Tramadol/Anxiety

Avatar for cherfer
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-11-2003
Tramadol/Anxiety
3
Sun, 12-17-2006 - 10:36pm

I've posted about this before and got some really negative feedback. I'm hoping that doesn't happen again... Does anyone know the correlation between Tramadol and anxiety, particularly social anxiety? I have been taking Tramadol for about 5 years for my back pain that is caused by scoliosis. I also have social anxiety,and have found this drug to be the only drug that has ever worked for it. Anti depressants have not worked and have had horrible side effects for me. I take 50 mg of Tramadol a day to cope with anxiety (and deal with my back pain, which is now kind of like a secondary reason). It gives me energy, take away the fears, and makes me have a productive day. I have taken it for several years like I said and I have not built up a tolerance. Any more than 50 mg makes me nauseaous so I nevr take more than that, sometimes I only take half the amount if I won't be dealing with any stress or social activities (like a quiet day at home with my fiance). So I feel like it's not a downward sprial into addition or anything, but it is a coping mechanism for me. But isn't that the same as relying on Prozac or Zoloft??

Any thoughts from anyone on this?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
In reply to: cherfer
Sun, 12-17-2006 - 10:57pm

WB, Cheryl. I stand by my former post. Tramadol is a narcotic

 

 


 



Avatar for cherfer
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-11-2003
In reply to: cherfer
Sun, 12-17-2006 - 11:00pm
Well my question is, why is it unsafe? If it's safe for my back, why is it unsafe for my anxiety?
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-28-2004
In reply to: cherfer
Sun, 12-17-2006 - 11:04pm

Sorry, I don't know much about meds, but wanted to offer my support. Pain is always a big bummer and I can certainly relate to the anxiety issues. Hope you find someone with info to help.

Hugs,
Dee