Medicine question (Tramadol)

[DEE LOU JHIONAL]

I was given a prescription for Tramadol and it was working to get rid of my joint and back pain as well as my depression. I was taking 50mg a day but it seemed to stop working so I started taking 2 pills a day instead of 1. I've been doing that for a while but it's starting to not work again. It happens with all my medicine - works for a while, then my body adapts to it. Should I up my dose again or what should I do? (btw, I would go to a doctor and ask my question, but I'm currently poor and my insurance ran out, so please don't give me that obvious answer of "ask your doctor") thank you!
Also, here is additional info that I was asked last time I potsed this question:
My bmi is 27.
I also exercise. I either walk 2 miles everyday, do yoga, or ride 3 miles on the elliptical. The doctor I went to didn't know what I have so he issued me pain medication. Again, I can't go back to the doctor because I don't have insurance.

[tinmuning]

You may have the tendency to develop tolerance to the drugs you've taken. Ideally, since Tramadol is what I could consider as a powerful analgesic, I would advise that the dose prescribed (50mg 4 every 6 hours) is enough. However, if you still develop tolerance to this one, you might want to consider other pain management methods like physical therapy.

[k4t3]

I take Tramadol, too. So I understand what you're going through.

Have you tried taking 100mg with Tylenol or ibuprofen? You can. You wont OD or anything.

You may be able to go to an assisted pain management clinic in your area. I hear they're like the health clinic, based on income. If you have no insurance, they can work with you and get you a decent price.

I also have no insurance (lost the job due to downsizing), so I know about this one, too.

[DEE LOU JHIONAL]

Thank you Tinmuning for your advice, and thanks k4t3 for sharing your experiences.

[bigjon30]

you should prob get something a little stronger for the pain and take some msm with chondrointan that should do tha trick

[Rebeccaberg]

I take tramadol for my jaw pain (I had a bad accident). I was also taking 50-then 100 but I have settled on 200 now and it has been a while. I went up on my own when my ins. lapsed. I buy it on a legal site Netmedorders and they are great but I am hoping to wean off soon.-just need to find a replacement.

[Every1is=]

Oh man... I feel truly sorry for you guys. Being in pain because the insurance ends because of a job loss. This should be accesible for everyone who needs it, and in sufficient amounts. And NOT income dependent.

Were you depressed because of the pain? Or did you get pain because of depression?

[willtopower]

That sure is tolerance to tramadol. I suggest you see a gp for further help. Do not just increase the dosage. Explain how you monitored the dosage and how it starts to not work for you. This will help the gp understand it better.