[St406]

I have had numerous surgeries in the past ten years and I learned about tramadol/ultram as a pain killer which can be gotten over the internet. The problem is it addresses my depression for about six hours but I quickly build up tolerance---I dont want to be addicted and dependent on it. I've stopped and I take lexapro but it doesn't help. Am trying to get to psychiatrist and don't want to take the tramadol, but its the only thing that works. Does anyone know how long the withdrawal depression lasts for. I know I am addicted what do I do.

[Travelinglady]

I have been taking Tramadol for pain for a good while. At one point I asked my pdoc to help me to get off of it, so I followed her guidelines about gradually tapering off. I had no problems with doing so, but after I got off of it, my pain came back big time. So I went back on it.

I always just took what she prescribed and never increased my dosage, so I can't say I was "addicted" to it, I don't think.

Are you taking it for physical pain? That's its purpose. It doesn't specifically deal with depression, except in the sense that if you're in a lot of pain, then it's easy to feel depressed about it. Lexapro would not be a replacement, then. (I've been on that, too, for depression.) Do you think you are physically addicted? Or is there a psychological addiction as well?

I agree that it would be best to work through a psychiatrist with the situation. In the meantime, maybe you can get a quicker appointment with a therapist, who might be able to shed some light on your situation, anyway. You don't say how much you're taking, and if you do take it to "try to feel good," like getting on a high. These factors would be important to consider. Best wishes!