Is Tramadol Still Available Over The Counter?

[PMNL]

It is no longer OTC in 2014 thanks to the youngsters who shake the Thai FDA head and get them to put Tramadol under control.

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[Sceptict11]

It is no longer OTC in 2014 thanks to the youngsters who shake the Thai FDA head and get them to put Tramadol under control. Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Please post the source of your information .

[Sheryl]

See http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678919-tramadol/?p=7280602 for full discussion on this

[Brevity]

Has anybody had success using it for migraine headaches? That's what I really need help with getting some pain relief. A friend of mine was using it for back pain caused by an accident and swore Tramadol gave him no help whatsoever. I guess it just doesn't work for some people or some types of pain?

See http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16324164

It does work for some people, but the only way to find out is to try.

Personally I have found it effective for pretty severe pain, e.g. I was able to switch from an IV opiate to oral tramadol within the first 24 hours following surgery and get full relief of incisional pain. But people do vary in their response. In particular I find that people who have been taking opiates for any length of time often say it does not help. Don't know whether this is because the tolerance they have developed to opiates affects their sensitivity to tramadol as well, or whether they are missing the euphoric sense that opiates provide (which tramadol generally does not), or what.

Have you tried triptans? (have to be taken at first sign of onset). As unlike general pain killers these are specific to migraine.

If your migraines are frequent you would also do well to consider preventive medication.

Thanks for the reply.

I have found much conflicting information about this drug, and I've been afraid to take it because of possible bad side effects - seizures, dependence, etc.

Migraines are something that has just started for me in the past couple of years. Fortunately, they're not frequent, so I haven't done much research into available medicine (like triptans) but since Tramadol seems so easy to get and inexpensive, I thought it was worth asking the TV forum members.

My friend who said that Tramadol didn't do anything to help with the pain of his back injury, is an older man who does not use any opiates, so I guess it's a type of drug that just doesn't work for some people.

I haven't read all the posts here, but there doesn't seem to be anybody here reporting bad side effects from this stuff, so I'll give it a go the next time one of those nasty migraines hits me.

[Brevity]

Has anybody had success using it for migraine headaches? That's what I really need help with getting some pain relief. A friend of mine was using it for back pain caused by an accident and swore Tramadol gave him no help whatsoever. I guess it just doesn't work for some people or some types of pain?

I get strong, but infrequent, headaches and tramadol definitely gets rid of (masks) the pain effectively. However, for some people, there is a significant time lag before the tramadol kicks in. For me it can be up to three hours. If you need immediate relief it might not work quickly enough. Then again, for you, the time delay might be much shorter.

I can sense when my headaches are about to launch, so can take tramadol early enough to be of value. One 50mg tramadol usually gets rid of my headache pain for almost a day, and sometimes I need to take a second one for a second day. I used to take tramadol for back pain, but the last time I stayed on for too long (a little over two weeks, I think) and had significant withdrawal issues.

Thanks for the first-hand account of your migraine experience with Tramadol. That's very encouraging. And your advice about taking some at the first signs is also helpful. As I mentioned in another reply to this thread, migraines are fairly new to me, so I'm still getting used to knowing the signs of one coming on. If I have to wait a few hours to get some relief , that's okay. It would be much better than suffering for 1 or 2 days like I do now.

[Sceptict11]

Has anybody had success using it for migraine headaches? That's what I really need help with getting some pain relief. A friend of mine was using it for back pain caused by an accident and swore Tramadol gave him no help whatsoever. I guess it just doesn't work for some people or some types of pain?

See http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16324164

It does work for some people, but the only way to find out is to try.

Personally I have found it effective for pretty severe pain, e.g. I was able to switch from an IV opiate to oral tramadol within the first 24 hours following surgery and get full relief of incisional pain. But people do vary in their response. In particular I find that people who have been taking opiates for any length of time often say it does not help. Don't know whether this is because the tolerance they have developed to opiates affects their sensitivity to tramadol as well, or whether they are missing the euphoric sense that opiates provide (which tramadol generally does not), or what.

Have you tried triptans? (have to be taken at first sign of onset). As unlike general pain killers these are specific to migraine.

If your migraines are frequent you would also do well to consider preventive medication.

Thanks for the reply.

I have found much conflicting information about this drug, and I've been afraid to take it because of possible bad side effects - seizures, dependence, etc.

