Posted by shelliR on May 12, 2001, at 18:04:15
In reply to Re: ULTRAM: EXCELLENT MED FOR OCD!! » cole, posted by Michele on May 12, 2001, at 15:49:30
> Cole,
>
> I know your post wasn't directed for me, but I thought I'd tell you what I know. I've been treated with this drug for a long time!
>
> Ultram is generic for Tramadol...so using that for a search, I'm sure you can find a ton of info
>
> It started out being prescribed for pain. That's what I took it for... now they are starting to find other things it is relieving as a nice little side effect. I've noticed my anxiety and depression has gotten better since taken it. What's even better.... is that since I thought it was strictly a pain med... I know the rest of what I am feeling is not placebo. It's really working for these other things!!
Michele, I thought you should have this information on ultram from Dr. Bob's tips before sharing its positive effects on depression and anxiety, without including a warning:
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 1996 12:29:30 -0800 (PST)
From: "H. Westley Clark" < [email protected] >
Subject: Potential of tramadol to cause addictionI just received in the mail the notice from Ortho-McNeil detailing the revised prescribing information
about tramadol.There have been 115 spontaneous domestic reports of drug abuse, dependence, withdrawal, or intentional
overdose. McNeil is making it clear that patients with histories of addiction or dependence on opiods
should not receive tramadol.From: [email protected]
Date: Thu, 13 Feb 1997 17:34:40 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Potential of tramadol to cause addictionEven though it is being touted as a non-addictive alternative to opiates for chronic pain, the PDR clearly
states that the drug has the potential to cause physiological addiction, craving, drug seeking, and
tolerance.I have seen two patients who came in addicted to Ultram (tramadol) with classic withdrawal symptoms
when they discontinued the drug. Both had a history of polysubstance dependence well known to their
primary care doctors -- who told them Ultram was safe for their chronic pain from orthopedic injuries.
They both had been clean and sober for years and now found themselves with addiction, craving, and
drug seeking behaviors again.I tried to refer one of them to an outpatient treatment program with a slow detox plan, but the insurance
company would not authorize it, saying that the patient could not possibly be addicted to Ultram! It was a
battle to get care for both of these patients. They feel duped by their doctors and the company who
manufactures and advertises Ultram as non-addictive!
poster:shelliR
thread:62628
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010507/msgs/62651.html