Tramdol blocks the pain, but doesn't do anything for the inflammation. It also contains Acetaminophen, and that's not always explained very well by the docs, so people sometimes get too much by taking tramdol and Tylenol.
I am a real wuss when it comes to pain, but I have avoided taking anything for years by using the heat treatments where ever it hurts. Recently headaches have caused me to take aspirin alternated with Tylenol, and I use that very sparingly.
My doc told me to take a product containing glucosimine chondroiton like osteo bi flex to help reverse or slow down osteo arthritis and osteoporosis, and he usually doesn't have much positive to say about supplements. I checked it out, and research supports a benefit from glucosimin chondroiton to help build cartilage. If you get the kind that has MSM, that is also supposed to help relieve pain.
So many options to try. One benefit of modern medicine.
Celebrex had a cousin that was removed for bad behavior, Vioxx(sp) and another cousin,too, but celebrex is still good. I asked my dr about it being fearful of heart attack with my being overweight, he said not to worry, more people die from Tylenol than celebrex. Celebrex is supposed to go generic very soon. It’s original patent expired late last year, but they get some kind of grace period to market their own generic or something like that, depending on which website you believe.
Tramadol does nothing for the inflammation, just pain, and thats what I need. A lot of anti-inflammation drugs do not play well together, some have that warning on them.
The glucosimine chondroiton does work and some drs do recommend it, but I was getting the triple strength kind and taking triple doses of that to get relief.
At this point in my arthritis situation, I don’t care what they give me or its side effects. I need relief. Now. Yesterday would be even better. /rant :)
It’s my understanding that not all Tramadol contains Acetaminophen. If it does, it’s vital to monitor usage closely, and to avoid an overdose (which doesn’t take much) and alcohol.
From addictionblog.org:
No, Tramadol does not contain acetaminophen.
In fact, generic tramadol hydrochloride is one option doctors prescribe often for pain relief because it is both efficient and less addictive. We review tramadol combinations and risks of taking acetaminophen here.
Brand Names That Contain Tramadol
ER = (extended release)
* = (contains acetaminophen)
Ryzolt
Ultracet *
Ultram
Ultram ER
BE AWARE: Ultracet (a brand name version of tramadol), combines both tramadol and acetaminophen.
Tramadol Hydrochloride And Acetaminophen Together For Pain
Tramadol/acetaminophen combination tablets are generally effective for the treatment of pain without any serious adverse effects. Tramadol efficacy depends on your general health, age, and dosing details. But if you want to avoid the combination, avoid ULTRACET.
Acetaminophen Dangers
While acetaminophen is generally safe for short term use, there are some special considerations when considering this medicine for pain relief. First, you should not to exceed the FDA acetaminophen maximum total daily dose (4 grams/day). If you take acetaminophen over a long period of time or take it in higher than recommended doses, liver and kidney damage can result, as well as bleeding from the small and large intestines and the stomach. Large doses of acetaminophen are the main risk, but liver problems have been reported after small to moderate dosing of acetaminophen for long periods of time.
Additionally, doctors warn that you avoid alcohol while taking acetaminophen-containing medications. This is because alcohol and acetaminophen can lead to a life threatening complications called “alcohol acetaminophen syndrome” which cause acute liver failure. Although there is no official threshold for alcohol and acetaminophen, experts recommend that heavy drinkers shouldn’t take more than 2 grams of acetaminophen daily.