#568674 - 09/25/07 10:06 AM
ANYONE WHO TAKES AN SSRI/SNRI WITH TRAMADOL?
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Alyssa03
Veteran
Registered: 03/10/05
Posts: 640
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Hi Guys,
I'm not sure if this is the right forum to post this, but I couldn't start a new topic in the forum that I thought was more appropriate. Question: Does anyone out there take any kind of SSRI or SNRI (anti-depressant or anti-anxiety) while taking Tramadol (Click here for TramadolX180tabs for only 99.95 dollars) (Ultram) for pain?
There have been a few minor discussions regarding this recently, but I wanted to start a thread with a title that might grab my target population's attention more effectively.
I am aware of the potential risks with taking these medications simultaneously (serotonin syndrome and seizures), but I was curious to see if anyone does take them successfully w/o any issues. The medication I am referring to specifically is Cymbalta, but apparently most, if not all, of the SSRIs carry this risk.
I would truly appreciate any input I can get, and would like to thank everyone in advance for taking the time to respond.
Thank you,
Alyssa
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#568804 - 09/25/07 12:04 PM
Re: ANYONE WHO TAKES AN SSRI/SNRI WITH TRAMADOL?
[Re: Alyssa03]
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Alyssa03
Veteran
Registered: 03/10/05
Posts: 640
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Bump......anyone????? Please??
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#568935 - 09/25/07 02:48 PM
Re: ANYONE WHO TAKES AN SSRI/SNRI WITH TRAMADOL?
[Re: Alyssa03]
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Alyssa03
Veteran
Registered: 03/10/05
Posts: 640
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Come on, guys, I won't give up that easily!!! I'm looking for personal experiences opposed to what is in the literature. I'm scared to death to take this medication which my Dr. thinks is "safe," I really do need some help here.
I know there has to be someone out there who fits the bill....
Thanks again,
Alyssa
ps. Don't let me kill my own thread, k?
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#568964 - 09/25/07 03:14 PM
Re: ANYONE WHO TAKES AN SSRI/SNRI WITH TRAMADOL?
[Re: pillar]
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JoeNY
Stranger
Registered: 08/24/06
Posts: 8
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#569078 - 09/25/07 05:56 PM
Re: ANYONE WHO TAKES AN SSRI/SNRI WITH TRAMADOL?
[Re: pillar]
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Alyssa03
Veteran
Registered: 03/10/05
Posts: 640
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Thank you soooo much Pillar and Joe for taking the time to respond. Joe, I am on a much higher dose of Tramadol (Click here for TramadolX180tabs for only 99.95 dollars) (extended release) than you are and that is what concerns me. I'm afraid that may be a problem but lower doses don't make my pain manageable.
Pillar, I hope I'm not being too personal, but how much Tramadol (Click here for TramadolX180tabs for only 99.95 dollars) are you currently taking daily? You don't have to answer or you can pm me (or tell me to get lost!).
I wonder if taking the ER would make a difference? Probably not, just trying to justify things.....
I just can't help but think there are more people out there in the same boat who wouldn't mind sharing their personal experiences.
Thank you again, especially Pillar, who is always kind enough to help me out. Btw, how is the the Cymbalta working for you?
As far as getting worked up and over-analyzing, isn't that our jobs as women???? 
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#569153 - 09/25/07 08:20 PM
Re: ANYONE WHO TAKES AN SSRI/SNRI WITH TRAMADOL?
[Re: Alyssa03]
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Alyssa03
Veteran
Registered: 03/10/05
Posts: 640
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Bump...I know, I'm so narcissistic and stubborn!!!!!
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#569184 - 09/25/07 09:21 PM
Re: ANYONE WHO TAKES AN SSRI/SNRI WITH TRAMADOL?
[Re: Miniplicity]
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prdmmof1
Member
Registered: 07/12/07
Posts: 149
Loc: mommytown,USA
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I think I responded to a post that you had regarding this subject.
I took Ultracet&Celexa together,and experienced no problems...other than the fact that Ultracet/Tramadol (Click here for TramadolX180tabs for only 99.95 dollars) didn't seem to be particularly effective in relieving pain in my case.
