Posted by maz81 on March 19, 2008, at 15:45:20
I have been severly depressed for 2 years and the only relief I have had in that time has been after 18 sessions of ECT. Unfortunately I relapsed after 4 weeks. Over the last 2 years I have tried a number of SSRi's, SNRI's, modafinil, various antipsychotics and anticonvulsants. And of course lots of different combinations.
After reading some of the posts on here I decided to order some Tramadol (after my doctor ruled it out.) I am currently taking 30 mg Parnate, 40 mg amitriptyline, and 800 mg Lithium.
At first I was not sure about taking the tramadol due to the possibility of serotonin toxicity. After feeling really desperate one day I decided to try it. After taking 3, 50mg capsules in one day, it was not long before nearly all the mental and physical pain from the depression had gone. I would say it was about a 70% recovery. After a few days, I woke up in the middle of the night, short of breath and shaking. I decided to stop the tramadol until I can get off parnate.
I am determined to go back on the tramadol after a washout period with the parnate.
I am concerned about tolerence and addiction of course with the tramadol.
Has anyone had long term experience with Tramadol for refractory depression?
poster:maz81
thread:818840
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080316/msgs/818840.html