Many years ago I experienced an injury of my shoulder which was horrific. I was prescribed various pain relief including tramadol.
Around 3 years ago my shoulder was painful again so I requested tramadol. Long story short, I've been taking it every day since.2 per day. I've never increased the amount over the years and when I do have breaks from using it I don't experience withdrawals.
Tramadol is a synthetic opioid but it also has anti depressant qualities.
It's changed my life, for the better. I've been on a variety of anti depressants over the years which do work to a certain extent but the difference I've felt since taking Tramadol daily is quite unbelievable.
I don't get 'high' I don't get spaced out, they just help me function. I can work more effectively, my anxiety has improved & I've experienced no side effects whatsoever.
I have heard that it is being trialed as an anti depressant & some GP's will prescribe it for mood.
I've worked in addictions previously so I'm well aware of opiate addiction etc.
My GP is happy to prescribe it to me, I don't do anything illegal to obtain it.
The issue I have is that my GP thinks that I'm continuing to take it due to residual pain but I'm not taking it for this reason, I'm using it as an ant depressant.
I'm unsure whether to talk to him about it & be brutally honest with him.
Has anyone had a similar experience with Tramadol? Am i addicted? Yes I am but is it so different to taking a generic anti depressant every day?