Comments on: Tramacet

By: Judy Parry

Judy Parry — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:25:44 +0000

I omitted to add that I have chronic arthritus and a cracked and eroded hip………… I am only 57

By: Judy Parry

Judy Parry — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:24:40 +0000

I have severe spinal damage, fibromyalgia, IBS to name but a few. After the pain clinic have tried every painkiller going my doctor suggested I try the combination of Paracetamol and tramadol. EXCELLENT, I have long term pain, and chose only to use pain meds when I am in flare up. HOWEVER, I have had a gastric bypass (R.en.Y)As I now have a pouch and not a full stomach the affect of taking this combination caused terrible nausea and dizzyness, without sounding dramatic I felt I was dying. The only alternative I was offered was morphine patches which having used before do not want to go back on as they caused no end of problems with side affects. With the help of the pharisutical department in my hospital I have just been given Tramacet in the hope it will work the same without the side affects my bypass cause. Have you any knowledge of its reaction in bypass patients as I am sat here terrified to take it, but in so much pain.Sorry my message is so long. Judy

By: Alan

Alan — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:16:31 +0000

UPDATE,,,, managed to get off the Tramacet,, three nights with very little sleep though,, cold turkey!!! Twitched for Scotland and had to get out of bed to allow the wife to get some kip.
Now that the pain killer is out my system the pain is back lol,, so at least i know they were good, however, now i know i need to return to the doc as the problem is still there. no more addictive drugs for me though……

By: Alan

Alan — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 20:53:29 +0000

Just a word of warning to tramacet users,, i was prescribed tramacet 2 years ago for broken ribs, they worked a treat and kept pain to a minimum, I knew if i had missed my tablet as the pain came with a vengance. Once the ribs healed i thought the time was right to ween off the tabs,, I found this so hard to come off the tabs, if i missed a doze i could not sleep at night, i tossed and turned kicked and twitched all night and kept my wife from getting a good nights sleep,, so i took one Tramacet on a daily basis at 6 oclock and this ensured a normal lifestyle and a normal night sleep.
I am now in the process of reducing from one a day to half then miss a half and eventualy get off them completely but believe me it is very hard.
I have been on holiday all week and my main objective has been to get off the Tramacet once and for all.
I guess what i am trying to warn everyone is that Tramacet is addictive and a killer to get off if used for a long period of time so follow the guidelines and information from doc and please dont get hooked on them like me,,, wish me luck

By: Matthew Robinson

Matthew Robinson — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:55:51 +0000

@Julie,

I can only presume your medication has been changed because the codeine was not really helping. Tramacet is more expensive than the alternatives but if all of the alternatives have been tired already it may be a last resort option. If you still have concerns you should raise these with your doctor.

By: julie

julie — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:01:26 +0000

I have fibromyalgia, have been on codeine but doctor has now put me on tramacet, am worried about taking first dose as I seem to get bad reactions to the various meds I have tried. What is your opinion on prescribing tramacet for fibromyalgia? (also have IBS, dysthymia, and mild arthritis). I use mebeverine/lactulose for IBS, cetraben for dry skin, carbomer for dry eyes. How safe is tramacet for long term use? Any info appreciated.

By: Matthew Robinson

Matthew Robinson — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 20:52:24 +0000

@Christine,

I can sympathise with your predicament. You have obviously tried several medicines, none of which seem to be providing you any relief.

It’s a difficult situation to suggest you take someone else’s medication – this is never a good solution to a problem. Would it be possible for you to contact your local out of hours service – they may be able to arrange a supply of stronger pain killers for you before your doctor is available on Monday?

By: Christine

Christine — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:53:57 +0000

Hi, I suffer with SLE (Lupus) I’ve suffererd with it for years but had years of doctors telling me it was lack of muscle mass, lack of exercise, torn ligaments etc, the list goes on, until I had blood tests and saw a specialist (I’m 22 now and remember my first pains when I was 14).. I was only diagnosed in November last year. I’m currently on Celoxib and Plaquenil neither of which seem to be helping at all, I’m currently having a massive flare up and I’m in agony with my knees and shoulders, my doctor has finally prescribed me co-codamol but of the lowest dose 8/500, 2 tablets 4 times daily, this isn’t helping either, my mums partner suffers with ME and takes Tramadol 30/500 and gave me a couple of these to try, just to see if it can take the edge off but I’m very wary of it, I really don’t want to take anything the doc hasn’t prescribed but I’m in so much pain I don’t think they understand. Am I right in thinking you can’t take co-codamol and Tramadol at the same time? And if I’m right how long after taking tramadol should you leave before taking co-codamol again? I can’t wait to see my Rheumatologist again on the 5th March, I really need something to take away the pain or at least numb it a bit, steroid injection seemed to be the only thing that worked but that was only brief, it wore off after 4 weeks ..

