Posted by Elizabeth on March 20, 1999, at 13:04:51
In reply to Ultram, posted by Nonie on March 19, 1999, at 12:11:35
> I have been taking Ultram for a long time, about a year. If I don't take it I get short of breath, really fatigued, no energy, can't sleep at night, my muscles get weird like I gotta keep them in motion. I tried to cut down gradually but it dousen't help. I'm kinda worried because I know I'm dependent on Ultram. I've become dependent on the drug itself, not because of the condition of which I was put on the drug for. I made an appointment with another doctor to see if there is a way to get off this med without such severe side effects. Wish me luck and the same to you.
This is a withdrawal syndrome that can happen with drugs like Ultram, but also with other medicines people take, such as antidepressants and minor tranquilizers. If you've been taking something like Ultram for a long time and want to stop, you have to decrease the dose very *very* slowly. There are also ways to ease some of the side effects (some people use a drug called clonidine). It could take quite a long time, but you will certainly be able to stop taking it if you're ready to. I do think it is a good idea to see a doctor to get help doing this, rather than attempting it on your own - the symptoms aren't dangerous, but they can be minimized or even avoided with help.
Just to be clear, the fact that you're having a withdrawal syndrome doesn't make you a drug addict or anything like that!
-elizabeth
poster:Elizabeth
thread:3823
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990301/msgs/3862.html