Tramadol and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Sky...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2019

For Anxiety "Omg!! Wow! I started taking Tramadol for pain for my autoimmune condition and RA, and I kept noticing that my pain was at a minimum. I usually have a severe case of anxiety and fatigue and probably a little depressed too. Well, I started asking my family, 'Why do I feel so good?' It is definitely a huge change for me, but I couldn't figure out why. Finally, I narrowed it down to Tramadol by not taking it for a day. I went right back to feeling horrible myself, so I took it the next day, and HOLY CRAP! My anxiety is low, I feel good, and I am sold! I will now gladly take this instead of suffering so badly. So thankful I realized this side effect. It has helped me so much!"

• Rob...
• July 2, 2019

For Depression "I was gonna respond to the people saying Tram is a life saver. Well, it can be, but be cautious because it will be the hardest drug you have ever tried to quit. From 8 years of experience. I take 400 mg a day. I have 2 bad vertebrae, stenosis, degenerative disc. Nerve compression. Tram was prescribed for the pain. But it took only a week for me to know something was different. After years of anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, it all ended by the end of that week. There is no other medicine made to do what Tram does. None. Effexor comes the closest. But Tram blows it out of the water. Tram never makes you have that high spacey feeling, just a relief from the panic, depressed. I don’t ever plan on quitting. Like I said earlier, you better plan on being on Tram for the long haul, because there is no going back once you start. Your depression and anxiety, pain will be unbearable. So please use caution and count the cost of taking Tram. It is a life saver. Until you go off of it."

• tal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 23, 2015

For Anxiety "When I was prescribed Tramadol for abdominal pain, little did I know about the bonus effects. I was able to lose 20 lbs in 3 months (less appetite). My mood became so good, and I got my joy of life back. I took 50 mg daily. I felt less anxious and depressed. Mostly, I cared less about what people think of me. I started to swim and hike. My mom, who is against pills, said 'you changed so much, whatever that you do, keep doing it'. I'm a 45-year-old male."

• Das...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 24, 2024

For Depression "I have found that over the course of five years, a dose of 100 mg of IR Tramadol, ranging to 200 mg of ER Tramadol was the fastest acting, most thoroughly effective, and best tolerated medication to treat my severe, treatment-resistant depression. I have tried SNRIs, SSRIs, and a combination. Frequently, my worst bouts of depression have been accompanied by chronic low back pain. This was also effectively relieved. I suffer from anxiety, and the perfect medication combination to make me feel 'normal,' that is, happy and calm, has been alprazolam and tramadol. Perfect combination. Unfortunately, it has been nearly impossible to find physicians to prescribe these medications together or alone. Finally, more scientific literature is emerging to make a case for tramadol for depression. It's long overdue!"

• Ann...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 6, 2017

For Anxiety "I have chronic anxiety and have tried many serotonin-type meds over a 15-year span and have also suffered from depression. I had a very bad reaction to the meds. Being in hard labor, I worked all my life - Concrete-Tree removals - Underground utility work - Water main repair, etc. I have had numerous injuries to my back, neck, knees, hands, and shoulders. I've broken many bones (comes with the territory). I was diagnosed with Degenerative Disk Disease and was prescribed Ultram 50 mg. I got up to 400 mg but now down to 300 mg, and what a difference! Not just with pain, but my anxiety was reduced by at least 50% and depression was gone. My alertness increased, and my mood was elevated. I will try to stay on the medication for life. Walmart had the med for $4-$12 if no insurance."

• Joa...
• April 26, 2017

For Depression "I have tried almost all antidepressant drugs available in the last 20 years. Fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram did not work and destroyed my sex life. Bupropion increased my anxiety a lot. Mirtazapine caused me hallucinations and insomnia. Venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine worked for some time, but affected my libido and erection. Niacin (off-label) did not work for me. The only one that worked and is still working is tramadol (off-label). It starts to work about 1.5 to 2 hours after I take it, and lasts for 8 to 10 hours. I take 1 50mg capsule first in the morning and another at around 4 PM, on an empty stomach. The only drug that works for my depression and anxiety."

• KW-...
• August 20, 2016

For Anxiety "I was put on tramadol for pain associated with a staph and yeast infection. Not only did it help greatly with my pain but reduced my anxiety and depression to a minimum. I find myself getting things done more effectively and happier when completing my daily tasks, whether at work or at home. I was a daily drinker, and since starting tramadol, I have had nothing to drink, nor do I feel the need to go back to drinking for anything. I am also type 1 diabetic, and tramadol can help lower blood sugars and keep them more stable in my experience. Awesome medication, I take about 100mg daily. I split the 50mg in 2 and take two 25mg doses a half an hour apart twice a day. If I miss a dose or run out, I never have any negative experiences..."

