Could someone explain to me the difference in these drugs for neuropathy and Gabapentin/Lyrica?

Tramadol is a pain reliever. It has very weak serotonin actions too, making it useful for chronic pain. It is used for this reason in Fibro patients.

Tramadol seems more effective for some with chronic pain, of nerve origin, than opiates. Some neuropathic pain does not respond to opiates in some patients. Tramadol's effects on serotonin help with CNS pain perception too.

I use tramadol infrequently only for bad times. I only use it at night here and there, so I have no tolerance issues with it.

Topamax is an anti-seizure drug, like others used for nerve pain.
Migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, RSD, neuropathies, respond to anti-seizure medications which change the conductivity of nerves. Gabapentin (Neurontin) and Lyrica are in this family of drugs. Topamax has serious side effects involving the eyes (glaucoma), metabolic acidosis, kidney stones which the others do not. So it is used less frequently if others in this group are tolerated by the patient.

Tramadol is also a type of milder synthetic opiate, and is used in conjunction with
the anti-seizure and anti-depressant meds that are Rxd for PN.

For the in depth explanation. I really appreciate it.

Tramadol, Topamax and Ultracet - It's here in the fine print...read it closely... some of it is ALMOST the same but, not quite the same? Knowing how each works, then what works for you, it can help? BUT! ONLY IF USED SPARINGLY!

Ultram: http://www.ortho-mcneil.com/ortho-mc...r.pdf#zoom=100

Tramadol: http://www.ortho-mcneil.com/ortho-mc.../pi/ultram.pdf

Topamax: http://www.topamax.com/topamax/asset...x.pdf#zoom=100

Ultracet: http://www.medilexicon.com/drugs/ultracet.php
Quirky thing about this last is that it includes tylenol which 'seems' to give it an extra kick for less of the real% of drug...

They all have different %'s of similar ingredients? BUT keep in mind all the side effects? READ them and memorize them, and respect that some meds change blood test results... It's all one of those try what works things, [being very careful, of course], and finding out if one works for you better than another. I find, honestly? Sometimes they help? Other times, they do not DO ONE SINGLE THING to help! Each of us is different in soo many ways? How meds affect/effect us is in that corner. IF SHOULD you find something that's not totally narcotic and works? Count your blessings! Keep faith and hope that you WILL manage to get by soon! 's - j

You're a sweetie!