Grunenthal Zydol (Tramadol) Review

Overall Rating

Excellent pain killer for moderate to severe pain conditions.

Side effects.

This is a pain killing drug for moderate to severe pain. It is synthetic, works in the same way as opiates and one of the main selling points is, unlike opiates prescribed for this form of pain, it is NOT habit forming. Hmmmm ... well, you may wish to check out some of the blogs on the internet regarding people's experiences, including my own that follows ....

I can only speak from my own experience of course but it does generally tie in with the negative views of others who have decided to share their experiences of it on the internet.

I have a spinal condition that requires an operation. This operation is imminent. However, when the severe pain started about 18 months ago, 6 months went by without a clue as to what was causing the problem. X-Rays, MRI scans and specialist consultations eventually found the cause but in the meantime, pain killers were required. STRONG painkillers.

Initially, I was prescribed Co-Codamol which included a hefty does of codeine .. 500/30. Even these drugs had little effect on the pain and gave just limited relief for a couple of hours maximum. My GP eventually prescribed Tramadol. I'd never heard of it but was eager to have anything to relieve the pain.
At first they had no effect, absolutely nothing. Then my second prescription was taken to a different chemist who gave me Zydol, the brand name, as opposed to the generic version I was given in the first chemist.
The effect was nothing short of miraculous. The pain was GONE. I could sleep at night and didn't feel a twinge. I hailed this miracle drug and denounced the generic versions out there because, despite apparently containing the same active ingredient, they don't always work, certainly didn't for me ..!

I expected the usual side effects, nausea etc but surprisingly, I didn't suffer any of these. What I DID suffer however was perspiration. EXCESSIVE perspiration. The slightest physical exertion, even brisk walking for ten minutes would have me literally drenched in perspiration from head to foot. I was prepared to put up with it and it was easy to change my habits to avoid situations where physical exertion was necessary. It was a small price to pay for such effective pain relief.

The real problems started after a few months. Sleep now became erratic and anything but refreshing. I would wake up often during the night and feel exhausted as a result in the morning. Again, I felt this was a price worth paying.
I felt a lot more anxious generally, short tempered and sometimes a little depressed but put this down to what was happening in my life at the time rather than thinking it was a side effect.

My condition sometimes eases and I don't feel the need to take Tramadol. I can literally forget to take it during these periods. Of course you should never just stop taking any drug, it should be a gradual reduction. On one of these occasions, I went for three days without taking any. Big mistake ... for the first time in my life I felt suicidal. I did have problems at the time but nothing that should have led to such desperate feelings. Luckily I'd told a friend how I was feeling and it was she who pointed out the fact that I hadn't taken these drugs for a few days and this was coinciding with my acute depression and feelings of suicide. I hadn't even considered this so immediately went back on them and the thoughts disappeared. Even reducing the dosage from time to time can bring on these feelings of desperation and depression.

Don't underestimate the side effects of Tramadol. Yes, its a very effective pain killer and its easy to put up with the side effects because of the tremendous pain relieving benefits. I'm now used to disturbed sleep patterns and have altered my sleeping hours in an attempt to make up for it (at the expense of a social life). You too will adjust your life to take account of the side effects but please do NOT get used to them, they are not normal, you need to be aware that your changed personality, due in part to disturbed sleep is a result of taking this drug. Physical side effects are one thing but mental are quite another and difficult to diagnose or acknowledge.

I have no doubt that Tramadol IS habit forming and I don't expect an easy time coming off them after I've had the operation and have no further need for them.

Don't believe the marketing "Not habit forming" and keep an open mind. There are plenty of people out there who are more than happy to share their experiences with you and help you make up your mind as to whether they are worth taking. For me, where pain relief is concerned, they've been nothing short of a miracle but friends and family have seen a difference in my personality .. subtle but nonetheless. Be informed and be aware ......

Members' Comments onjoeyruss's Review

• comare on 21st Oct 2008

  I found this review helpful because.. I have just been diagnosed with secondary cancer in the pelvis and am experiencing some moderate pain. The doctor just prescribed Tramadol and I always try to understand the contraindications before I take anything. I will now be very cautious before I start taking them and only take as necessary.

• annetterutledge on 29th Nov 2008

  I found your review really helpful. I have only been suffering with constant and severe pain for a month now with not much change and was prescibed Tramal by an After hours Doctor when I couldnt get to see my regular Doctor. My regular Doctor said not to take Tramal, but my pain hasnt gone away. I decided to check for other comments before starting Tramal. Its been very frustrating, so thank you for your review.