Ultram/other opiates cause agitation instead of lethargy?

Question

I'm allergic to aspirin and ibuprofen, and Tylenol hardly does anything for me, so my dr has recently prescribed Ultram (tramadol) for bad headaches, back pain, etc. Last year I had foot surgery and was prescribed Vicodin during recovery.

I've noticed that both Ultram and Vicodin seem to have an opposite effect on me than they have on other people. Whereas other people get kind of lethargic, drowsy, spaced-out, I've found that these medications make me restless with lots of energy, even agitated, seem to cause muscle twitches, and keep me awake or else I find myself waking frequently during the night, like a stimulant. I'm not overdosing or combining with other meds.

Is there some weird metabolic or genetic variant that could cause this reaction? I don't take the Ultram very often, but I'd like to know that I'm not doing something harmful. I'm at a loss about what other non-opiate, non-NSAID painkillers I can try...but if anyone has a suggestion, Id be glad to hear it

Answer 1

CNS effects may be inhibitory or excitatory, include alterations in consciousness and cognition, and range from mild drowsiness to profound sedation, euphoria to delirium with hallucinations. Patients may have mild lightheadedness or sickening dizziness. Excitatory effects include exaggerated sensitivity to pain, muscle twitching or jerking, or seizures, all of which may be related to excessive accumulation of the opioid .
Adverse effects are specific to some individuals. They may be age related.

Answer 2

I don't know what else you can try.. but the reason for your reaction to the med's your on.. may be a hyper sensativity to it.. an allergic reaction in the making I would bet.... Vicoden when I first start taking it will make me sleepy after a few days of being on it.. I am wide awake.. and totally unable to sleep...

Talk to your doc.... I used to take a med for Carpal Tunnel called Lodin.. not sure what the base is.. but talk to the doc about it.. it did help me...

Good luck