And I also believe that I didn't know at the time I took them together(or obviously my Doc,either)that there was such a risk in doing so.
I guess if the Ultracet/Tramadol (Click here for TramadolX180tabs for only 99.95 dollars) is effective in relieving your pain,and the Cymbalta is necessary as well,maybe talk to your Doc.about your concerns with taking the two together,and try to establish whether or not the benefits outweigh the risks.
I hope you find the answers that you are looking for,and I also wish you luck with finding the proper kind of pain relief that you need:)
Take care of yourself:)
prdmmof1 
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#570008 - 09/26/07 09:22 PM
Re: ANYONE WHO TAKES AN SSRI/SNRI WITH TRAMADOL?
[Re: genethebean1]
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Alyssa03
Veteran
Registered: 03/10/05
Posts: 640
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Thank you very much for your responses...it means a lot. My Dr. and I have had numerous discussions about this and he seems to think it is safe to take them together. I, on the other hand, am not so quick to jump on the bandwagon. He's not the one who might have the seizure while driving three small children around...frankly, it scares me.
I will leave you all alone and sort this quandry out myself, sorry for pestering everyone. I just thought that if I heard about positive personal experiences, it might make me feel better.
Thanks again~
Alyssa
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#570151 - 09/27/07 07:57 AM
Re: ANYONE WHO TAKES AN SSRI/SNRI WITH TRAMADOL?
[Re: Alyssa03]
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SeaBreeze
Member
Registered: 03/03/07
Posts: 160
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I have taken both, but separately, so I can't be of too much help. But my concern with a combo like this would be the same (cataclysmic) problem I had when taking a pain med (hydro) with an SSRI (fluox). SSRIs can partially or completely *deactivate* pain medication. I don't know if Tramadol (Click here for TramadolX180tabs for only 99.95 dollars) is "opiate-like" enough that it would be affected in this same way, but when I took hydro during the same period as fluox... Holy [censored]... It was a world of pain. The hydro did not work at all, and it took months for this effect to go away after discontinuing the fluox.
If you have chronic pain, I would steer clear of ANY SSRI. Even if it's a minor pain right now, what if it got worse or something and you needed stronger meds? You would be totally screwed. Even if you could get the medication (Ha!) it would be useless, and you would have no way of managing the pain.
Obviously I don't know what your situation is. I can only relate what happened to me. On top of that, I really regret ever starting the fluox. I liked its effects at first, but it had side effects and after a while made me feel really weird. Like, not myself. Not knowing who I was. Hard to explain.
It makes me wonder what happens when people on SSRIs have accidents or whatever and end up in the hospital or with injuries. How do they treat their pain?
Anyway... Anti-depressants, never again. Not for me.
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#570153 - 09/27/07 08:02 AM
Re: ANYONE WHO TAKES AN SSRI/SNRI WITH TRAMADOL?
[Re: Alyssa03]
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carolined
Pooh-Bah
Registered: 07/31/07
Posts: 1067
Loc: Fed Ex Field
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Alyssa,
The seizures caused by Tramadol (Click here for TramadolX180tabs for only 99.95 dollars) aren't from combining them with an anti-depressant, b/c I have never been on anti's and I had several seizures from Ultram. The seizures are from the patient either being allergic to them or for taking them for too long of a period, which both were the case for me. I was prescribed Ultram for 3 years... and you're not supposed to take it for longer than 3 months, nor should you take ANY more than what you are supposed to. I ended up taking more for a dose, b/c after 2 years, it wasn't effective, and that's when the seizures began.
Carolined
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#570226 - 09/27/07 09:38 AM
Re: ANYONE WHO TAKES AN SSRI/SNRI WITH TRAMADOL?
[Re: SeaBreeze]
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Alyssa03
Veteran
Registered: 03/10/05
Posts: 640
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SeaBreeze....thank you as well, I didn't mean to leave you out. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.
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#570229 - 09/27/07 09:41 AM
Re: ANYONE WHO TAKES AN SSRI/SNRI WITH TRAMADOL?
