Posted by SLS on May 28, 2006, at 9:17:16
In reply to Ultram Works....vs. Cymbalta or Effexor??, posted by janekat on May 28, 2006, at 0:17:20
Hi.
Quite a few people experience an antidepressant effect from tramadol.
Tramadol possesses properties of both an opioid and an antidepressant, and is related chemically to Effexor. It acts as an agonist at opioid mu receptors and as a reuptake inhibitor of serotonin and norepinephrine. Tramadol is active in animal models of depression.
It is reasonable to think that Cymbalta might be effective. However, Cymbalta lacks the opioid effect of tramadol. There are people who receive antidepressant effects from opioid stimulation alone. That is why buprenorphine sometimes works for depression.
You might want to search the Internet and print out what you find. Perhaps another doctor would be willing to prescribe tramadol in your situation.
Good luck.
- Scott
> Hi,
> I've tried a few anti-depressents, Paxil, Wellbutrin and Effexor, non worked, and often made things worse. I was taking Ultram (Tramadol), for an injury and found it lifted my spirits to the point that I could function and get things done in my life, which is not going well now. I read that Ultram is simiar in effect to Effexor and Cymbalta (SNRI's). I have tried Effexor and it did not compare AT ALL.
> Do you think Cymbalta would possibly compare?...OR do you know HOW I can get someone to prescribe to me for depression?..I asked one doctor, he said it was not an antidepressant and would not do it.
> This is important to me as it is the only thing that works.
> Thanks
poster:SLS
thread:649568
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060525/msgs/649638.html