• cka...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 2, 2013

For Back Pain "This medication eases the back pain and not much dosage is needed to achieve this. I'd rather take this than Vicodin or Percocet. They seem to be way more addictive. Tramadol has also given me more confidence and has eased my social anxiety. Just don't quit cold turkey, the effects are less than pleasant. Lower your dosage until you reach like 50 mg a day, then stop."

• pri...
• April 23, 2015

For Pain "I have been on tramadol for years, first given to me for pain. It is an incredible pain medicine that gives me so much energy and makes my anxiety and occasional depression non-existent. However, I have tried so many times to get off because I am now completely addicted. When I want to get off, even taper down enough to get off, I get the most horrible lightning zapping going through my brain along with other withdrawals. It is an incredible drug for pain and depression, BUT be careful if you stay on for a long period of time, you will become a prisoner just like any other pain or depression medicine, and the withdrawals are ugly."

• Mit...
• May 6, 2016

For Anxiety "I am a stage 3 prostate cancer survivor. The disease and its treatments have devastated my quality of life. I was prescribed tramadol about a year after my diagnosis, and I found it was incredible for dealing with the anxiety and depression I was feeling. My new family practitioner is refusing to renew my prescription, citing 'narcotic abuse'. I don't know what I'll do now."

• jjj...
• September 30, 2015

For Anxiety "Tramadol, I figure out it has been a life-changing for me. It takes my depression away, I am more active, socialize, and talk to people. At night, it helps me sleep well, takes my anxiety. Good med, works like Percocet."

• Kan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2020

For Anxiety "Maybe I’m the only person here with this reaction, but tramadol makes me feel terrible. It gives me awful panic attacks and actually causes me anxiety. I am prescribed it for cervical herniations, and I don’t even take it for that because of how much it makes my heart race and the debilitating panic attacks I have when I take it, I’d rather just be in pain. I really wish it worked for me."

• joh...
• June 16, 2008

For Pain "I have been prescribed Tramadol for the past 5 years, and it has completely relieved my back pain. I have stopped a few times, but the pain returned. Initially, I took 2 x 50mg tablets a day, but now I need 3 x 50mg a day to get the same relief. I had a feeling of euphoria and some anxiety side effects during the first year, but now these have gone, and I just get the pain relief. I do have mild withdrawal symptoms if I discontinue the Tramadol, which I do every few months for a few days. The withdrawal is in the form of anxiety and an uncomfortable feeling for a couple of days, but nothing that I cannot easily put up with. Breaking the continuity of use for a few days is good to prevent more severe withdrawal, I believe, but Tramadol is still the best and most effective pain reliever I have tried, and I plan to continue using it."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 11, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "I was prescribed tramadol as a pain relief option for fibromyalgia. Works nicely for mild to moderate pain, but noticed it had many other benefits. Tramadol is the only thing I have found that helps my chronic fatigue somewhat, as well as anxiety and depression. Additionally, I am calmer and more focused, so it helps with ADD, and there is more. I am more creative on this medication, and while taking it for pain when I had a head cold, I noticed that it literally alleviates all cold symptoms! If you take this while you have a cold, when it is in your system you feel completely fine, better than any over-the-counter decongestant I have tried in my life. And all this is on a very low dose, most days I take 75 mg total."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 24, 2018

For Back Pain "I have had on and off back pain from a prior injury. I was just dealing with the pain because I didn’t want to take ibuprofen all the time. My doctor prescribed the lower dose of tramadol. All I can say is why didn’t I try this before? Not only does it mute the pain, the anxiety I feel is just gone. I feel happy and my concentration is way better. I only take it when I can’t deal with the pain, but have started researching it for anxiety as well. So far no withdrawals, but I do not take it every day."

• Pkp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 27, 2018

For Anxiety "I take tramadol for pain that I get in my right side. I take it as needed, not every day. How are you who are taking it daily for anxiety able to get your doctor to prescribe it for you? There’s been such a crackdown on these types of meds being prescribed that I am really stumped how many of you are able to get it. I have to beg, and the doctor gives me 10 at a time. I take it for pain but notice my anxiety is better after taking it."

• Ana...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 11, 2020

For Anxiety "I have struggled with chronic anxiety and depression all my life and took benzodiazepines for 13 years. I thought they were the worst to withdraw from, then I tried to withdraw from tramadol. I was taking 50 to 150 mg a day for sciatica but realized they helped my anxiety or thought they did. When you stop tramadol, the anxiety comes back 10 times worse. I couldn't move my body for days one time because of the pain I was experiencing. Everything comes back worse. I will, however, take one 50 mg if I am having a panic attack, as I get addicted to benzos and cannot take them again. Please be very careful, especially if you have an addictive personality!"

