Shattered
Member
- Joined
- Apr 11, 2015
- Messages
- 19
Tramadol, aka Ultram is a Schedule IV federally controlled substance that is widely prescribed for moderate pain, as well as for chronic pain disorders such as fibromyalgia. Its exact mechanism of action is the subject of several scientific studies and is rather complicated. For now, let’s just say that it wreaks havoc on the brain. There are so many ways in which it works, that it is the subject of debate and intricate testing within the pharmaceutical industry. To make matters worse, more uses and applications for the drug are also under investigation. The most widely reported severe adverse effect of the drug is death by seizure. It is psychologically and physically addictive, and can be taken for legitimate medical purposes or recreational use.
I have heard several horror stories associated with the use of this drug. These range from tales of withdrawal symptoms that can last for up to two weeks, to seizure survivors who have lost a degree of mental functioning due to the rather frightening neurological event.
I have my own horror stories associated with the use of the drug as well, but I was stupid enough to use the drug in conjunction with SSRI antidepressants. The first event landed me in a psychiatric hospital for two weeks. The second event lead to an attempted overdose on Tylenol that was prompted by the delirium and frustration that comes with sleep deprivation. This landed me in the hospital for two weeks on the brink of liver failure, and upon my recovery, a stay in a psychiatric hospital for a period of two weeks. The worst part about it was, that even after going an entire month with no sleep before making the decision to overdose, I was awake for my entire hospital stay, my little stint in the psych ward, and for another three weeks when I returned home.
Plan B had to be put into effect and a bulk order of purple footballs from a currently blacklisted pharmacy was placed in an attempt to finish the job. Luckily, good old Shattered likes to test his pills before ingesting a rather large amount of them in order to achieve the lethal dose. I made the very wise decision to ingest ten of them in order to see if they were bunk. They most certainly were not. I fell asleep within an hour, and slept normally from there on. Why this worked is a mystery to me. Please, by all means, do not even think about using this reckless method of testing in order to fall asleep or any other reason!
For all of the more medically inclined readers out there, here are some of the main ways in which Tramadol alleviates pain:
It binds to the mu-opioid receptor simulating the action of opiates, the strength in which it does this can be compared to codeine.
It is a u-opioid agonist. Agonists sensitize brain receptors in such a manner that the natural opioids in the brain are felt more intensely by the individual taking the medication.
It is a potent serotonin releasing agent. Serotonin is the "feel good" chemical that is attributed to feelings of wellbeing among other things.
It is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. This means that it does not allow the "fight or flight" chemical to recycle itself within the brain so that it can build up within the synapses.
Worst of all, it is a 5-HT2c receptor antagonist. This merely means that it blocks this particular serotonin receptor. This is quite dangerous because it makes the possibility of seizures more likely. Seizures of this nature commonly result in instant death. Factors such as abrupt withdrawal from benzodiazepines or taking certain medications such as Wellbutrin or other SNRI's can increase the likelihood of seizures. If you are taking Tramadol in conjunction with sedative/hypnotics, it is advised that you do not stop taking them under any circumstances. This will lower the seizure threshold to dangerous levels. One little blip on the TV could have you shuckin' and jivin' on the living room floor! Not to mention the flickering blue light that you do not see when looking at a computer screen or a cell phone. Not only does this light decrease levels of melatonin in the brain, but also may pose a seizure risk as well.
Taking Tramadol in conjunction with antidepressants of any kind can induce psychotic episodes that are quite similar to bipolar mania, but especially those that fall within the SSRI class.
If you are currently taking Tramadol, please do not let this information frighten you! Abrupt discontinuation is NOT advised. Withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person but most commonly involve a disturbing amount of insomnia.
The best way to taper is over a period of months. Cutting back the dosage by ¾ every month is the best idea. No, this does not mean going from 100mg to 75mg to 50mg to 25mg to 0. While this can be done, discontinuation effects may hinder your life to a certain degree.
The correct way to taper from a medication is to go from 100mg to 75mg to ¾ of 75mg which would be 56mg, to 42mg, to 31mg, to.23mg to 18mg per day each month. While this may appear to be a daunting task for those who do not own a milligram scale, it is indeed the best way to taper from addictive drugs of any kind.
A healthy regimen of low dose benzodiazepines will most certainly ease the withdrawal symptoms or, if you continue to take the medication, cut the seizure risk down a bit. Given the addictive nature of benzos, they should not be taken for any longer than four to six weeks.