[Re: Alyssa03]
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carolined
Pooh-Bah
Registered: 07/31/07
Posts: 1067
Loc: Fed Ex Field
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I wouldn't if I were you... or at least, I would get a second opinion. It seems like he could give you something else besides the Tramadol (Click here for TramadolX180tabs for only 99.95 dollars)...
And you're right, I shouldn't have said that the seizures weren't from SSRI's, b/c I didn't do any research. I was just stating what my doc finally told me... (after the dumb@ss put me on Ultram for 3 years)
Good luck with whatever you decide!
I was fortunate enough to have never been driving or hurt anyone else when I did have seizures, so I have that to be thankful for! The last one I had, I was driving, and was dropping someone off at their house. At the last minute, I asked my friend if she would mind driving, b/c I didn't feel like it. No sooner than we switched seats, I had a seizure. I'm just so grateful that I wasn't driving, b/c I would probably have killed both of us, and possibly others.
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#570303 - 09/27/07 11:09 AM
Re: ANYONE WHO TAKES AN SSRI/SNRI WITH TRAMADOL?
[Re: carolined]
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Alyssa03
Veteran
Registered: 03/10/05
Posts: 640
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I agree, thank goodness you weren't driving!!! Still, that must have been really scary for you nonetheless. My Dr. is willing to prescribe other pain meds, but believe it or not, I prefer the Tramadol (Click here for TramadolX180tabs for only 99.95 dollars) for a few reasons. First of all, it works for a lot of my pain and lasts longer than any other pain meds I have ever taken. In addition, I don't want to get "hooked" on the stronger meds and build up my tolerance too quickly (I know my body and was placed on these other meds right after the accident.) I developed a tolerance so fast and then nothing seemed to help my pain except the Tramadol (Click here for TramadolX180tabs for only 99.95 dollars).
So, you see my dilemna. I'm sure I will have to taper w/the Tramadol (Click here for TramadolX180tabs for only 99.95 dollars) when the time comes (it is addictive regardless what most Docs think), but I will be on it for a while due to my injuries.
I just wish I could "shake" this depression that seems to be getting progressively worse without any medication......
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#570440 - 09/27/07 01:07 PM
Re: ANYONE WHO TAKES AN SSRI/SNRI WITH TRAMADOL?
[Re: carolined]
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Alyssa03
Veteran
Registered: 03/10/05
Posts: 640
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Thank you, Caroline. I am aware of the withdrawals and unfortunately I have heard they are no "walk in the park." I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get there...definitely not looking forward to it though. I would imagine that tapering is really the only way to go, so after my surgery and other procedures, I'll face that demon 
Thanks again~
Alyssa
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#570867 - 09/28/07 04:59 AM
Re: ANYONE WHO TAKES AN SSRI/SNRI WITH TRAMADOL?
[Re: Alyssa03]
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carolined
Pooh-Bah
Registered: 07/31/07
Posts: 1067
Loc: Fed Ex Field
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GOOD LUCK!! I'll be thinking of you... I'm sure you and your doctor will be able to make the best decision for you. 
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#571032 - 09/28/07 09:19 AM
Re: ANYONE WHO TAKES AN SSRI/SNRI WITH TRAMADOL?
[Re: carolined]
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Alyssa03
Veteran
Registered: 03/10/05
Posts: 640
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Thanks, Caroline. I appreciate your kindness~
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#578748 - 10/11/07 12:08 AM
Re: ANYONE WHO TAKES AN SSRI/SNRI WITH TRAMADOL?
[Re: Alyssa03]
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JokerOwling
Pooh-Bah
Registered: 07/14/07
Posts: 1214
Loc: here at the moment
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I just wish I could "shake" this depression that seems to be getting progressively worse without any medication......
