My dr wants to take me off Tramadol and move me back on Vicodin . I am rather nervous as I have lived through some horrific withdrawal years ago with Paxil. I liked tramadol because I heard it was non addictive. Now I hear there is a physical addition and it is worse to get off. Any help out there?
Did the doctor say why he wants to change the medication? You can call the office and tell them your concerns and ask questions write them down first so you do not forget any. I took tramadol years ago but did not take it daily so when I switched there were no problems. I hope you do not have any problems.
Well, from what I've read, it certainly can be addictive and can have some severe withdrawal symptoms. However, what's true for one isn't always true for another. For instance, my friend had to get off Cymbalta and read about how everyone getting off it found it to be a nightmare. But she was off it in a few days with no side effects at all. So it shows how different it can be, person to person.
I think you need to discuss this with your physician. I would think that you would need to taper off the Tramadol before getting on Vicodin.
If you need to read up on others going through tramadol withdrawal, here is one conversation about it: http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Addiction-Substance-Abuse/Why-am-I-having-such-a-hard-time-getting-off-Tramadol-/show/615576
Oh do I know how scared you feel and how good it is to question every medication a doctor prescribes. The reason you had such a bad withdrawal from Paxil is called Serotonin Syndrome. Go and Google it and it will help you understand why it was so horrible.
Don't worry about stopping Tramadol, which is very addictive, at least it was for me. I was at the max dosage in 2 weeks and only just had my bad fibro pain come back. Did the Vicoden work for you last time you took it. If not ask your doctor about Oxycodone (they might be the same drug but I'm not sure). I've been on Oxycodone 30mg 3 times a day for over 4 years now and it is still working for me. I think Vicodin is Hydrocodone, which for me did not work as well as the Oxycodone. Ask your doctor and see what he says about Oxycodone, it is an opioid also. If you are young ask your doctor about Seroquil. It helps me sleep, helps me with my fibro pain and a doctor once said he was going to take me off and I stated to him, No you are not!! And I meant it loud and clear. Seroquil also helps with mood swings if you have those. Seroquil and Oxycodone are my life force and without them I would be curled up in a ball crying 24/7. I also suffer from severe depression and Seroquil helps with that also. Really don't worry about switching from Tramadol to an opioid. They are 2 different drugs. Some of the reason why people have a hard time coming off of Tramadol is because it works with your Serotonin, which is what Paxil is. Any time you discontinue a drug that works with your Serotonin you will get that Serotonin Syndrome. Try the website www.webmd.com Because they will explain it in the best way. Good luck and please give us an update on how you are doing!! XX-hugs. (-: