hi, I am currently taking Lexapro and Elavil for my depression. I don't seem to get much relief. I've also been on Paxil, which didn't do much for either. A friend of mine gave me Tramadol(Ultram) for back pain I have been expereincing. I noticed a great deal of mood elavation from it(and no I don't mean a high like you would get from percocet). I looked it up online, and read a few articles that Ultram is helpful in depression, however it may cause a dependence. My question is will a doctor prescribe Tramadol for depression, even though its main use is for pain?
2007-02-18
04:47:03
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11 answers
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asked by
Lindsey H
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in
Health
➔ Mental Health
Oh good grief your question has scared the life out of me. Tramadol is one of the WORST things you could start taking at this time. It is not an anti-depressant, it is a strong opiate painkiller with effects similar to morphine. It is highly addictive and a slippery slope to drug addiction because you can quickly become dependent on it. Please don't think that I am exaggerating, I see so many patients who have accidentally become hooked on painkillers and it can destroy your life. There is no chance a doctor would prescribe tramadol for depression because it would be totally irresponsible and acting against your best interests.
Please have a chat with your GP about alternatives. I agree if you are currently feeling low you may well benefit from a different medication or other types of therapy. Your GP will be happy to help you and there are always other options. Depression is so common. Please don't take any more tramadol and throw out or return the ones you have in case you are tempted when you are feeling down.
2007-02-18 06:30:36
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answer #1
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answered by drblonde 3
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Hi there, do not use Tramadol for depression. Although I can see why they feel nice - i used to really like them :) they are a synthetic opiod hence why they can take the edge of depression (they kill pain and help your brain deal with trauma - e.g after an operation by releasing serotonin) - and yes they can make you feel high (known as rambos in some circles because it seems nothing can touch you!) Unfortunately they are kinda flawed, you will never deal with your depression when you are on them, it will just sit in the background until it all boils over again. They are addictive and coming off them can give you withdrawals and flu symptons, your tolerance will rise massively even after short term use - they are a synthetic opiod (remember that). They will affect your sleep making depression worse, and best of all if taken with SSRI's can result in a serotonin syndrome which is very dangerous. All in all cant recommend them for dealing, sensibly, with depression - your doc wont prescribe them and they will only make you worse in the longer term. good luck with your depression - dont go making it worse by self medicating. Peace :)
2007-02-19 08:53:00
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answer #2
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answered by chrispin 1
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I too have found Tramadol is great for depression. Unfortunately, my doctors quit prescribing it for me the minute I mentioned how it helped my depression. I was only taking one a day and for the first time in years felt I could handle life. I have come to the conclusion that anything that makes me feel good and able to functions my doctors don't want me to have.
2016-03-29 01:22:57
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answer #3
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answered by Amber 4
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I think it depends on how your depression is affecting you. For instance I took peroxitine for depression because it helps with anxiety attacks, OCDs etc Some anti-depressants help with lack of sleep, so they'll prescribe something different. I would speak to your GP about it and make sure you tell them all the symptoms of your depression - physical and mental.
2007-02-18 04:55:07
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answer #4
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answered by Minky 2
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I doubt it as it is highly dependent. I was on it for severe back pain and after 3 weeks I started to feel very depressed! Do not take this without talking to your doc you could do more damage than good!
2007-02-18 04:58:35
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answer #5
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answered by Stephanie C 3
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I had Tramadol for severe pain when I had an ovarian cyst. Its really strong and you say its not like being high.Not that Iv'e ever been high from drugs but all I can say is that I was hallucinating with them.They were too strong for me.
2007-02-18 04:54:29
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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we are all different and therefore react differently to medication. i have been on anti-depressants for years and they help me as my brain won't make serotonin(the bit that keeps you positive and happy). i have had several different sorts, seroxat, fluoxetine etc because after a time your body may get used to them. involved in car crash over 4 yrs ago and still have trouble painwise sometimes and my doc always gives me tramodol and as far as i know it is just a pain killer - just lately they don't seem to have much effect on me so maybe i need a different one now. as usual if in any doubt see your doc
2007-02-18 05:57:31
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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Perhaps if you had convinced him you had fibromyalgia in which depression is a component. I don't think you want to deceive your doctor though.
2007-02-18 04:57:47
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answer #8
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answered by Rockford 7
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i'm on tramadol for pain relief,never knew it could be used for depression.it can't be i'm feeling lower than a snakes belly
2007-02-18 04:54:23
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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Talk to your doctor about it, you never know. especial if conventional therpies have failed.) I once took anti-depressants for headcahes and it worked like a charm.
2007-02-18 04:51:47
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answer #10
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answered by ♥Mommy to 3 year old Jacob and baby on the way♥ 7
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