[tbaxter08700]

Hi everybody, I'm new here.

Basically just would like a little advice. I have been on tramadol 200mg daily for about a year now and want to start back on my antidepressants. Before I started tramadol for my back pain I was gave antidepressants for my depression. I took 1 then never touched then again. Was gave tramadol for my back and I have been ok depressed wise. But now it's got really bad and thinking of coming off tramadol and starting antidepressants again. As anyone any advice on the best way to do it as I have read you can't have them together. Thanks

[sideblinded]

tbaxter08700 Hello and welcome to PC.

I used to be on tramadol and it does affect the serotonin receptors. It might matter what class of antidepressant that you are starting. I would not change your meds on your own without your doctor's approval. Tramadol can be a bit hard to discontinue after long term use and you may get some side effects and mixing them could be a problem as you stated. Does your doctor know that you are considering this? I am not qualified to give you this type of information and probably most others won't be able to guide you as this is dangerous if not directed by a physician or other prescriber. Keep posting and reaching out. We are a great bunch of people.

I hope you find support and answers here at PC. Let a community liaison know if you have any questions about how to navigate this site. It takes a little while for your first 5 posts to appear. Best wishes here at PC.

If you stop the tramadol, what will you do for your back pain?

I took tramadol (300 mg daily) along with 150 mg Zoloft for about 3 years and didn't feel like I had a problem with it. The tramadol does have some effect on the serotonin receptors or whatever they are called - I think it's a fairly weak effect, though.

You'll have to see what your doctor says. The guidelines for use in the UK may be different from those in the US.

If you do stop the tramadol and start an antidepressant, I'd think you could go straight from one to another if you go to an antidepressant that affects serotonin. I am not a doctor, though - I'm just basing this opinion on taking different antidepressants for many years.

[CANDC]

Welcome to Psych Central. If you are going to get off Tramadol the safest way is under a doctor's guidance. They may know meds that you can take while you are weaning off Tramadol.

If seeing a doctor is not possible, here are articles about Tramadol and weaning off it.

Psych Central - Search results for Tramadol discontinuing