Lyrical made me retain fluid bad! This is one of the side effects!

Welcome Frankallen. :Tip-Hat:

I couldn't take Neurontin because it made me suicidal. Because Lyrica is related my doctor wouldn't give it to me.

I take Ultram for the nerve pain. It mutes it.

When I first started the Ultram (Tramadol) constipation was an issue. I've been on it for 5 or 6 years now and that's never an issue anymore. If you take it regularly I think you're better off from that perspective. Increase fluid and fiber intake at first. It helps. Thinking back, trying to remember, it seems it was just about a month of regular use when the constipation eased.

For me, Ultram was a life saver. It mutes the the shooting - stabbing pain. Most of the burning too.

ETA: I had forgotten another side effect that wears off over time: The nausea. Don't take it on an empty stomach if that's a problem for you. It doesn't do that to me anymore.

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Hi beatle,

Yes, I eat prunes too. I have always been prone to constipation and had a fissure removed 2 years ago. Then 2 months ago when my pain started getting bad, I had a bout of diarrhoea which set off the fissure pain again. So I always have to tread a very fine line so that I don't get either constipated or diarrhoea. Sorry for all the ugly details! It is just another type of pain that I have to struggle with and makes the process of finding medication for the other pain all the more difficult. Thanks for your suggestion.

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Hi Doc,

I have heard that the antidepressants and anti seizure medications can also cause constipation - do you know if they do so to a lesser degree that the opiates like Tramadol?

Thanks Doc. :)

Looks like I'm stuck with bad plumbing, as going off pain relief is not an option for me.

This natural remedy has been around for years.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/post741073-26.html

Or Search/Goggle: Yakima Fruit Paste (Same thing)

Doc

RLA killed the burning pain for me; B5 (Pantothenic Acid) took care of the needle jabs/electric shocks. Foot cramps are still a problem, albeit not as much—same with other flavors of PN pain.

Doc

IME, yes, BUT (BIG BUT) everyone is different, and the constipation (IMO) is NOTHING compared to the other side effects of antidepressants & antiseizures. Antidepressants & antiseizures can also (believe it or don't) be ultimately (all things considered) more difficult to get off of than opioids if/when addiction is not the issue.

Doc