Tramadol (Click here for TramadolX180tabs for only 99.95 dollars) is known to have an anti-depressant effect but
I know of a number of people (myself included) who have
become MORE depressed after taking above 200mg/day for more
than a few weeks or months.I really dont think adding MORE
anti-depressants is the answer.I have taken Tramadol (Click here for TramadolX180tabs for only 99.95 dollars) with a number of AD's
and it didnt help at all,just made me 'mixed up'(more headaches,worse insomnia,nausea.......).
You may need to try a new dr and see if you can try an opiate or something more suitable.
Many people take years to find the 'right' dr and medication.Hope this helps a little bit anyway.
_________________________
"A magnesium deficiency may be responsible for more diseases than any other nutrient."-Dr.Norman Shealy,Neurosurgeon&Chronic Pain expert.
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#578753 - 10/11/07 12:35 AM
Re: ANYONE WHO TAKES AN SSRI/SNRI WITH TRAMADOL?
[Re: Alyssa03]
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Strawberry
GOLDEN EAGLE 
GRAND Pooh-Bah
Registered: 01/29/06
Posts: 5344
Loc: Going Home........
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Hi Alyssa03 I think the posters above all have made some good points. I don't know of a lot of people that are fans of any SSRI's, and they do have side effects that could make your Tramadol (Click here for TramadolX180tabs for only 99.95 dollars) work differently. Of course you do want to talk to your doctor, about this, but you might want to remember which one you were taking first and how you felt, after the first month or so.
If the one you took first did the most help, then switch the other, or if the one you took last worked the best, switch the first one.
Anyway that would be my thought, when talking to a doctor, to get something that works better, while trying to avoid withdrawel. Good luck to you. 
_________________________
. 
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#579148 - 10/11/07 11:14 AM
Re: ANYONE WHO TAKES AN SSRI/SNRI WITH TRAMADOL?
[Re: Strawberry]
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Alyssa03
Veteran
Registered: 03/10/05
Posts: 640
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Thanks for the replies, everyone. I am tapering off the ultram (lots of fun)....totally my decision. My Dr. was willing to Rx opiates instead of the ultram, but I didn't want to go that route. I was involved in a serious accident and have been on some type of pain medication for quite a while, so my tolerance is through the roof. The ultram actually works better and lasts longer than any of the other opiates I have tried (even percocet). I was referred to pain management and am going soon....I have no idea what to expect but anything has got to be better than the way I feel right now. I really hope we can find a med that is longer lasting and that I won't build a tolerance to so quickly. Wish me luck.....
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#580581 - 10/13/07 04:45 PM
Re: ANYONE WHO TAKES AN SSRI/SNRI WITH TRAMADOL?
[Re: JokerOwling]
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warmweather
Board Addict
Registered: 05/20/07
Posts: 350
Loc: Parts Unknown
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I'll just put my 2 cents in. I took both Cymbalta and Tramadol (Click here for TramadolX180tabs for only 99.95 dollars) ER at the same time. Both were supposed to be for nerve pain but the pain clinic doc put me on the Cymbalta because he felt that pain is caused by depression, not the other way around.
I think everyone is different and will have different experiences. I had no problem except neither did anything for the pain, or for depression, for that fact. When I have pain control, I do not have depression.
I stopped both CT after 6 months but at a week's interval. Stopping the Cymbalta gave me a headache for a day, stopping the Tramadol (Click here for TramadolX180tabs for only 99.95 dollars) did not cause w/d at all. I wouldn't recommend doing that but I'm just saying what happened when I stopped. I shouldn't have done that but I was disgusted that my docs would not listen to me.
I also had those twitches with Tramadol (Click here for TramadolX180tabs for only 99.95 dollars) ER, but not with regular Tramadol (Click here for TramadolX180tabs for only 99.95 dollars). They were like those ones when you are just falling asleep sometimes and suddenly jerk. Except they happened when I was awake. About 2-3 times a day. Nothing big but concerning anyhow.
You may have a totally different experience but if you have any weird symptoms, let your doctor know right away.
When you are diagnosed with a chronic condition, it would be a very rare person who doesn't have some depression. Once you accept the fact that your life has changed, the pain causes more depression than anything else.
I truly hope these meds can help you.
_________________________
Here's to the heart, which has a will of its own.
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