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Suggest Alternative Medication Instead Of Tramadol For Fibromyalgia And Lupus
Question: My husband is angry with me for taking Tramadol for fibromyalgia and lupus pain. I used to take hydrocodone by became addicted. I stopped it for myself and also for him. I have great relief from the tramadol and do not get any high for sleepiness .also take Cymbalta and Imuran and prednisone as well as butalbital /acetaminophen and caffeine for headaches and sometimes 1 mg lorazepam for sleep and occasionally for muscle spasm.Does this sound reasonable?I am under a rheumatologist and psychiatrist care and they both know about all the meds
Brief Answer:
fibromyallgia
Detailed Answer:
good evening
thank you for writing on health care magic
well i agree with you in taking tramadol for pain as it is safe in lupus patients with no harm on kidneys or liver
but yes it does make one dependent on it..so if you could use it judiciously it would be the best.
i would advise you to us lorazepam minimal as it can dause more dependence than other drugs. estalopram would be more useful if you need one
but for fibromyalgia try to indulge in other therapies as well as you dont wanna get dependent on the drugs
exercise
group theraphy
indulging in your hobbies..would definately help you more than medication
lastly if your lupus is under check it is something good to be sure of so we dont increase medications
hope the information was useful
do let me know for more queries
regards
dr naval
fibromyallgia
Detailed Answer:
good evening
thank you for writing on health care magic
well i agree with you in taking tramadol for pain as it is safe in lupus patients with no harm on kidneys or liver
but yes it does make one dependent on it..so if you could use it judiciously it would be the best.
i would advise you to us lorazepam minimal as it can dause more dependence than other drugs. estalopram would be more useful if you need one
but for fibromyalgia try to indulge in other therapies as well as you dont wanna get dependent on the drugs
exercise
group theraphy
indulging in your hobbies..would definately help you more than medication
lastly if your lupus is under check it is something good to be sure of so we dont increase medications
hope the information was useful
do let me know for more queries
regards
dr naval
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
I understand but explain the difference between narcotic and narcotic like drugs as tramadol is to hydrocodone.I have heard from my rheumatologist that Tramadol would not even be considered a control drug except that some people have found a way to crush it and get high by shooting up. I do not want to come off Cymbalta and take your recommended escitalopram (Lexapro) as Cymbalta is said to work well in fibromyalgia and lupus. What would you suggest as a substitutute when I can't sleep. I would like your opinion also on how to educate my family on the problems with lupus and fibromyalgia. I am very frustrated as lupus has been documented for me and I have severe skin problems with it, there is no doubt that I have it. I would just like my husband to understand tramadol as comparared to other pain meds.
Meant to say that I have tried Imuran, Gabitril, and Lyrica, and propranolol for body pain and headache. Sorry I mistyped.
Meant to say that I have tried Imuran, Gabitril, and Lyrica, and propranolol for body pain and headache. Sorry I mistyped.
Brief Answer:
Opoids
Detailed Answer:
Good evening
Pertaining to your queries:
1. Tramadol is different from hydrocodone in the way it is much safer. Hydrocodone is an Opiate which is produced from the XXXXXXX plant. They modify it in a different way so it acts on the pain receptors to block the pain. But knowing they are opiates and from XXXXXXX plant, there is always a risk of addiction and more risk of side effects due to high dosage. Tramadol acts on the same receptors like hydrocodone but is manufactured in a synthetic way where there is no dependence or toxic effects of overuse. ( unless of course very high doses are taken). So patients dont tend to get dependent on it and find it easier to go off it.
So, you can let your husband no it is a safe medicine and the most commonly used world wide in Lupus patients for pain. We never give strong NSAIDS in lupus patients as they increase the risk of aspetic meningitis and can harm the kidneys as well
2. Cymbalta( Duloxetine) is good for Fibromyalgia. I was recommending Escitalopram instead of Lorazepam as it is bit of non addicting medication and known to help sleep. If sleep is still an issue, you can even increase the dose of Cymbalta.( Maximum dose of 60 mg).
3. For lupus with skin problems, I am not sure if you have tried Hydroxychloroquine but it is known to work well.
But yes Family counselling is a much needed thing as everyone needs to understand the disease and help you through it. Fibromyaglia can be very distressing and can affect the quality of your life as only you experience the pain, not the rest.
I hope the information was useful
Do let me know for more queries. Would be happy to help out
Regards
Dr Naval
Opoids
Detailed Answer:
Good evening
Pertaining to your queries:
1. Tramadol is different from hydrocodone in the way it is much safer. Hydrocodone is an Opiate which is produced from the XXXXXXX plant. They modify it in a different way so it acts on the pain receptors to block the pain. But knowing they are opiates and from XXXXXXX plant, there is always a risk of addiction and more risk of side effects due to high dosage. Tramadol acts on the same receptors like hydrocodone but is manufactured in a synthetic way where there is no dependence or toxic effects of overuse. ( unless of course very high doses are taken). So patients dont tend to get dependent on it and find it easier to go off it.
So, you can let your husband no it is a safe medicine and the most commonly used world wide in Lupus patients for pain. We never give strong NSAIDS in lupus patients as they increase the risk of aspetic meningitis and can harm the kidneys as well
2. Cymbalta( Duloxetine) is good for Fibromyalgia. I was recommending Escitalopram instead of Lorazepam as it is bit of non addicting medication and known to help sleep. If sleep is still an issue, you can even increase the dose of Cymbalta.( Maximum dose of 60 mg).
3. For lupus with skin problems, I am not sure if you have tried Hydroxychloroquine but it is known to work well.
But yes Family counselling is a much needed thing as everyone needs to understand the disease and help you through it. Fibromyaglia can be very distressing and can affect the quality of your life as only you experience the pain, not the rest.
I hope the information was useful
Do let me know for more queries. Would be happy to help out
Regards
Dr Naval
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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