Originally Posted by Wide-O

I had a small cancer scare that involved a camera where the sun doesn't shine (...), but today it turned out I'm 100% clear in that area - apart from one small and benign issue.

Not totally off topic, because that means that the only lasting damage from the alcohol madness (probably) is PN. Due to the preparation of the procedure I was not able to take the tramadol/zaldiar medication for 3 days, and together with the stress I realized I'm not ready to go without pain killers yet. Not a big issue, I have almost no side effects from them apart from a slightly lower (welcome) appetite.

Newstown, I read the full leaflet again, and while cessation isn't "dangerous" as such, heavy side effects are to be expected - as you found out.

I don't want to give medical advice (not a doc) but you might consider talking to your GP about Zaldiar or its equivalent in the US. It's a combination of low dose tramadol and paracetamol (which is under discussion, I know). While the ingredients don't work when taken apart, there is something about the combination that seems to work, for me, and for more pain patients my GP treats. She is a proponent, and does not really see a problem in taking it for the foreseeable future. Just a tip, and make sure you discuss it obviously, and do your research about paracetamol. But the lower dose (37.5mg per pill) might make you less moody?

Originally Posted by Wide-O

Yes, they are the same thing. Zaldiar is a combination of 325mg acetaminophen and 37.5mg tramadol - so that might give you a guide, but it's good that you are already aware of the mutual reinforcement.

As for Neurontin/Lyrica etc. well, take about moody. FWIW, I tried it, it did nothing for me, they are anti-depressants with all the ups/downs that come with them, and I think they were forbidden in court to continue to say it works for neuropathy. (and cause run-on sentences ) Also: no better result than placebo. That said, you never know, we all seem to react differently, and I know there are people who swear by it/are helped by it. I'm sure Mrs.D. will correct me if necessary?

I do understand the ambition to not take anything, trust me. I want to be as sober as possible too since I didn't only fell for alcohol but also xanax, back then. But tramadol is relatively "benign"; my doc said that if I can manage with it, I should count myself lucky, compared to what some people need to just get by. Somehow that made me feel slightly less worried. In the mean time I keep working to live as healthy as reasonably possible, without becoming a freak, and follow the news for potentially better treatments/medications.

PS: aren't drummers always moody?

Originally Posted by kiwi33

I had the same experience as Wiix.

Originally Posted by Wiix

It came upon me about 15 years into drinking. I continued to drink another 5 years even though it was getting worse. When I stopped it took quite a few years to go away, but it did. I have no signs of it now except when my feet get cold or my Potassium/Magnesium are low. A supplement a couple times a week takes care of that.