At Thu, 21 Feb 2002, BethC wrote:
>
>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...
>