Migraines are something that has just started for me in the past couple of years. Fortunately, they're not frequent, so I haven't done much research into available medicine (like triptans) but since Tramadol seems so easy to get and inexpensive, I thought it was worth asking the TV forum members.

My friend who said that Tramadol didn't do anything to help with the pain of his back injury, is an older man who does not use any opiates, so I guess it's a type of drug that just doesn't work for some people.

I haven't read all the posts here, but there doesn't seem to be anybody here reporting bad side effects from this stuff, so I'll give it a go the next time one of those nasty migraines hits me.

Tramadol is NOT a first line treatment for "migraine "

If suffering recurrent bad headaches the first port of call should be medical advice !

Self medication is always a bad idea.

[sabaijai]

I went to a pharmacy in Chiang Mai a few weeks ago and asked to buy tramadol. The head pharmacist said they were only allowed to sell one sheet of 10 at a time without prescription. It might just be that particular pharmacy's policy.

[Sheryl]

Several people have reported similar things from other locations so it may in fact be a new rule, or a practice that many pharmacies have adopted. . I just haven't been able to find any confirmation.

[wpcoe]

I just bought a sheet of ten "Tramomet" (Tramadol hydrochloride 50mg) at Fascino last week. They asked me how many sheets I wanted, so I assume they would have sold me more than one.

[PMNL]

It is no longer OTC in 2014 thanks to the youngsters who shake the Thai FDA head and get them to put Tramadol under control. Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Please post the source of your information .

I had to use my substance controlled license, which was not required previously,to refill Tramadol stock early this year and order was restricted to 1000 tab/ order, surely certain pharmacy who carry the same license might be able to buy and sell them OTC, or selling them under the counter as they do with Viagra and benzo drugs, but legally it is now controlled meds do you should normally need a prescription.

Unfortunately I can not provide you with online/google source of information. As said, direct experience.

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[Sheryl]

Still showing in Mims as category D.

But I note that category D now reads "A first grade pharmacist shall be on duty at the premises selling modern drugs, at all times, while the premises are open for operation. Daily purchase and sale record required." I think that last part is new, i.e. looks like they have tightened requirements for Category D meds though they may be fully enforcing only for certain ones.

[CWMcMurray]

Last time I bought Tramodol, pharmacist said they can still sell over the counter but limit is 1 strip only per customer (10 pills)...

Which seems fair to me, as only take it when

My back is acting up (old car accident about 15 yrs ago), so a 10 strip can last me at least 3-4 months

Would guess if having a serious pain issue that required more than this, then a prescription would and should be needed

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[JDGRUEN]

Paracetamol / acetaminophen is a pain reliever only and has no anti-inflammatory effect. Long term use of acetaminophen at even moderately high dosage can result in toxicity harming the liver and/or kidneys. This drug is taken far too often and in too high a dosage all over Thailand (IMO). Just use Google or Bing and read the many strong cautions on acetaminophen use and toxicity. I talked with one Thai pharmacist who otherwise seemed to be an 'on the ball' - well studied man - but who knew nothing about liver toxicity and paracetamol use. I advise lots of accurate self-education.

Many painful aliments and injuries are caused by or generate inflammation of body tissues, therefore anti-inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium and Celebrex are a much better remedy in many cases. Those people who shun anti-inflammatory agents as remedies are being a bit foolish in my opinion.

Tramadol - I have toured over 16 towns and cities in Thailand this year and find it to be available without restriction in every one - not in every pharmacy but I find this to be the case with many drugs. Availability of certain drugs is hit or miss among Thai pharmacies and precisely why is not known. It may be due to just product bias or just tailoring the product line to most common purchases by regular neighborhood customers. In my opinion and direct experience - restrictions on selling Tramadol in Thailand are mostly self-imposed by the pharmacist / business person. And as has been pointed out - he original restriction was due to a cautionary bulletin about teenagers abusing Tramadol with coke (the soft drink). Tramadol is not a very addictive drug when compared to many other pain relievers.

TVF posters would serve the Thaivisa community much better if they refrained from posting rumors about Tramadol.

