I am 68 yrs old and take Tramadol, 50mg twice a day for arthritis pain. "If" it is addictive, what?

No doubt it is addictive (regardless of label)... side-effects are different for everyone thought. Helped my pain (sever war injury), but had to keep upping the dose. Doctors read the label to protect themselves. Many Docs don't know it is dangerous, especially because it doesn't have the euphoric side effects of other addictive drugs and the pharma companies tell them it is awesome. Had a heck of a time coming off of this, and switched back to Hydrocodone. I couldn't climax with my wife on the Tramadol, and since we play around 1-2 times a day, this is a no-go from me. The withdraw was easier for me, because I reduced it slowly (10%) a day. I have been off for a few weeks, but still suffering the Serotonin problems (major a__hole disorder :-), which also effects my relationship). Just be prepared to come off slowly and don't let an over educated, under informed 12 year old take you off CT.

Have been reading this discussin with interest. A point has been overlooked. Is the medication for temporary pain or chronic?

When one has chronic conditions, frequently the question of addiction is moot. This was explained carefully to me by Hospice as well as my doc. That is why people in end of life processes get whatever they need. They said that there are people who get high as a coping mechanism. Heck, they are dying.

For people long term who will have no relief, they are faced with the quality of life they want. What kind of life is it if in a drug induced haze? Their pain remains real. At that point, one has to be strong enough to work on the things that help. Exercise, diet, meditation, groups, therapy. Learning to cope and accept this life change.

These are my thoughts. Karen

Hi, it will depend on each person individually, someone with an addictive personality will be more at risk of addiction to Tramadol. I would say that more people than not develop a physical & emotional dependency to it, myself included. I went through hell with Tramadol, it almost ruined my life. I have a friend who has become dependent on it also, & he lives a very 'innocent' life, doesn't take any drugs, doesn't drink, doesn't smoke... he is on a low dose, doesn't abuse it & he is hooked on it. I would warn anyone to do some research on Tramadol before starting to take it, at least then you can make an informed decision.

I was on the max dose for several years (400mg) never got high from it, never took more than I should, really never knew until this site that people even can have a true addiction to this drug. My body was for sure dependent on it, if I was even an hour past my dose time I'd start feeling very tired, agitated, etc. I recently weaned off it to try something else and yes it was quite hard, took a few days to not feel like I had the flu but I never experience any "cravings" for it. You could even start with 50mg once and day and see if you need the second dose.

Anything we opt to abuse is addictive. A drug is only as addictive as our behavior makes it. You can start to "like" something and "want" something, but until you start stealing and maiming to get money to buy it you're probably not addicted. Addiction is a behavior. 100mg 2x a day may work for your pain, and you'll need a 2-3 week managed wean off, but I wouldn't be too concerned about addiction, unless you just don't trust yourself in which case your should stop (with help). Hope this helps.

It seems for alot of people it is addictive. You are taking a very small dose. I am 64 and I take 400 mg a day. I have been on it for 11 yrs and I have had times I've gone without it for a few days, without any problems. I stick to what is ordered, and never more, and I don't get high from it. I'm getting to the age now, where I figure so what if I am dependent on it, I'd like to live the rest of my life with as little pain as possible.