Osteoarthritis and Tramadol

I have taken tramadol for a few years without any problems. I take them at least three times a day, two at a time together with two paracetamol. Without it, I would not be able to walk, even with them, I am still in pain but can at least still function. When I started taking them, I had no side effects luckily although I have reacted badly to other ones in the past, diclophenac (sp) made me very sick!

I was worried about getting addicted to them but my pharmacist has reassured me that I am not.

1. I sometimes forget to take them if I am sitting down and do not get agitated or shaky
2. I have stopped taking them twice to try other meds as suggested by my gp - did not help so went back on tramadol
3. I never take more than the prescribed dose and do not run out of tablets before I am allowed new ones
4. I have annual medication reviews with my gp

I am now planning knee replacement surgery in the new year when I have lost some weight so hopefully I can reduce my pain relief - will still need some until both my knees have been replaced.

I was shocked though when I went to the US and was told that tramadol is a major problem over there, addicts take out the powder from inside the capsules to inject themselves for an immediate hit! I was warned not to take them in public or tell people that I had them!

It is a very strong opiate- so in my book to be avoided at all cost unless really truly desperate, in an emergency and short term only.

My Mum was on tramadol for years for her arthritis and when she came off it the withdrawal was horrendous. Similarly when she was prescribed codeine and Fentanyl long term. All of the above needed help with antisickness pills until she got used to taking them. Now she takes Gabapentin and she has no problems.
It is far better to try to keep medicines to a minimum as whatever you take, your body will get used to so you don't get the benefits after a while. I know how hard that is with arthritis. I cannot take NSAIDs so find it really difficult when the pain is bad so use heat to try to assist.

Tramadol is a very strong painkiller, which I woukd avoid.

I too was prescribed it for Arthritis pain but after I took just one I slept for 15hrs and was then nauseous and sick. I never took another one and found Naproxen with a stomach protector worked well for me.

Yes me.. Pre Hip replacement. Made me so sick, had terrible headache had no option but to take to my bed to sleep it off. Did give it a couple of tries but no.

My Dad had only died a few days before, I was awaiting my Hip replacement, in real pain. I needed to be able to help my Mum, my poor Dad had taken the lions share with her issues.
GP thought it might help.. Totally the opposite never again.