[debw]

I was wondering if anyone takes Tramadol for pain. I was given it several years ago, for my fibro pain. The last week or so, I have been hurting from head to toe. I got my old prescription out of the Tramadol and tried it, because I was at my wits end. It took an hour or so, but it did help or make it so I could move. I hate taking pain meds, afraid of getting hooked on them. I had taken 8 pills out of the 50 in the bottle dated 2008, so I use them only sparingly. I decided I'm going to take them anyway, just can't take the pain anymore.
Tired of being brave.
Deb

[SallyC]

You take them only when you need them and they shouldn't become addictive.
I'm surprised, after 2 years, that they're still effective.

[Debbie D]

You do have to be cautious when taking older meds, as their efficacy deteriorates and who knows what happens to them chemically?
Sorry to hear you're hurting so...it sucks

[Lady]

Most meds in pill form are good for one year. After that time it may have efficiently of 80 percent, as it ages it may loses even more, like 50 percent.

Some meds, turn bad, others don't help. Talk with you pharmacy or doctor.

Ever smell an older aspirin bottle? It smells like vinegar. If it is a light smell it is okay, if it makes you gasp, toss it.

[debw]

I talked to dr. office, they said they are still okay. Maybe have lost a little strength, but not going to hurt me. It changes so from hour to hour, yesterday I didn't even need any medicine.

[Earl]

A friend of my parents (who is a Dr.) told us once that drugs don't "expire" and are good for years. But if the doc's told you that, you would be more likely to keep them around once you felt better, this way, if you think they expire, and you come down with something you have had before, they get to charge you for another office visit and the pharmaceutical companies get to make more money selling you new drugs. I will check with him when I talk to him again to confirm but that's what he told us. It makes sense, when a drug is produced, it can stay on warehouse or pharmacy shelves for months or even years. Makes ya go Hm.....I think it's a conspiracy I tell ya, conspiracy.

[AfterMyNap]

Just use them if they work, Deb. Next time you see your neuro, discuss the many other options for pain meds with him/her, there are so many choices now, there is bound to be one that you can use and feel fine about it (without feeling too fine).

I'm with Earl on the expiration malarkey, I have a bottle of Rx meclazine from before it was available OTC (5-6 yrs.?) for as-needed use. I still use it with good results when the obnoxious vertigo kicks in.

[sabimax]

I take it too but sparingly, but that is due to they make me feel lost in the mind... so can not take it before working.. so only sometimes in evening if way in pain... I will take one... hugss,sarah

[debw]

I don't notice anything mindwise, but maybe it don't even notice it!! It does seem to help, if I don't wait to long to take it.

[debw]

Is the meclazine for vertigo. I think my hairdresser recommended it when I was there. Her husband had to end up having the surgery for his problem. Maybe I should go look for it, to see if helps the dizziness. It would be worth a shot! My Mri is on the way to a neuro-radiologist at John Hopkins, so hopefully we'll have answers soon!