By: Matthew Robinson

Matthew Robinson — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 15:56:56 +0000

@Judith,

Benadryl is a brand name for a range of products so without knowing exactly which product (and therefore that active ingredients) it’s difficult to say for sure. You are probably going to be slightly more drowsy but other than that it should be safe. It is best to check with your local pharmacist to be entirely sure though.

By: judith

judith — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 01:35:46 +0000

Can I take Tremadol and benadryl at the same time? Tremadol for the pain and benadryl for the itching

By: Carol Corrigan

Carol Corrigan — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:36:35 +0000

My GP changed me over from Tramadol to Tramacet a couple of weeks ago. Iv’e found that the Tramacet aren’t as effective in relieving the pain than the Tramadol was. I have asked for a repeat prescription today and have asked to go back onto the Tramadol. The problem is Spondylitis from the top of my neck and down my back. The pain i’m suffering is mainly down the side of my head and across my left shoulder, it is excrutiating. It’s leaving me feeling very debilitated and depressed, I seem to be getting very little relief from it. My GP has ordered another x-ray of the back of my neck to check for any further deterioration and has advised that on the result of this x-ray he may be able to prescribe pain patches or injections. I have also in the last couple of weeks, been seeing an osteopath, this has helped slightly. If anyone has any further suggestions I would be very grateful to hear them.

By: Susan

Susan — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:44:02 +0000

Just had tramacet and baclofen after admitting to my GP that on Monday night I needed alcohol to relax my muscle spasm. I have been on 30/500 co-codamol for 4 years and diazepam, while I have no feeling of addiction, I am needing a larger dosage to get relief.
So far, 24 hours, I feel much better and had no need or desire for diazapem or co-co, and slept for 7 hours without waking. I didn’t take the sleeping pill she gave me. My GP is fab as she does listen and is willing to try anything to help. I’ve been referred to a pain mgt centre for help. I think the last resort of alcohol was the last straw for her though and she told me a brandy before bedtime is OK, but the equivalent of 10 pub measures of wodka is not OK. I agree as I am a non drinker usually but this was a desperate last resort.

But so far so good for tramacet and baclofen.

By: b morris

b morris — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:08:53 +0000

thank u

By: Matthew Robinson

Matthew Robinson — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:06:17 +0000

B Morris,

Tramacet is simply a mixture of tramadol and paracetamol. Both are at lower than normal doses and the product is expensive when compared to the alternatives. I’d suggest you return to your doctor and discuss the alternatives having tried paracetamol and codeine unsuccessfully. Perhaps tramadol as a single agent might be useful for you.

By: b morris

b morris — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 14:29:51 +0000

Have cervical spondylosis and optic neuritis and neurotic affection angi odeamo urtic aria.(excuse spelling).
Was on Tramacet, great solution after years of cocodamol, I could sleep at nights. dr took me off it because of government guidelines, he told me it was because the drug is sooo addictive. He put me on codiene phosphate and paracetamol. I rarely take the parcetamol it is not very effective, tramacet gave me no stomach problems, I think the codeine phosphate gives me stomach cramps and diahorrea. Could I use anything else for pain relief.

By: Matthew Robinson

Matthew Robinson — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:25:06 +0000

Martin,

Tramadol is available in a modified release form but should also be available in an immediate release capsule containing 50mg of tramadol. This may suit you better but if you are currently stable on Tramacet® then it may be unwise to change.

By: Martin

Martin — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:34:57 +0000

Glad I somehow helped! Sorry for implying anything unsavoury.

I also cannot explain why Tramadol isn’t working other than (I was told) it is a slow-release all-day type. I suppose it is released a little TOO slowly.

By: Matthew Robinson

Matthew Robinson — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:05:05 +0000

Martin,

There is nothing sinister going on in the background. Sadly my hosting company have had an outage this week and thanks to your comment I’ve realised that I have some data loss. Two articles has disappeared as well as you comment and my reply.

I have some database backups available that contain this information so I’ll work to restore them to the site. Thanks for highlighting the issue.

By: Martin

Martin — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:48:38 +0000

After checking for a few days for a reply, today I noticed that my comment has been deleted. I wonder why an administrator would do that?

As I stated earlier, I’ve been on Tramacet for my small fibre neuropathy in my feet. I walk with a cane. Tramacet has been an absolute Godsend. I’ve been on Lyrica, Ametripteline, Tegratol and Tramadol with no luck.

