Posted by paxvox on July 23, 2003, at 16:46:01
In reply to Re: Ultram dose, posted by Ame Sans Vie on July 22, 2003, at 19:56:08
Ultram mimics opioids, and is techically considered an opioid pharmacologically. It seems that this "info" has only become apparent in the literature over the past few years. Only recently have I read about its use as an antidepressant. Interestingly, it is NOT considered or treated as a contolled substance in the U.S. even though it is described by its manufacturer as having "a potential to cause psychic and physical dependence of the morphine-type." Tramadol and its metabolites, bind to the same M-1 opioid receptors in the brain as other opiods and opiates. Its antidepressant qualities probably come from the fact that it "has shown to inhibit reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin...as have some of the other opioid analgesics." This information is from the manufacturer of Ultram, Ortho-MCNeil, as printed in the PDR. I have long been a proponent of opioid/opiate use as legitimate antidepressants when used and prescribed RESPONSIBLY. Of course, the great fear of addiction make their use far too controversial for mainstream docs to want to mess with. Ultimately, I believe we will discover quite a bit more about brain chemistry in the coming years that may help chase away this stigma. As with most change, however, it requires time for a paradigm shift to take effect.
PAX
poster:paxvox
thread:243298
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030723/msgs/244597.html