since a soccer accident in high school. They said it was a non-narcotic and that I won't go through withdrawals or any other similar side effects. Boy, were they wrong. That stuff had a monster withdrawal symptoms. If I forgot to take one, or if I developed a tolerance (which I did over the years), I'd wake up dizzy, feeling absolutely miserable, and have no energy to do anything but lie in bed. There were a few times in the past where the pharmacy wouldn't have the meds ready and I'd be completely out. It's crazy how bad the withdrawals can be.

Anyway, I decided to ask the doc to wean me off the pain killers today and I'm thinking I'll go back to doing some physical therapy and see if that doesn't do anything to alleviate or make the pain go away. I was told 10 years ago that exercise or physical therapy wouldn't do anything for the back pain, but I'm not so sure I believe that anymore. I just can't keep sitting around or avoiding heavy work at my age, it's just too emasculating. I grew up playing sports, was very active, and I don't like being out of shape. I think it's time I do something about it.
 
I'm so vindicated. Had to go to the docs today because apparently they won't refill Tramadol anymore unless I go in once a month to get a refill. See, they finally figured out that it is a narcotic, which I've been telling the docs who kept prescribing it to me that it was, or at least acted like one pretty dang closely. They kept going back to their brochures or computers and saying that it wasn't a narcotic.

I was prescribed the med for my lower back pain which I've been experiencing since a soccer accident in high school. They said it was a non-narcotic and that I won't go through withdrawals or any other similar side effects. Boy, were they wrong. That stuff had a monster withdrawal symptoms. If I forgot to take one, or if I developed a tolerance (which I did over the years), I'd wake up dizzy, feeling absolutely miserable, and have no energy to do anything but lie in bed. There were a few times in the past where the pharmacy wouldn't have the meds ready and I'd be completely out. It's crazy how bad the withdrawals can be.

Anyway, I decided to ask the doc to wean me off the pain killers today and I'm thinking I'll go back to doing some physical therapy and see if that doesn't do anything to alleviate or make the pain go away. I was told 10 years ago that exercise or physical therapy wouldn't do anything for the back pain, but I'm not so sure I believe that anymore. I just can't keep sitting around or avoiding heavy work at my age, it's just too emasculating. I grew up playing sports, was very active, and I don't like being out of shape. I think it's time I do something about it.

Believe it or not people have experienced withdrawal symtoms after stopping statins. Tramadol was considered a "narcotic-like" pain reliever by the DEA and FDA. I didn't know they made it official.

You're making the right move. Physical therapy will definitely help. Try to get into physical therapy while you are weaning off, it helps. After you complete the physical therapy they will set you up with an exercise program to keep you in shape.

Best of luck!
 
Technically it's not official, but will be in 6 days. That didn't stop the doc/pharmacy from making me come in to get a refill, though.

But yeah, I'm looking forward to moving forward with physical therapy. Even if it doesn't address the back pain, I bet I'll still feel better being in better shape than I am now.

Here's a news article about Tramadol moving to a Schedule IV classification: http://www.medpagetoday.com/EmergencyMedicine/EmergencyMedicine/46717
 
its a synthetic opiates, and can be nasty if try take more dosage to get this 'high' higher....
 
I hope things get better.... having pain is never fun to deal with. Painkillers can be addicting and can be OD sometimes. Authorities are cracking down on trafficking when someone gives/passes the drug to someone else. It's is like trafficking which can land you in jail.

I hope it works out for you with the pain you're dealing with. :)
 
ibuprofen and paracetamol works well in combination but the ibu is harsh on the tummy be sure you EAT before you have a dose
 
Been fighting low/mid back pain since i was 21, chiro and phys theraphy didnt do anything, pain meds help ( vico/perc ) but still doesnt cure it... even on the pain meds I still feel the pain, all it does is numb the sharp bolts of lighting I get when I move around...some damn near taking me to my knees from time to time, even had a few spells where Id just drop, pain hits and legs just buckle for no apparent reason (even just standing around doing nothing) standing or sitting for long periods get unbearable, have to constantly move to stay comfortable. Laying on my back is somewhat ok, forget about laying on my side or stomache... worst pain i ever get.
 
Been fighting low/mid back pain since i was 21, chiro and phys theraphy didnt do anything, pain meds help ( vico/perc ) but still doesnt cure it... even on the pain meds I still feel the pain, all it does is numb the sharp bolts of lighting I get when I move around...some damn near taking me to my knees from time to time, even had a few spells where Id just drop, pain hits and legs just buckle for no apparent reason (even just standing around doing nothing) standing or sitting for long periods get unbearable, have to constantly move to stay comfortable. Laying on my back is somewhat ok, forget about laying on my side or stomache... worst pain i ever get.

Funny. I have an old rib injury that's a bother when I'm on my back or on either side, but when I lay on my stomach that's when I'm most comfortable, and I never thought I would be comfortable this way, but it has helped me sleep better.
 
Hey give these a try:Naproxen sod 550mg

It's a heavy duty antiinflamitorie. I have had two serious back surgeries (one requiring me to learn how to walk again). I have been on a laundry list of serious pain killers and in all honesty this was the only thing that helped and didn't make me feel high. I can't say it will work the same for you but it's worth a try.
Good luck!
 
Hey give these a try:Naproxen sod 550mg

It's a heavy duty antiinflamitorie. I have had two serious back surgeries (one requiring me to learn how to walk again). I have been on a laundry list of serious pain killers and in all honesty this was the only thing that helped and didn't make me feel high. I can't say it will work the same for you but it's worth a try.
Good luck!

That stuff did work for me. Problem is, it requires a prescription for that high a dose, but they do have the 220 mg in stores, though, but not strong enough.
 
sorry one more thing..
One reason for the back to give out (buckle over) is inflammation causing pressure on the nerves. When you have a flair up Give the antiinflamitorie a try and alternate hot pack / cold pack. 10 -15min each. Best of luck!
 
