Forgetmenot, you are correct, Tramadol is not technically an anti depressant, or even in the same class of medication. However, for many people they do often have a mood elevating or stabilizing effect. If you google Tramadol as a mood enhancer, you will find countless posts with people claiming it has cured their depression, anxiety, etc.
Unfortunately, you are also correct about how addictive Tramadol can be, and many doctors have mislead their patients by suggesting that it is not a addictive as true opiates, and has fewer side effects. New studies over the past few years have proven that to be incorrect. Tramadol can actually be more addicting for some, and can be MUCH harder to come off of than standard opiates.
Until the past couple of years Tramadol was handed out without much hesitation by many in the medical profession. Now, it is being treated closer to a narcotic pain medication that previously thought necessary, as it has been proven to have a high potential for abuse. Many states have been changing their prescribing policies in regards to Tramadol, making it almost as difficult to get as most narcotic pain medications. Even drug tests are now including Tramadol in the screening process for pain management contacts.
I agree with you in that people should never just stop taking their medications without consulting their PCP. Many medical clinics where I live (Pacific Northwest) are more than happy to help a patient safely titrate their dose down, and provide alternatives if the withdrawal symptoms are too much to handle.
Best of luck to any, and all, who are going through any kind of medication adjustment, stopping, etc. It can be a rough road, and I hope those in need have a good support network to help them through it.
I take my BCP, some natural supplements for my pain, my glucose controlling pills and my IBS medication. Right now I am taking a medication to treat stomach flu... I'm in hell, but hey... at least I didn't get the other flu! Imagine that!
