Shown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ConfuzyQ on June 17, 2005, at 8:50:22
Hi, am going to see my new pdoc again soon and would really appreciate having the following info first:
1. Could taking 25 to 75 mg. a day of tramadol (and nothing else), then stopping it the day before beginning a new drug trial (of any type), reasonably be expected to affect the trial? I have taken it this way for two-plus years, and when I've stopped for a day or two in the past, I don't seem to have withdrawals; but of course don't feel as good as I do with it (kind of restless, more emotional, not as level or content).
2. If it could have an effect, how many days in advance of starting a new solo trial of something should I stop taking it? I am probably going to have to try many single things to begin with, with my pdoc having me wait at least two weeks in between any that don't seem to help; and I would rather take the tramadol again during that time so that... I can feel better than I do without it.
(Optional) 3. If even in low dose, tramadol has had the best (if not only positive) effect on my organization and sense of well-being as anything tried so far (Zoloft, Prozac, Depakote, Wellbutrin, Ritalin, Adderall, Buspar, very short Strattera trial), does that point to Effexor as being the most likely "legit" med to help me? (That choice would concern me but I suppose I have to be open-minded.)
Thanks so much to anyone who can comment.
Posted by ConfuzyQ on June 20, 2005, at 8:55:25
In reply to Dear meds wizzes, need tramadol info before appt, posted by ConfuzyQ on June 17, 2005, at 8:50:22
Posted by 4WD on June 23, 2005, at 22:43:59
In reply to Dear meds wizzes, need tramadol info before appt, posted by ConfuzyQ on June 17, 2005, at 8:50:22
> Hi, am going to see my new pdoc again soon and would really appreciate having the following info first:
>
> 1. Could taking 25 to 75 mg. a day of tramadol (and nothing else), then stopping it the day before beginning a new drug trial (of any type), reasonably be expected to affect the trial? I have taken it this way for two-plus years, and when I've stopped for a day or two in the past, I don't seem to have withdrawals; but of course don't feel as good as I do with it (kind of restless, more emotional, not as level or content).
>
> 2. If it could have an effect, how many days in advance of starting a new solo trial of something should I stop taking it? I am probably going to have to try many single things to begin with, with my pdoc having me wait at least two weeks in between any that don't seem to help; and I would rather take the tramadol again during that time so that... I can feel better than I do without it.
>
> (Optional) 3. If even in low dose, tramadol has had the best (if not only positive) effect on my organization and sense of well-being as anything tried so far (Zoloft, Prozac, Depakote, Wellbutrin, Ritalin, Adderall, Buspar, very short Strattera trial), does that point to Effexor as being the most likely "legit" med to help me? (That choice would concern me but I suppose I have to be open-minded.)
>
> Thanks so much to anyone who can comment.I think that stopping the tramadol right before beginning a trial with a new med could definitely affect the outcome. How would you know whether how you were feeling was a result of the new med or of tramadol withdrawal? If you felt bad, it might just be because you were missing the tramadol.
Marsha
Posted by ConfuzyQ on June 24, 2005, at 0:40:47
In reply to Re: Dear meds wizzes, need tramadol info before appt » ConfuzyQ, posted by 4WD on June 23, 2005, at 22:43:59
> I think that stopping the tramadol right before beginning a trial with a new med could definitely affect the outcome. How would you know whether how you were feeling was a result of the new med or of tramadol withdrawal? If you felt bad, it might just be because you were missing the tramadol.
>
> Marsha
I do think that makes sense. But am hoping maybe someone can tell me how long it is before tramadol is out of the system, so that I can stop it that many days before starting a new thing. I know I don't have actual withdrawals when I don't take it, but as you said, I do miss it because I feel better with it... which is why I take it. So that aspect would continue. Same as it is with many med switches I would imagine.But I'd like to know how long it is until the actual presence of it is out of my system. Beyond that, I do believe I can sort out and be objective about whatever is strictly due to missing it, while I get on something new. (During that period, I would pretty much expect to be feeling kind of rotten anyway. ;) And I take so little, that from what I'm told, most people wouldn't even feel noticeably better from it in the first place.
Thanks for commenting Marsha. :)
Posted by SLS on June 24, 2005, at 6:34:18
In reply to Re: Dear meds wizzes, need tramadol info before appt » 4WD, posted by ConfuzyQ on June 24, 2005, at 0:40:47
Hi.
To answer your question: about 36 hours.
The half-life of tramadol is relatively short - 7 hours or less. I have seen most people determine the time it takes for a drug to reach a minimal concentration in the blood stream by multiplying by 5 the half-life. That yields 35 hours.
- Scott
Posted by ConfuzyQ on June 24, 2005, at 8:54:49
In reply to Re: Dear meds wizzes, need tramadol info before appt » ConfuzyQ, posted by SLS on June 24, 2005, at 6:34:18
Thanks Scott! And I think I'll at least double that, so I'll be in that state for a couple days where I get used to how I feel without it, so that that part is over.
I did broach tramadol with my new pdoc during our consult a couple weeks ago, in case it held any chemical clues to me that may translate to other meds that could work for me. But out of concern that he might jump to conclusions since he doesn't know me, I presented it as something I've taken for pain and then noticed made me feel and function better in other ways. But I think I will make it more clear next time. I do like all the cards to be on the table, just didn't want to raise any red flags right out of the gate, since in reality my nature is to use any potentially addictive drugs that I've had around for whatever purpose as conservatively as humanly possible, if at all.
I do hope he will agree that, during the two or so week period between any single-med trials that don't work, why not feel and function a little better during one of them, by taking the tram again. But I will do what he says.
Thanks again. :)
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