Tramacet is the ONLY one that has given me relief in my feet and kept me working, which doesn’t make much sense considering the pure Tramadol barely took the edge off. All of the others, except Ametripteline, have caused severe withdrawal symptoms and side effects. With Tramacet I can take 2 a day or 2 a week with zero withdrawal symptoms. Just thinking about the withdrawal from the Lyrica & Tramadol brings tears to my eyes.

Tramacet is somehow is the only one that reduces my pain. Other than my small fibre neuropathy, I am perfectly healthy. So if there is a better drug on the market, why would my three different neurologists not suggest it?

By: Matthew Robinson

Matthew Robinson — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:12:54 +0000

Martini,

It is strange that you have had such problems with tramadol yet none with tramacet. Tramacet is simply a combination of paracetamol and tramadol with a premium price attached, hence my advice.

By: Martini

Martini — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:00:37 +0000

For my small fibre neuropathy in my feet I’ve been on Lyrica, Neurontin, Amitripteline, Tegratol, Tramadol and Tramacet. I walk with a cane to relieve the pressure on my feet. Tramacet is a Godsend. It is the only drug that diminishes the pain, and the only drug that had zero side-effects (on me). I take it “as needed”, usually once a week or whenever I know I have to walk (IE a grocery store) with absolutely no withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal from the other drugs (except Amitripteline) was pure, concentrated torture. Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. Tramacet is the main reason I am still able to work. I could not disagree more with your “action” statement. If there is something better on the market, what reasons would my 3 neurologists have for not prescribing it?

By: Matthew Robinson

Matthew Robinson — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:42:03 +0000

Jay-Anne,

Taking tramadol and amitriptyline together will increase the risks of sedation. Both of these drugs can also increase the liklihood of seizures. However, you apprear to be taking them both at low doses so the risks will be minimised. If you are concerned speak to your own doctor first as they will have full details of your medical history and can therefore advise you better.

By: jay-Anne

jay-Anne — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 17:51:56 +0000

What is the risk of taking amitriptyline 20mg at night and half of a tramacet at night. I’m afraid of taking them together even though both would be a low dose because of there interaction. I have severe pain all day long on my left side due to nerve pain ( trapped nerve in my shoulder) also jaw face pain, osteoporosis joint and muscle pain and inflammation. Sleeping is difficult. I just want to have a restful sleep and wake up with out pain. Tramacet is effective but I take it in small doses. No more then two in a day. i’m also on Lyrica 300mg a day. I do the relaxation meditation, excercise vitamin b’s any other supplements as well as any other natural theraphy that your suppose to do. Chiro etc. I have neck braces and wear a mouth gaurd for TMJ Waiting on a rheumatologist.

Thanks

By: Sara

Sara — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 05:48:52 +0000

Tramacet has been a godsend to me. After not finding relief from the meds my first doctor prescribed, I sought a second opinion from a military doctor for relief from nerve pain of prolapsed discs due to an accident and I was prescribed Tramacet and Arthrotec 75. What a wonderful difference they made. I eventually needed surgery and that made a big improvement in my symptoms, though I have still had some pain from time to time (generally when I have overdone it or moved in a way I shouldn’t) and need pain medication for a limited time, and the only thing that has helped is Tramacet taken together with Arthrotec. The neurosurgeon who did the surgery was concerned about addictive properties and wanted me to take Lyrica instead, but since weight gain is common with Lyrica and weight gain aggravates my symptoms I have not used that but instead have stayed with Tramacet. Over the three years I have used it for both long and short periods, I’ve never noticed any withdrawal symptoms, and can stop it easily and suddenly when I no longer need pain relief without headaches, nausea or any other symptoms. My chief complaint about Tramacet is that it takes about an hour and a half to two hours to work, and then the relief only seems to last about four hours max, about two hours short of when I could take another one according to dosage. It does make me itch a bit, but not excessively and I don’t find that unpleasant at all. During its peak effectiveness it is very relaxing and is the first medication that I’ve taken that actually takes away all of the pain, and while it does make me drowsy if I don’t want to sleep or have work to do, I could still function fine, of course except driving. However, if I wanted to sleep, it would take me into a lovely, restful sleep. I’m also pleased with the protective action Arthrotec offers my stomach since I had gastritis off and on over the years, and these medications do not provoke it.

By: Matthew Robinson

Matthew Robinson — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:55:49 +0000

Angela,

There is a possibility that your symptoms are being caused by the opiate component of the co-codamol (codeine). These effects are usually dose related so a dose reduction may help you. There is a co-codamol 8/500 tablet that might be worth trying.