I find Tramadol to be fully available everywhere in Thailand and those pharmacies who do not sell it or sell in very limited quantities are doing it on their own accord - likely in an over reaction to the original cautionary statement about teenagers - Tramadol and coke usage. I have bought and used Tramadol for back and knee pain (50 mg. with little side effect - if any. The 100 mg. capsule can cause a wooziness in some who take it . This wooziness or loopiness is not euphoric - just do not drive a car or motorcycle at the time. I have not noticed any withdraw symptoms when discontinuing Tramadol use - the chronic pain in my back just returns.

In short - ignorance about drugs is not a reason to pass on rumors.

Edited June 29, 2014 by JDGRUEN

[sabaijai]

Pharmacies where I live will sell only one sheet of 10 Tramadol at a time. Descriptions from direct experiences are not rumors.

[ChoakMyDee]

My wife was able to buy 5 strips of 10 the other day but they copied her ID info.

[THssii]

You can still buy tramadol 50mg IR thai generic, but it seems pharmacies dont have 100mg tramal retard (ER) anymore.

[happytobehere2014]

l have taken Tramadol for a number of years with no problems, but it can be addictive. There are a number of known side-effects ( as there are with most drugs ) but for short term use you will be fine.

l have a prescription for it here from my doctor, easy to get. Something l often wondered about, was the drug testing they do in night clubs - l know they are mainly testing for Yabba, but l wondered in drugs like Tramadol would show up on the tests as they are an opiate ?

[Issangeorge]

I just bought some yesterday in the local pharmacy, 50mg 10 for ฿50, no prescription asked for. I like to have some around in case of severe pain, seldom use them. I had a route canal yesterday and thought I might need them, but paracetamol worked fine.

[tim armstrong]

I'd try to keep way from it, there are others about that are genuinely OTC and will not need to be taken in large doses. Find a friendly GP and talk to him, with your GF or other Thai person. Secondly find a good pharmacist. Many speak English well. I believe Sheryl is right.

[wpcoe]

l have taken Tramadol for a number of years with no problems, but it can be addictive. There are a number of known side-effects ( as there are with most drugs ) but for short term use you will be fine.

l have a prescription for it here from my doctor, easy to get. Something l often wondered about, was the drug testing they do in night clubs - l know they are mainly testing for Yabba, but l wondered in drugs like Tramadol would show up on the tests as they are an opiate ?

I believe Tramadol is an opiod, but not an opiate. That said, I'm not sure what exactly the drug tests are checking for.

[THssii]

I don't think that they test tramadol in Thailand as it's OTC. But if you use codeine, it may show as morphine in tests, as codeine is metabolished to morphine in the body.

Edited October 10, 2014 by THssii

[inbangkok]

I don't think that they test tramadol in Thailand as it's OTC. But if you use codeine, it may show as morphine in tests, as codeine is metabolished to morphine in the body.

Drug screens can test for both opiates (natural) and opioids (synthetic).

[Neeranam]

Never take tramadol if you have ever had problems wit alcohol/drugs like me. If you need to, never more than 8 days, according to a physiotherapist I know with expertise in that area.

I took it when i broke a rib. After 10 days(I know ), i was thinking of taking heroin for a week as the withdrawal from that would have been less pain than the rib was giving me. It certainly shouldn't be OTC, IMHO.

Sadly, there are many in recovery that are in total denial of the dangers of withdrawal of this drug, I've even known a nurse doctor and an anesthetist to take this and then relapse into harder drugs.

Edited October 11, 2014 by Neeranam

[inbangkok]

Never take tramadol if you have ever had problems wit alcohol/drugs like me. If you need to, never more than 8 days, according to a physiotherapist I know with expertise in that area.

I took it when i broke a rib. After 10 days(I know ), i was thinking of taking heroin for a week as the withdrawal from that would have been less pain than the rib was giving me. It certainly shouldn't be OTC, IMHO.

Sadly, there are many in recovery that are in total denial of the dangers of withdrawal of this drug, I've even known a nurse doctor and an anesthetist to take this and then relapse into harder drugs.

If you are a former heroin user, this drug never should have been given to you. Did you Dr. know you used to use heroin? I have a hard time believing any Dr. would knowingly prescribe an opioid painkiller to a former user. But I am sure it happens.

