As a regular user of Vicodin for back pain, will Tramadol give me the same effect?

[mj.obrien]

I am regularly prescribed Vicodin after a car accident last summer, but I plan on stopping because I've developed too big of a tolerance. I heard Tramadol can be very effective and somewhat safer. As someone who has taken Vicodin for over a year and needs three or four to feel effects, do you think Tramadol will work for me?

[US_DR_JD]

Some patients have similar or even better effects from tramadol, but in my experience, most do not notice significant relief after being on other opiates for prolonged periods.

Incidentally, tramadol is not safer, and has addiction and withdrawal issues just like Vicodin (many patients are now complaining the withdrawals are worse than Vicodin).

If you are taking 3-4 Vicodin to feel relief, you have the increased issue of too much acetaminophen which can cause liver damage in the long term. You should probably discuss your pain issues with someone who works with long term pain patients. There are many methods for managing back pain without significant use of opiate pain medications, as well as safer opiate preparations for long term use.

I don't want to give bad news, but I don't think tramadol would be a good choice in your situation given the limited information you have provided.

[huskers7071949598]

i have a severe tooth pain the tramadol did not help at all a lot of people on here have told me its worthless i agree but some say its good

[sweetiefreck]

I don't think tramadol will give you any pain relief after that much of a tolerance to vicodin