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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
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?
Posted by SLS on March 19, 2008, at 16:22:32
In reply to Tramadol Success!, posted by maz81 on March 19, 2008, at 15:45:20
Similar Effects of Tramadol and Venlafaxine in Major Depressive Disorder.
Case Report
Southern Medical Journal. 101(2):193-195, February 2008.
Reeves, Roy R. DO, PhD; Cox, Sera K. MDAbstract:
The analgesic tramadol has many characteristics in common with the antidepressant venlafaxine. The drugs are structurally similar, share both serotonergic and noradrenergic properties, and undergo a similar metabolic fate. In this study, a patient, who developed significant depression following cessation of tramadol after several years of therapy, is described. Her depression was then treated with venlafaxine with excellent response. It appears that tramadol may have provided a prophylactic antidepressant effect in this patient. Because of its similarities to venlafaxine, tramadol may possibly exert a degree of antidepressant effect in certain patients, particularly those with chronic pain.(C) 2008 Southern Medical Association
Posted by RMarie on March 19, 2008, at 23:29:24
In reply to Re: Tramadol Success!, posted by SLS on March 19, 2008, at 16:22:32
I too have tried everything and I mean all. I stumbled across Tramadol and it was magic for me and I have taken for the last 5 yrs. --also have back problems. The trouble is that it is so very addictive and hard to get off of it. It is a very unique drug. The longer I was on it I eventually was having more side effects and severe irritability after taking it. The AD effects seemed to get less after a while or at least did for me & more nervousness. Keep me informed on how you are doing as I am interested in the Ven. Good luck.
Posted by cg1973 on March 20, 2008, at 0:26:06
In reply to Tramadol Success!, posted by maz81 on March 19, 2008, at 15:45:20
Tramadol? Really? How interesting. I don't know a thing about it when used in humans. And, before I go on, please know that I mean no disrespect by referencing what veterinarians think about this drug because I LOVE VETERINARIANS and would get all my medical care from one in a heartbeat if I could! At any rate, I had an elderly dog who had arthritis and a heart condition which prevented her from taking one of the common arthritis drugs given to animals. Her Cardiologist and her Acupuncturist (yes, my dog had a Cardiologist and an Acupuncturist) both raved about Tramadol and how unique and effective it is. They were talking mostly about its effectiveness in treating arthritis. However, the Acupuncture Vet talked about how, in cats, Tramadol seems to do more than just relieve pain in that it makes them act happier and more affectionate.
I'm really not sure how that little story relates at all to your situation other than that I really wish they'd do some more research on Tramadol. As I remember, although it's not an actual opiate, it works by affecting the opioid receptors.
Posted by RMarie on March 20, 2008, at 19:29:23
In reply to Re: Tramadol Success!, posted by cg1973 on March 20, 2008, at 0:26:06
Yes it is a very unique drug and I didn't notice the AD effects when first started it for back pain. My GP noted that it is a spin off of an AD and I dismissed it at the time but I have read that it affects Ser. and Norep.---not sure about dopa. I just wish it hadn't stopped working so effectively. Need to keep the dose as low as possible because ya get add.quickly. Interestly enough, when our depression is under control we have more tolerance for pain. That is interesting that it is used on animals.
Posted by greenmtn on March 21, 2008, at 10:26:30
In reply to Re: Tramadol Success!, posted by RMarie on March 20, 2008, at 19:29:23
About 3 years ago, while being unsuccessfully treated for depression, I developed a very painful frozen shoulder and was prescribed tramadol. For me it was a potent antidepressant. My psychiatrist actually prescribed it for me and I took it for a few months for depression. Over time it seemed like it wasn't working as well and I realized it could not be a long term treatment. Stopping it caused terrible depression which lasted several days. (I'm on Emsam now which works well).
Oxycodone is also a powerful antidepressant for me. I take it for severe abdominal pain however only is small amounts and only when needed for pain. My gastr Doc will give me a script of (20) 5 mg pills which usually lasts me about 10 weeks so I'm hopefully not getting hooked on it.
Back to the frozen shoulder. I was sent to an orthopedic surgeon. He examed the shoulder and quickly said I needed to have this procedure done which would put me out of work for 2 weeks because of pain and then need long term physical therapy. I had done my homework, mostly on the net looking at reputable sites. I knew about the procedure. I also knew that this condition often goes away by itself. I did'nt and it did.
Greenmtn
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