The best advice I could possibly give is to have a proper diet and exercise regimen during your withdrawal period. I personally recommend outdoor activities. It is amazing what some vital nutrients, extra endorphins, and the antidepressant power of sunlight can do for anyone.
That’s all I have for now, I have some much deserved Horned White Vein to burn, some melatonin to take from staring at this computer screen for so long, and maybe a little nap to take when I crash since I have been awake all night.
I guess the floor is open for questions!
I have heard several horror stories associated with the use of this drug. These range from tales of withdrawal symptoms that can last for up to two weeks, to seizure survivors who have lost a degree of mental functioning due to the rather frightening neurological event.
I have my own horror stories associated with the use of the drug as well, but I was stupid enough to use the drug in conjunction with SSRI antidepressants. The first event landed me in a psychiatric hospital for two weeks. The second event lead to an attempted overdose on Tylenol that was prompted by the delirium and frustration that comes with sleep deprivation. This landed me in the hospital for two weeks on the brink of liver failure, and upon my recovery, a stay in a psychiatric hospital for a period of two weeks. The worst part about it was, that even after going an entire month with no sleep before making the decision to overdose, I was awake for my entire hospital stay, my little stint in the psych ward, and for another three weeks when I returned home.
Plan B had to be put into effect and a bulk order of purple footballs from a currently blacklisted pharmacy was placed in an attempt to finish the job. Luckily, good old Shattered likes to test his pills before ingesting a rather large amount of them in order to achieve the lethal dose. I made the very wise decision to ingest ten of them in order to see if they were bunk. They most certainly were not. I fell asleep within an hour, and slept normally from there on. Why this worked is a mystery to me. Please, by all means, do not even think about using this reckless method of testing in order to fall asleep or any other reason!
For all of the more medically inclined readers out there, here are some of the main ways in which Tramadol alleviates pain:
It binds to the mu-opioid receptor simulating the action of opiates, the strength in which it does this can be compared to codeine.
It is a u-opioid agonist. Agonists sensitize brain receptors in such a manner that the natural opioids in the brain are felt more intensely by the individual taking the medication.
It is a potent serotonin releasing agent. Serotonin is the "feel good" chemical that is attributed to feelings of wellbeing among other things.
It is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. This means that it does not allow the "fight or flight" chemical to recycle itself within the brain so that it can build up within the synapses.
Worst of all, it is a 5-HT2c receptor antagonist. This merely means that it blocks this particular serotonin receptor. This is quite dangerous because it makes the possibility of seizures more likely. Seizures of this nature commonly result in instant death. Factors such as abrupt withdrawal from benzodiazepines or taking certain medications such as Wellbutrin or other SNRI's can increase the likelihood of seizures. If you are taking Tramadol in conjunction with sedative/hypnotics, it is advised that you do not stop taking them under any circumstances. This will lower the seizure threshold to dangerous levels. One little blip on the TV could have you shuckin' and jivin' on the living room floor! Not to mention the flickering blue light that you do not see when looking at a computer screen or a cell phone. Not only does this light decrease levels of melatonin in the brain, but also may pose a seizure risk as well.
Taking Tramadol in conjunction with antidepressants of any kind can induce psychotic episodes that are quite similar to bipolar mania, but especially those that fall within the SSRI class.
If you are currently taking Tramadol, please do not let this information frighten you! Abrupt discontinuation is NOT advised. Withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person but most commonly involve a disturbing amount of insomnia.
The best way to taper is over a period of months. Cutting back the dosage by ¾ every month is the best idea. No, this does not mean going from 100mg to 75mg to 50mg to 25mg to 0. While this can be done, discontinuation effects may hinder your life to a certain degree.
The correct way to taper from a medication is to go from 100mg to 75mg to ¾ of 75mg which would be 56mg, to 42mg, to 31mg, to.23mg to 18mg per day each month. While this may appear to be a daunting task for those who do not own a milligram scale, it is indeed the best way to taper from addictive drugs of any kind.
A healthy regimen of low dose benzodiazepines will most certainly ease the withdrawal symptoms or, if you continue to take the medication, cut the seizure risk down a bit. Given the addictive nature of benzos, they should not be taken for any longer than four to six weeks.
The best advice I could possibly give is to have a proper diet and exercise regimen during your withdrawal period. I personally recommend outdoor activities. It is amazing what some vital nutrients, extra endorphins, and the antidepressant power of sunlight can do for anyone.
That’s all I have for now, I have some much deserved Horned White Vein to burn, some melatonin to take from staring at this computer screen for so long, and maybe a little nap to take when I crash since I have been awake all night.
I guess the floor is open for questions!
