Abdel Fahmy asked:


As I have mentioned in several of my previous articles, addiction to opiates is chronic disease of the brain and should be managed as such. It is usually the result of a combination of by genetic, psychosocial and environmental factors that ultimately lead to the development of this relapsing disease. Now that we agree that it is a disease shouldnt we treat it as such?

Unfortunately, although many of the professionals working in the addiction field agree with this fact they still adopt of the mind set of our great grandfathers who looked down on those patients and considered addiction as an immoral sin and that addicts should repent. Some of the drug treatment programs are resistant to prescribing medications indicated for addiction treatment, rather, they place those patients in what looks like a lock down atmosphere and strip them of their ability to make decisions or communicate with certain people. While this approach may be needed in some cases to avoid external influences on patients as the facility implement their treatment protocols, it should not be generalized. Moreover, patients would be more receptive to the counseling efforts implemented in those facilities if they were comfortable and not suffering from the sever pains and aches associated with withdrawals from opiates.

What do you think will happen once those patients are released back into the society where all the triggers associated with addiction reside? Also have you ever seen a diabetic who is not very compliant with their doctors recommendations placed in a diabetic rehab? Treatment should be individualized and as recovery moves forward patients should gradually be empowered to take control of their life in order to eventually become productive members of the society.
In contrast, the outpatient programs using Buprenorphine, implement an approach which deals with addiction as a chronic relapsing disease that needs medical treatment in the form of medications in addition to psychosocial rehabilitation. While being on Buprenorphine, patients are relieved from the dreadful symptoms of withdrawals and cravings. This helps patients develop the interest and passion to participate in their rehabilitation process and makes the education efforts on our parts much easier.

The stigma imposed by our society on patient suffering from addiction has a profound negative impact on the recovery process. We hope that through education, research and solid evidence the medical community would be able to change the views and beliefs of the society and some of the professionals in order to provide the best treatment approach to our patients.



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Heather Colman asked:


Ultram is a pain relieving medication prescribed to those who are suffering from pain at a moderate to severe level. In some cases, it is prescribed to patients who suffer from conditions that cause chronic pain such as in the joints or as a result of cancer. Furthermore, it could be prescribed for those who have undergone surgery and are in dire pain. Classified as opiate analgesics, Ultram works to decrease the pain that the patient experiences.

For those suffering from pain due to conditions, injury, or surgery, talk to your physician and find out if Ultram is right for you. It is important to understand that the medication does contain Tylenol and Codeine. Some people may suffer allergic reactions to either of these ingredients. For those reasons, Ultram is also a highly addictive form of medication and is generally used for short-term pain relief. Therefore, it is important that you only take the medication as directed by your doctor. Your doctor may suggest that Ultram only be used as a last resort and that you use another form of pain relief if possible, this will aid in lowering your risks of addiction.

If you are allergic to any medications such as Ultram itself or another form of pain relief medication, which includes morphine, meperidine, hydrocodone, codeine, oxycodone, propoxyphene, hydromorphone, or even corn, you should let your pharmacist or physician know before giving you this medication.

Be sure to let your physician know if you are taking any other non- prescription or prescribed medications. This includes any herbal products, nutritional supplements, or vitamins as well. Some drugs could cause an adverse interaction when combined with Ultram. Give a list to your doctor of any other prescribed or over-the-counter medications you are currently taking. Even something as simple as taking an asprin for your headache could cause problems.

It is extremely important that you avoid the use of alcohol when taking this medication. If you have any history of alcoholism, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, diabetes, or any cranial related issues, your doctor may not prescribe Ultram as a pain reliever.

As with any medication, Ultram does have its side effects. Some common side effects include weakness, dizziness, nervousness, headache, anxiety, shakiness, agitation, mood swings, muscle tightness, blurry vision, drowsiness, indigestion, heartburn, vomiting, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, sweating, itchiness, dry mouth, or flushing.

Serious side effects include rash, hives, abnormal sores in the facial areas, itching, flu-like symptoms, breathing, or swallowing difficulties, swelling of body parts, hoarseness, increased heartbeat, hallucinations, seizures, and urination changes.

It is important to speak with your doctor about any conditions you may have or have had, that may increase the risks of the above symptoms. If you experience any symptoms that worsen or simply do not go away, contact your physician right away.

Disclaimer – The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about Ultram.



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