Tramadol and Depression: 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."

• Lja...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 16, 2017

For Anxiety "I used tramadol for pain from Ankylosing Spondylitis. But I also suffered depression. Once I started taking this medication for pain, over the months I noticed my depression was going. I was happier, my life was beginning. I have more confidence, outgoing again. And I now don't overthink. I had been given antidepressants in the past. Nothing worked. But my pain medication does the job well. Have other people found this as well?"

• hap...
• June 8, 2015

For Depression "I think there is a reason the government has made Tramadol a Category C drug...they want people in society to take it but everybody in society just wants to get high. Tramadol is the best DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, MILD PAIN MEDICINE EVER. This actually is better than everything without the high. If you actually wanna be a happy person without being high, this is it. 50 mg am - optional second until the next day. Forget the critics. I would say this is like Adderall, without the hunger side effects, lack of sleep, personality disorder, grumpiness, depression, etc. The best thing about it is the government is only selling it for $4 dollars. You don't even need health insurance."

• Sal...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 14, 2020

For Back Pain "Please be careful while taking Tramadol as I became addicted to them! Wish I never took it. I was given Tramadol by my doctor after I was in a serious car accident which led to severe back pain. Yes, it did work and yes, I felt great on it, but I started to get dependent on it. As my back started to heal and I started to take less of them, I hated the way I felt - tired, dizzy, no energy, so I continued to increase the dose so I could feel normal. I was on them for 3 years and started to develop depression. I decided to come off them so I went “cold turkey” - not the right decision, but I was too embarrassed to tell the doctor I was addicted to them. It took me 16 days to come off them with the most horrendous withdrawal symptoms. I am over it now and feel so much better that I can get on with my life without the craving of Tramadol. I just want to share this to let people know, if you are on Tramadol, please be careful."

• Jan...
• June 11, 2014

For Pain "I've taken tramadol for 7 years, 50mg once to three times a day. Sometimes go days without it. I find within 20 minutes of taking it my pain is gone. It does not give me a headache, does not make me loopy or sleepy, or even depressed. Not sure why it's classified as a strong pain pill, it just makes joint pain go away and you can function normally."

• Lee...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 4, 2018

For Restless Legs Syndrome "PEOPLE, PEOPLE, PEOPLE! It's the tramadol and the withdrawal effect that is causing the RLS. I got on this site to find out what I can take for the RLS, as I wean myself off of the tramadol. Number 1 withdrawal effect = RLS! And here everyone is talking about getting on it. Don't do it! It is a severe addictive drug that will lead to many problems when you get off. The anger, depression, lack of sleep, fatigue, achiness, and most of all RLS is enough to drive me crazy."

• dep...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 18, 2016

For Depression "Been on these pills for 3 years now. Started out for pain relief but soon discovered my depression fading fast. I take 200mg XR in the morning and 200mg at night. It also helps me wake up a lot easier and happier. I went off them, depression came back, and suffered some withdrawals instantly. Getting out of bed was a nightmare. Back on them, life is great. One major downfall is my sex drive, these pills kill it, but it's worth it because I'm happier on these pills with less sex than lots of sex and not happy. Sacrifice I choose to make."

• Cer...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 17, 2016

For Anxiety "I have a history of migraines & Cervical Stenosis at C6-C7 with bulging of disc causing constant muscle tension in my neck/shoulders. I have a long history of Bipolar D/O, depression & anxiety & recent development of panic attacks (r/t recurrent missed miscarriages). I have been treated with various psych/antidepressants/anti-anxiety meds over the past 23 years. I had been prescribed various meds also to help with migraines to no avail with exception of Maxalt to relieve impending migraine episodes. When I was prescribed Tramadol for migraines & chronic muscle/neck/shoulder pain, I began to see a huge decrease in my anxiety & motivation & wanting to face each day. I too hope they will consider Ultram for the treatment of anxiety/mood disorder."

• Dar...
• March 11, 2017

For Depression "I have used tramadol for one year now. First, I was treated for diabetes pain. But every time I took one, I definitely changed. I felt better than ever, with no pain and wanting to get pretty and do things with my family. I told my doctor, and he told me that I was suffering from depression and tramadol was helping me get back together. I swear to God, this medicine is great for depression. I feel better than ever. I do so much in one day, and I sleep wonderfully."

• 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..."

• Pet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2016

For Depression "Wonderful drug for depression with no weight gain. I had been on it for 12 months and then decided to wean off it - after 18 months it came back (I have suffered from depression since I was 6). I have now been back on it for 3 months and feel 'normal' again and motivated. I have never been suicidal, but I do lose interest in everything and lose my creativity. My sex drive at times is non-existent, but I force myself to masturbate (Yes - I am single) because if I don’t masturbate, I get an awful ache in my testis, so masturbating even just twice a day helps. Also, I was told it may prevent prostate cancer. To be honest though, if losing my sex drive is the worst of it, then I don’t care as I’m enjoying life again."

