Abuse potential of tramadol?

[ironmics]

Ok sorry about all the tramadol reports/questions lately, but swim is already in love with it. He's read many comflicting reports on whether it has no abuse potential or a big one. He was told by his pharmacist that it has a very low one. Also that it has terrible withdrawls. Swim plans on talking to his doctor today to get him on a long term therapy of it mixed with physical therapy, since he can now do it relatively pain free. He know it doesn't give you the super euphoria that most opiates can so clearly psychological dependence will be lower, but it does make him really really happy in a different way. He was mostly wondering about the physical dependence and tolerance building?

[Forthesevenlakes]

Physical dependence on tramadol can develop to tramadol just as it develops to other opiates, SWIM says. Tolerance for SWIM seemed to build much more slowly than it did for other opiates, SWIM's average dose increased from 150 mg to 250 mg slowly over about three months of daily use. However, the withdrawals were just as bad as other opiates, as well, and included not only the usual opiate withdrawal symptoms but also a rebound depression. Since tramadol acts partially like an SSRI, be expecting a decrease in serotonin after SWIY stops use.

[Klaus]

This is all very interesting to Swim as he finds Tramadol of no use at all no matter what the mg.

[Orchid_Suspiria]

Its of no surprise to SWIM.He has only had one tramadol experience but he rather liked it.It was very similar to an opiate feeling yet somehow different perhaps a little more of a slight stimulant feel.

[ironmics]

Originally Posted by Orchid_Suspiria

Its of no surprise to SWIM.He has only had one tramadol experience but he rather liked it.It was very similar to an opiate feeling yet somehow different perhaps a little more of a slight stimulant feel.

Very much how it makes swim feel. Just kinda giddy and happy and silly. Doesn't floor him like any other opiates. He's definitely not addicted to it yet and he has not had to go above 100mg for the same effects, except in the case of really bad spasms when he needs muscle relaxers to help.

[Klaus]

ironmics>except in the case of really bad spasms when he needs muscle relaxers to help.

So swiy finds it a good analgesic ?

[ironmics]

Originally Posted by Klaus

ironmics>except in the case of really bad spasms when he needs muscle relaxers to help.

So swiy finds it a good analgesic ?

OH YEAH it's the best analgeic he has ever encountered. It kills his pain better than morphine. I know that sounds crazy, but all other opiates just make swim ignore the pain because of the high. Tramadol actually gets rid of it! He is not able to touch his toes without a lot of pain without it. With it...no problem can't feel a bit of pain. Swim reacts really oddly to opiates though so it might not be as good for everyone.

[ste888]

SWIM had a strong liking for dihydrocodeine and took tramadol once- he found that it made his head 'wired' and promptly had to take a diazepam.

[Zaprenz]

Desoxy-tramadol (a metabolite) is mean't to be the fun part. Mu-opioid agonism with little other complex effects. Although the serotonin/NA part probably helps for certain types of pain.

The best way to use tramadol SWIM has found is to take it literally before falling asleep(150-200mg), then the effects hit whilst your asleep and you have a fantastic nights sleep nodding in and out of dreaming.

For SWIM the main difference, is the rebound effects. For example a large dose of tramadol (200 - 300mg) will leave SWIM feeling stupid for a few days with a bad detriment to cognitive function. Dihydrocodeines rebound effects would more be possibly anxiety/pain related but not stupifying.

Such would be why SWIM definately chooses Dihydrocodeine in preference as an equivalent strength opioid to tramadol.

[thealexcometh]

as you can clearly tell, opinions on the effectiveness of tramadol and its ability to produce opiate feelings are divided. Swim gets a decent buzz off of it, not amazing, but it is nice, but its real value is in smaller doses (100-150mg) before taking another stronger opiate. It really gets your body "in the zone" and lets the stronger opie hit you harder, so it can be used as a means of using less of a stash of more potent products.

[yaba]

Swim gets tramadol from the doc for his back pain but swim likes to abuse them now and again. There is a abuse potential and tolerance will bult up. Swim started taking 100mg at ones and now takes 300-400mg at ones sometimes. With alcohol and a smoke.

If swiy is new to tramadol please start with 100mg and after few hours onother 100mg and dont drink with them.

[ste888]

I think a lot of it is frame of mind! SWIM has had lovely experiences from both tramadol and dihydrocodeine. I know SWIM still prefers the Dihydrocodeine, but respect to those who can enjoy their Tramadol given the right circumstances ie - just before bed etc. SWIM loves taking Dihydrocodeine, valium and a good smoke to achieve a kind of 'nirvana' state, but will be the first to acknowledge that it amounts to quite an intake on paper or otherwise, I wish SWIM could 'use' and not 'abuse' substances! I feel a new years resolution coming on! albeit- a somewhat crap one.