My local health authority has changed my prescription from 300mg daily of time release Tramadol comprising of 2 doses of 150mg to 100mg Tramadol 4 times a day and I'm finding the transition really hard to cope with. The pain relief is virtualy non-existent. I have osteo Arthritis in all major joints and my spine and the pain accompanied by fluid retention is making walking very difficult. I'm a 6 ft tall large built man in my mid fifties and there are times during the day when I could very easily burst into tears with the pain but I try to put on a brave face for my wife. She has noticed that my mobility is severly impaired as it has been for quite some time but it is getting worse & I don't know what to do. Any help would be gratefully accepted
Is there any other pain relief I can safely take with Tramadol?
Question posted by Scottymat on 19 Dec 2012
Last updated on 20 December 2012
For your information I'm based in Scotland not the U.S.A. I have underlying conditions such as Hypertension treated with 4 different meds, I am also type 2 diabetic treated with Metformin and pioglitazide, I also take Atorvastatin as well as 75mg Aspirin daily
Answers
Its the switch from extended release to immediate. I had to do the same thing because of cost, and I really notice the difference. Tramadol is a drug that you need to maintain a blood level and prevent the pain, and taking extended release does this.
As long as it is plain tramadol and not combined with paracetamol (acetaminophen) you may take paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Aleve). These are US over the counter drugs, I assume they are available to you in Scotland too? Naproxen can sometimes aggravate hypertension and elevate your blood pressure so you may need to be careful with that one. I am hypertensive too but can take it just fine but some folks find it elevates their pressure. Arthritis is an inflammatory condition and often responds best to anti-inflammatory drugs. Have you spoken to your health care provider and told them that your pain has gotten worse since the change? It might be worth it to mention that the new regimen is not cutting the pain and that your mobility is suffering. If you are not seeing a pain management specialist, it may be worthwhile to consult one.
Thank you so much for replying so quickly, we don't usually get refered to a Pain management specialist in our health sevice it's a matter of costs but yes, I shall be making an appointment to see my Dr. as soon as I can which probably won't be until 2013. I appreciate your words of wisdom & will try the Paracetamol. I can't take Ibuprofen or diclofenic, these are drugs I have had in the past and been taken off of them due to effects on my Kidneys.
I'm so sorry for your pain problems. It's difficult to change a drug regimen. What I find so sad is that a Scotsman found the first anti-inflammatory medication, salicylate in willow bark. Then you're in Scotland suffering so much. I hope that your doctor will listen to you.
Hi, i agree with the Paracetamol, i used it frequently with Tramadol and was just fine : )
Related topics
Further information
- Tramadol uses and safety info
- Tramadol prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Tramadol (detailed)
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