• Bil...
• September 30, 2019

For Back Pain "Took tramadol for 14 years as a result of shoulder injury and ongoing issues. Worked wonders throughout the time frame for moderate pain. By the end, I was taking 100 mg three times daily. As I entered my 50s, I believe the long-term use triggered an acute mental health nightmare of anxiety. I slowly weaned myself down over 2 weeks. The physical withdrawals were significant, particularly night sweats, intestinal complications, and constant tremors. After six months of non-use, I slowly returned to “normal,” and all physical symptoms of withdrawal were absent. My mental health is well one year later and under the consult of psychiatry. Indeed, tramadol “took the edge off” of pain, but retrospectively, it was also leaned upon for the opiate-like feel good mentally. Shoulder pain still sucks, but much better than losing my mind, and now I am staying well grounded. I’m stunned to hear the off-script uses for depression. Maybe initially, it’s all good - but there are classic opioid consequences."

• Har...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 30, 2020

For Anxiety "Tramadol is a lifesaver. Like most, I was prescribed it for pain, and when I first took it, I noticed I just felt a bit happier. NOTHING like a buzz, just a better mood. Time went on, and I realized even taken early in the AM, it would keep me up at night. So I stopped. A couple of years later, a friend mentioned he had it, and my anxiety had been worsening, so I figured I'd try it. Game changer. I take 2-3 (I'm a 190 lb male), and the difference it makes in my mood is incredible. I highly recommend this for people with anxiety and even depression."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2012

For Back Pain "I started using this a week ago. I have gone from chronic high pain to a level of 1 to 2. I can function like a person again. While this is only until we address the actual problem causing the back pain, this has made me look forward to having days with very little pain. The difference is like night and day. I still have the pain if I stand for too long, or if I do too much physical activity, but I can now sit for extended periods of time pain-free. I have a slight upward tic, nervousness, and at times dizzy. I take this with food. For me, it is a relief to be so pain-free after dealing with the problem for over 18 years without any real relief."

• skl...
• August 9, 2017

For Pain "Started tramadol years ago as an add-on medicine with Vicodin (hydrocodone) from a car accident shoulder injury. I stopped taking it because the Vicodin did the job. Then doc told me that new prescribing procedures advised against taking tramadol with Vicodin. I switched to tramadol only 100 mg, and it works and lasts longer than Vicodin or even Percocet, and I have more energy. I also have chronic depression and anxiety, and tramadol does make that go away. It is an unusual drug and seems to work well for some and not good for others. I suppose some people lack the enzyme to convert or metabolize tramadol into the more effective O-desmethyltramadol, also known as Nucynta, so it doesn't work for them. Well. Have a nice day. No pain."

• Luc...
• May 1, 2016

For Back Pain "I was in a car accident 5 years ago and was prescribed tramadol for my chronic back pain. For 2 years, I was on dozens of other medications, and tramadol was the only medication that worked. I took 50 mg 2 times per day. Well, 5 years later, I decided to quit the drug. I tapered off the drug myself. I decreased each day by 25 mg. It took 2 weeks, but I did it. I can't believe it. There were some nights when I would get jittery, but I took amitriptyline to help me sleep. I feel amazing now, so much better. I have my energy back and I take Tylenol for pain."

• rnd...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 23, 2017

For Depression "Without going into a long story, I feel much better on tramadol even if only 1/2 to 1 tablet a day. Without it, I feel pretty shitty at times, similar to flu symptoms, depression, anxiety. I'm hesitant whether to tell this to a psychiatrist. How likely would they go along with it or encourage getting off of it? It's been very hard to get off even this low dose."

• Hop...
• May 13, 2019

For Chronic Pain "Tramadol was promised to make me feel like a whole new person. After calling the doctor's office back to explain that it was of zero value, I was told to just double the dose, it never helped. Tramadol definitely made my anxiety worse, and I was more agitated all around, and now I am still agitated and in just as much pain. I still need back surgery, no doctor will even help me live a happier, healthier, and less painful life. I do physical therapy and have for years. I work full-time, do my best to get by as best I can. I would never recommend this medication to anyone who lives in constant pain. If you suffer from anxiety as I do, I wouldn't recommend this medication either, it makes me jittery."

• Hop...
• May 13, 2019

For Chronic Pain "Tramadol was promised to make me feel like a whole new person. After calling the doctor's office back to explain that it was of zero value, I was told to just double the dose, it never helped. Tramadol definitely made my anxiety worse, and I was more agitated all around, and now I am still agitated and in just as much pain. I still need back surgery, no doctor will even help me live a happier, healthier, and less painful life. I do physical therapy and have for years. I work full-time, do my best to get by as best I can. I would never recommend this medication to anyone who lives in constant pain. If you suffer from anxiety as I do, I wouldn't recommend this medication either, it makes me jittery."