I've been taking 800mg ibuprofen to help with the tramadol, and will continue taking it after I've quit the pain killer. It does help a little bit.

I'll look into Naproxen if physical therapy doesn't work out. I'd like to eliminate any and all medications that I can get away with.

Been fighting low/mid back pain since i was 21, chiro and phys theraphy didnt do anything, pain meds help ( vico/perc ) but still doesnt cure it... even on the pain meds I still feel the pain, all it does is numb the sharp bolts of lighting I get when I move around...some damn near taking me to my knees from time to time, even had a few spells where Id just drop, pain hits and legs just buckle for no apparent reason (even just standing around doing nothing) standing or sitting for long periods get unbearable, have to constantly move to stay comfortable. Laying on my back is somewhat ok, forget about laying on my side or stomache... worst pain i ever get.

Oddly, I'm more comfortable on my sides. Lying on my back hurts after a while. I can't even remember the last time I was able to lie on my stomach without my back cramping up on me like crazy.
 
I've been taking 800mg ibuprofen to help with the tramadol, and will continue taking it after I've quit the pain killer. It does help a little bit.

I'll look into Naproxen if physical therapy doesn't work out. I'd like to eliminate any and all medications that I can get away with.



Oddly, I'm more comfortable on my sides. Lying on my back hurts after a while. I can't even remember the last time I was able to lie on my stomach without my back cramping up on me like crazy.

800 wow that's alot, i was on 400 6 weeks ago, then 2 weeks later got sick of stomuch upsets from it so went down to 200, then for the last 3 weeks i spaced it 2 -3 days apart, and now on para+codine again 2 2-3 days apart, it seem not to work that well, so gonna go back 1 para/codine and 1 ibu as combo and at 2 days apart to avoid addiction and stomuch upset ( i eat too but i just flatly dont like ibu on the tummy but excellent painkiller/anti inflamtion thats its dual purpose i guess) I have a broken shoulder , had a fall, stupid dogs tangled me with the leash and i and banged straight on the concrete , in such a way it just pinpoint on the edge of the shoulder grrrrr....painful!!
 
Not everybody gets addict to narcotics. Everybody is different, mattb. U clearly proved urself that u dont have addiction personality. I take opiates for almost 4 years and i hate them. I always wait to the point where pain has been persist for too long or i hit like 8 to 10 for more than 15 min, i take it. I dont like man made dope at all.
U got same problem i have with back, spine is not funny thing to deal with. Pt is a good treatment.
 
Technically it's not official, but will be in 6 days. That didn't stop the doc/pharmacy from making me come in to get a refill, though.

But yeah, I'm looking forward to moving forward with physical therapy. Even if it doesn't address the back pain, I bet I'll still feel better being in better shape than I am now.

Here's a news article about Tramadol moving to a Schedule IV classification: Now What? DEA Tosses Tramadol in Schedule IV

Thanks for the link. You gotta laugh though. Tramadol is actually synthetic.
A synthetic narcotic, is that possible?
 
Not everybody gets addict to narcotics. Everybody is different, mattb. U clearly proved urself that u dont have addiction personality. I take opiates for almost 4 years and i hate them. I always wait to the point where pain has been persist for too long or i hit like 8 to 10 for more than 15 min, i take it. I dont like man made dope at all.
U got same problem i have with back, spine is not funny thing to deal with. Pt is a good treatment.

It looks like you will be in physical therapy yourself. Are they giving you any pain medications ? Best of luck with your recovery.
 
I totally understand wanting to cut back rather then rack up more. Just to let you know aleve is a low dose of Naproxen which is offered over-the-counter.
Lol! I probably sound like a nut pushing this med but in all honesty it has allowed me to get back to living my life (upright.. and not looking like the evolution of man every time I get up! lol).
 
Oh yes am on plenty of narcotic pain killer, waiting for physical therapy. What sonovo just mention is true. Pt not always work but its a good start. I never had luck with pt so with condition i am in, all i can say is wait n see.
Broken first bone in back spine not neck is the worst, pt wont help take away pain.
Will explain more later. Im now in full body pain and sore.

It looks like you will be in physical therapy yourself. Are they giving you any pain medications ? Best of luck with your recovery.
 
800 wow that's alot, i was on 400 6 weeks ago, then 2 weeks later got sick of stomuch upsets from it so went down to 200, then for the last 3 weeks i spaced it 2 -3 days apart, and now on para+codine again 2 2-3 days apart, it seem not to work that well, so gonna go back 1 para/codine and 1 ibu as combo and at 2 days apart to avoid addiction and stomuch upset ( i eat too but i just flatly dont like ibu on the tummy but excellent painkiller/anti inflamtion thats its dual purpose i guess) I have a broken shoulder , had a fall, stupid dogs tangled me with the leash and i and banged straight on the concrete , in such a way it just pinpoint on the edge of the shoulder grrrrr....painful!!

Yikes, that does sound painful on the shoulder. Dogs can be unpredictable at times. I nearly had a fall when I was walking two lapdogs and a loose came up wanting to fight. I had to pick up both dogs and put them under both arms and this dog was jumping up on my leg trying to get at the other two dogs while I walked fast back towards the house. Nearly fell multiple times until I growled loud at the dog which, somehow, scared him back a bit.

The 800mg is a prescription, although you could take 800mg from the ibuprofen bought at stores. Oddly, though, I've found the stuff from the stores doesn't do as well as the prescription. Which doesn't seem right, because I thought all ibuprofen are the same, just the dosage could be different.

Ibuprofen doesn't seem to affect my stomach, but I do snack a lot during the course of the day, so that may have something to do with it.
 
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