[ChoakMyDee]

They don't test for Tramadol on the normal 5 panel or 7 panel tests. Tramadol is an opioid, not an opiate so it won't show as an opiate on a normal drug test. Tramadol requires a specific test(spectroscopy) and it costs money, plus it isn't a commonly abused drug. You will find pain clinics testing for it though as they want to be sure their clients are taking their prescription drugs and not taking others. This is from memory from a post I read that a medical student amd pharmacologist wrote.

[Sawan Chan 7]

They don't test for Tramadol on the normal 5 panel or 7 panel tests. Tramadol is an opioid, not an opiate so it won't show as an opiate on a normal drug test. Tramadol requires a specific test(spectroscopy) and it costs money, plus it isn't a commonly abused drug. You will find pain clinics testing for it though as they want to be sure their clients are taking their prescription drugs and not taking others. This is from memory from a post I read that a medical student amd pharmacologist wrote.

Tramadol is not an opoid but the withdrawal is similar to that of of opoids/narcotis.

[inbangkok]

They don't test for Tramadol on the normal 5 panel or 7 panel tests. Tramadol is an opioid, not an opiate so it won't show as an opiate on a normal drug test. Tramadol requires a specific test(spectroscopy) and it costs money, plus it isn't a commonly abused drug. You will find pain clinics testing for it though as they want to be sure their clients are taking their prescription drugs and not taking others. This is from memory from a post I read that a medical student amd pharmacologist wrote.

Tramadol is not an opoid but the withdrawal is similar to that of of opoids/narcotis.

It absolutely is an opioid.......

[wpcoe]

Never take tramadol if you have ever had problems wit alcohol/drugs like me. If you need to, never more than 8 days, according to a physiotherapist I know with expertise in that area.

I took it when i broke a rib. After 10 days(I know ), i was thinking of taking heroin for a week as the withdrawal from that would have been less pain than the rib was giving me. It certainly shouldn't be OTC, IMHO.

Sadly, there are many in recovery that are in total denial of the dangers of withdrawal of this drug, I've even known a nurse doctor and an anesthetist to take this and then relapse into harder drugs.

I have never had addiction issues nor any problem with alcohol or drugs, and I still had a scary bout of withdrawal like you mention. For several years, I've taken tramadol sparingly for headaches for which nothing but tramadol or codeine seem to help. At the longest I take tramadol two or (rarely) three days for the headaches. The headache episodes are three or four times a year, maximum. One time my lower back pain (I have a ruptured disk) was so intense I took tramadol for a longer period. I forget now just how long but maybe a week? Anyway, when I stopped the tramadol, it was hell. I recognized what was happening and went back on tramadol to ease myself off gradually and it was manageable. I just wanted to validate your point: Tramadol can be quite addictive.

[Neeranam]

Never take tramadol if you have ever had problems wit alcohol/drugs like me. If you need to, never more than 8 days, according to a physiotherapist I know with expertise in that area.

I took it when i broke a rib. After 10 days(I know ), i was thinking of taking heroin for a week as the withdrawal from that would have been less pain than the rib was giving me. It certainly shouldn't be OTC, IMHO.

Sadly, there are many in recovery that are in total denial of the dangers of withdrawal of this drug, I've even known a nurse doctor and an anesthetist to take this and then relapse into harder drugs.

I have never had addiction issues nor any problem with alcohol or drugs, and I still had a scary bout of withdrawal like you mention. For several years, I've taken tramadol sparingly for headaches for which nothing but tramadol or codeine seem to help. At the longest I take tramadol two or (rarely) three days for the headaches. The headache episodes are three or four times a year, maximum. One time my lower back pain (I have a ruptured disk) was so intense I took tramadol for a longer period. I forget now just how long but maybe a week? Anyway, when I stopped the tramadol, it was hell. I recognized what was happening and went back on tramadol to ease myself off gradually and it was manageable. I just wanted to validate your point: Tramadol can be quite addictive.

I think you'll be fine if you don't take it every day for over 1 week.

[THssii]

About withdrawal symptoms, I've been using tramadol as medicine for mental condition, and it has been great, 300-1000mg per day with diapam (to avoid seizures) its been good for coping. After 2 months of daily dose it was followed only 1 week of insomnia after quiting, and that was it. Its only medicine that have helped with my mental condition. Now im on opium. Ive been diagnosed as beeing borderline personality disorter. Ill Rather be dead then quiting, its been holy grail of sanity.

Edited October 17, 2014 by THssii