Re: Ultram Addiction

From: BethC (bcann@hotmail.com)
Thu Feb 21 13:42:34 2002


Thank you Em I have been taking Ultram for over a year now. I was very upset when I learned that it was additive too as I am a recovering alcholic. However, my Dr. did stress to me the difference between phycological addition & physical addiction. Yes, I am physically addicted and will need to wean off if and when that time ever comes, but, I have never ever had any of the addictive "cravings" for this drug and also have never abused it. While I have to admit, it isn't the greatest at relieving pain completly, it is mild enough and doesn't give me any "airhead" symptoms. I have tried stronger drugs and found that I can't function well enough on them. Ultram allows me to drive the 80 mile commute each day to work and to keep my wits about me while I am doing my job. My job requires the abilty to problem solve and think quick, none of which I can do while on stronger drugs. It takes the edge off enough that I can move (most of the time) and am not stuck on the couch. I too get nervous when I hear people trying to litigate with drug Co.'s or Dr.'s over their addictions. I don't mean to diminish the suffering they may have, but it has the potential to harm so many. Anything has the potential to be addictive and abused. We could include food & sex & alcohol in that category, these are just the realities of human nature and underlying problems that many people have. Remember too that what works for one person may not work at all for the next. Let's not be our own worst enemies in the pursuit to have to have someone to blame for our problems. Keep Hanging in there

At Thu, 21 Feb 2002, Em wrote: >
>To whom it may concern,
>This is exactly what will end relief for those who rely on a variety of
>pain medications. Over the past year I have read over and over
>different people's anguish over the simple fact that their pain is NOT,
>NOT being treated in an adequate manner with pain meds. It is up to the
>doctor and the PATIENT to be aware of side effects, as well as with the
>ANY medication there are RISKS, and one of those risks is frequent
>withdrawal sypmtoms. SO WHAT, EVERYONE WILL SUE THE PHARMACEUTICAL
>COMPANIES, THE DOCTORS, AND FOR WHAT? I am all for righting the wrongs
>in life, but please do not jepardize people who need pain medication in
>order to do the basic necessities in life; laundry, hold a child, take a
>shower, grocery shop, cook, clean, and the list could certainly
>continue. It is rare that in life there is one person responsible for
>things going amiss, so before suiing anyone make a checklist, which will
>not be limited to who will be effected by your actions. Being in such a
>litigious society has brought about change and disclosure to millions,
>but at a very high price. A price that WE pay for.
>em
>At Thu, 21 Feb 2002, mwaugh wrote:
>>
>>At Fri, 14 Dec 2001, anonymous wrote:
>>>
>>>At Fri, 30 Mar 2001, Joshua Friedman wrote:
>>>>
>>>>I am an attorney doing research on the addictive potential of Ultram. If
>>>>I find that many people have become physically dependent on Ultram, I
>>>>will consider bringing a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer.
>>>>If you have experienced withdrawal syptoms when stopping Ultram, or are
>>>>unable to stop taking Ultram, I would be grateful if you could drop me
>>>>an email, or call me at (212) 308-4338. All contacts will be protected
>>>>by the attorney-client priviledge.
>>>>
>>>>Sincerely,
>>>>
>>>>--
>>>>Joshua Friedman
>>>>
>>>Mr. Friedman,
>>>
>>>I had cronic back pain for almost a year (specific to the C4 to C6 area
>>>of the spine). I found ULTRAM to be one of the best pain relievers for
>>>this problem but it wasn't without addiction. The addiction was not so
>>>much while taking ULTRAM but when I stopped. Over an extended period I
>>>stopped and started taking it. Within 24 hours of stoping my dosage, I
>>>developed flu like symptoms. I became extremely anxious, ached all over
>>>and could not sleep at night. My amune system appeared low. On three
>>>occasions I developed cold sores. I didn't realize it was related to
>>>ULTRAM until the third time it happened. I recently had extensive
>>>surgery and have just stopped taking ULRAM again. As previously, I am
>>>experiencing the withdrawal problems. Feel free to contact me via email
>>>and I can explain more of the specifics.
>>
>>--
>>Dear Mr. Friedman:
>>I have been searching the net regarding the Ultram, because I was informed
>>yesterday that my 20 year is addicted to this drug. As a mother I am beside
>>myself with the feeling of helplessness and anger. She has had chronic headaches
>>for the last 8 years. 3 years ago she was prescribed Ultram and was told it was
>>not addictive. Now she is going through withdrawal of mental and physical pain and
>>her life is never going to be the same. My daughter was seeing a doctor at home,
>>one at school and one at the emergency ward. Everyone of them gave her a
>>perscription for this drug. When her body become use to the required 2 pill,
>>she needed to start taking 3 to get the same effect. At present she was taking
>>4 every 4 hours. Please call me or email if a lawsuit is still in effect or
>>if there is information regarding this. Thank you.
>>Mrs. Waugh
>>

--
Not Alone Anymore...

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