chronic pain
"I was initially prescribed tramadol for chronic pain from rheumatoid arthritis about 8 years ago, SPECIFICALLY because the doc said it was non narcotic. It worked for me and all was good until I forgot to call in a refill one day and I had withdrawal symptoms worse than I have ever experienced from any stronger narcotic. I have been on the drug for the past 8 years and now that they've realized it's INCREDIBLY addictive and often abused, they've made it a schedule 4. Now it's difficult for me to get my prescription if my doctor is out of town, or if I take one or two more than I'm supposed to due to increased pain, and I run out a day or two early. I'm a former opiate abuser and SO angry that I was misled and am on this roller coaster again."