• Blu...
• July 3, 2017

For Depression "I originally took Tramadol for pain. I previously had bouts with depression, which totally consumed me. I tried Tramadol (50 mg noon time and one at bedtime.) It pulled me out of the depression before it took me over. Works great."

• Ann...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 28, 2020

For Pain "Years ago, this medicine worked. Now, pharmaceutical companies seem to be removing whatever ingredients help the pain go away. If you want to feel any relief whatsoever, taking 2 is a joke. I feel weak, tired, depressed, and like I have the flu. It is almost as if they are trying to get us to hate it. Not a surprise, though."

• Dre...
• October 5, 2016

For Depression "So for pain they're just alright, like a 7. They do last longer than other pain pills, but for my depression, I feel like a better, more capable man when I'm on them. When my supply is gone and I can't find a doc or medical help, I become suicidal. With them, I can live a normal or somewhat normal life."

• 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."

• Sun...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 28, 2021

For Depression "This medicine is a miracle. I swear. Low-dose tramadol taken as a regular antidepressant has saved my life. I used to be able to not drive and have almost seizure-like problems. I wasn’t able to go out of my house or do anything. I have major social anxiety as well. This medication changed my life!!!! I mean it! I have tried every single antidepressant out there, and they all make me ill. Like a zombie. They make me sad. And if you miss a dose, watch out. I was on tramadol for 2 years, and when I got off of it, I had zero issues as well. I was on Xanax for a couple of years a while ago, and it’s what ruined me. Tramadol saved my life. Please look more into this! I’m so healthy because of this medication."

• 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."

• GGa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 9, 2019

For Back Pain "Has transformed my life from constant pain and lack of sleep to normal! Been on Tramadol over 10 years now. The only downside is that if I forget to take it, I get withdrawn - very depressed, feel quite ill (nauseous, clammy). But since my back pain is incurable, this isn't an issue. I dread to think how I would live a normal life without the pain relief tramadol gives me."

• GGa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 9, 2019

For Back Pain "Has transformed my life from constant pain and lack of sleep to normal! Been on Tramadol over 10 years now. The only downside is that if I forget to take it, I get withdrawn - very depressed, feel quite ill (nauseous, clammy). But since my back pain is incurable, this isn't an issue. I dread to think how I would live a normal life without the pain relief tramadol gives me."

• tom...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 31, 2019

For Depression "I placed a post earlier on 2019-07-10 under the name Jerry saying -- I was a 65-year-old male that takes tramadol intermittently to reduce depression. The problem is that when I do take days off -- I am extremely depressed three times as much. So you have to be very careful of this medication."

• Lit...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 26, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "For me, Ultram (Tramadol), combined with Neurontin (Gabapentin) and Elavil (Amitriptyline), works wonders for my fibromyalgia. Take away any one of these, and my quality of life plummets downward. I have a multitude of symptoms. These are lifesaving drugs for me. Without them, I have so much more acute and widespread lingering pain, numbness, creepy crawlies, itching, fatigue, and depression that I need mobility assistance (arm cuff crutches) and get little sleep from my symptoms keeping me awake. Unfortunately, the individuals who have abused these lifesaving drugs, along with the government blanketing all with the potential abuse of these drugs, have caused so many to suffer at great cost. My insurance company has recently decided that I do not have enough diagnostic criteria to warrant paying for Tramadol. It is not an expensive drug, so I am able to pay for it out of pocket...at least for now, anyway."

• 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."

• rvs...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 7, 2013

For Pain "My primary gave me a prescription for tramadol after an ER visit from a sports injury. The ER gave me a narcotic, which caused stomach pain and a very depressed feeling the next day. I am very active physically every day: 5k, 18 holes of golf, swimming on a consistent basis, not all in one day. I must say tramadol is great because it does not slow me down. I take it in the afternoon, and it keeps me pain-free all night. If I stop it, very mild side effects a little like flu symptoms that do not last more than a day. Warning: do not take an SSRI with other depression meds or benzodiazepines because it can cause heart problems and cause an acute crisis of heart failure."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 2, 2015

For Chronic Pain "I have been taking Tramadol for close to 3 years now for arthritis of the neck. I have gradually had to work up to 150 mg per day (3x 50 mg). I think it works pretty well, but be careful for addiction and plan far in advance to wean off of it. If I am late taking a dose (I take it at the same time every day), I get severe pain and feel sick. I am able to function just fine, but have had pretty serious brain fog for about 6 months and don't know if it is related to the Tramadol. Also, I took Benadryl for allergies one time and had a VERY scary respiratory reaction/respiratory depression-be careful about any other meds you might take. I think it is a medication that works fairly well and is a scary medication at the same time. Use wisely and with caution."