Ultram

[sharann, BSN, RN]

Is Ultram an addictive medication? I don't take it but have some patients who have been on it and I wondered?

[Myxel67]

Here's the company's website. It is referred to as an opioid with abuse potential. However, in hospitals it has not always been treated the same as other narcotics. Often was sent by pharmacy to pts drug cassette, as opposed to being kept in Pyxxis. This may have changed since I was last acting as bedside RN 3 1/2 years ago. MDs seem more likely to Rx large quantities easier than with Percocet. (Ultram is a symthetic opioid)

I have found it's effects to vary widely. It has always relieved pain well, but at times has made me feel "loopy." My sister has had similar results.

http://www.ortho-mcneil.com/html/comi2/products_list-ultramer

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Ultram does have the potential to become addicting. I work in a nursing home, and many of the elderly residents receive it TID for degenerative joint disease and/or generalized pain.

Ultram is not a true opioid. Rather, it is a synthetic opioid. Therefore, it is not kept locked in a narcotic box like morphine, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and Darvocet. Ultram is treated exactly like any other routine medication at my facility.

[Cherish]

Ultram made me feel VERY sick when I first took it. It does work for pain but it's not that strong. Did not make me feel out of place as bad as say Vicodin or Tylenol 3. Did not get addicted to it. Maybe cause I was subscribed it for Migraines (pain killers do not work for migraines...on me anyways) so I stopped taking it. I guess if your using it for direct pain for back or neck, etc then there would be a possibility of addiction.