Ultram/Tramadol vs. Vicodin?!
Question: I have been prescribed to 7.5 Vicodin for 7 months now, and neck/back specialist just switched me to Ultram. What is Ultram like? Does it help the same as Vicodin, and feel the same? I'm kind of nervous to switch.
Answers: I have been prescribed to 7.5 Vicodin for 7 months now, and neck/back specialist just switched me to Ultram. What is Ultram like? Does it help the same as Vicodin, and feel the same? I'm kind of nervous to switch.
Ultram (generic is Tramadol) is a non-narcotic pain-killer that works in much the same way that Vicodin does---However, it does not cause the same addiction, it can make you feel alittle "high" or tired when you first start taking it--but that gradually goes away. You can take it for longer periods of time without building up a tolerance. It is prescribed for moderate to moderately severe pain. It is NOT a scheduled drug like Vicodin is.
Vicoden on the other hand is a Narcotic. It is addictive and you gradually need more and more to take the pain away. It is a schuduled narcotic medication meaning that you can only get a limited supply. It's simply a more abused medication.
Doctors are far more comfortable in writing scrips for Ultram than they are for Vicodin. Many docs are fearful that they may be scrutinized as overprescribing narcotics.
I have been on both meds. In my opinion, Ultram does just as good of a job minus the side effects. I often take tylenol along with the Ultram to bring down inflammation.
Ultram-ER is the extended release form and you only need to take it once or twice per day--it gradually releases the medication throughout the day.
For long term treatment--Ultram is the way to go. The feeling you get with this med varies from individual to individual. For me, it makes me a little "buzzed". It put my friend who was on it asleep. Everyone is different, therefore the responses will not be the same.
I have taken both medications for back problems and Vicodin works best for me. Ultram is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Ultram extended-release is used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain when treatment is needed around the clock. Ultram seems to be easier on the stomach.
I had many medications due to a spinal cord injury and I would ask your doctor about 20mg. 12 hour release oxycotin, 2 times daily. It doesn't have any tylenol in it and that is part of the potential problems with pain medication. 7.5 hydrocodone has 500 mg. of the stuff in it.