Tramadol - Will it stop working?

sailrib
sailrib Member Posts: 327
edited 25. Oct 2011, 09:01 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi.

I was just wondering if anyone on here has taken Tramadol for a long time (5+ years) and whether it looses its effect as your body gets used to the pain relief. Has anyone found it stops working?

I have only been taking Tramadol for about 2 years but I am thinking (well trying now) about coming off it, if I can manage.

I want to be able to take Paracetamol round the clock and then take a Tramadol every now and again. I was at first taking 2 every 4 hours with the Paracetamol.

I am now taking just 2 Tramadol, just before bed. I am thinking this wont last as at the moment I am not moving much at all due to my leg been in a cast. Once I start moving, I think the pain will increase. :sad:

Thank you much. x :smile:

Comments

  • traluvie
    traluvie Member Posts: 2,579
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Too be honest i don't know so can't comment..

    I have been on tramadol for about 2 years now(was on it for yr previously for gynae problems)..My doctor advised me along time ago not to just come off them..So if you are thinking about reducing them i would speak to your Gp before making any decisions..
    Wish you well.x
    th_tn_TisFORTIGGER.jpgxxTracyxx
  • sailrib
    sailrib Member Posts: 327
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for telling me about that.

    Will contact my GP.

    Thank you.
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    One of the most difficult aspects to arthritis is learning to live with the pain rather than trying to fight it away all the time. The dullers take off the sharpest edges and the stronger ones obviously take off more: this is lovely at the beginning but yes, I think the body can adjust to this and so more has to be taken to achieve the same results. It's a difficult tightrope but yes, talk to your GP about reducing them/stopping them. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • elainebadknee
    elainebadknee Bots Posts: 3,703
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi

    I dont know about tramadol, but been taking co-proxamol for about 2years and took it in my 20's (now in 40's)....and found then it used to make me fuzzy headed, and generally spaced out very much!! Now find it doesnt have that effect but dont know why...Maybe the meds strength wears off the more you take it? Or your body adjusts?

    Elainex
    sailrib wrote:
    Hi.

    I was just wondering if anyone on here has taken Tramadol for a long time (5+ years) and whether it looses its effect as your body gets used to the pain relief. Has anyone found it stops working?

    I have only been taking Tramadol for about 2 years but I am thinking (well trying now) about coming off it, if I can manage.

    I want to be able to take Paracetamol round the clock and then take a Tramadol every now and again. I was at first taking 2 every 4 hours with the Paracetamol.

    I am now taking just 2 Tramadol, just before bed. I am thinking this wont last as at the moment I am not moving much at all due to my leg been in a cast. Once I start moving, I think the pain will increase. :sad:

    Thank you much. x :smile:
  • dingbat77
    dingbat77 Member Posts: 40
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Was prescribed Tramadol about two years ago and gradually having less effect, recently had prostate surgery and hospital gave me Sopadol which hit the spot for that and my hip pain so asked my GP to put me on that which he has, I have to be careful as it is giving me a light headed feeling like what you get after three or four pints so don't take when driving etc.
  • liesa
    liesa Member Posts: 821
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    on my bad days i have cocodamol and around 1-2 hours later i take 2 tramadol... still dont get 100% relief
    love and hugs
    8997C823B17A6252CBCA252F4BF2932D.png
  • bubbadog
    bubbadog Member Posts: 5,544
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, All I can say is some drugs after you have been on them for a while you can become immune to that dose so you need to either go up to a higher dose or your G.P/Consultant will need to find another medication to try. Hope that helps you. Amanda/bubbadog
  • topgirl
    topgirl Member Posts: 290
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi....
    i have been on tramadol for 3 years for RA and I tho the same as you....BUT i have been advised to cut down .....this is proving really difficult..so i guess maybe we just get used to it??
    x