Abusers of drugs get hooked up online; Pill addicts feed habits easily through Internet

Times-Picayune (New Orleans, LA) | December 7, 2003 | J. Scott Orr

[NYC GOP Chick]

It's OK -- we're cool now. :)

[Boner1]

There is a new type of non-narcotic oral pain medication that can be prescribed to treat low back pain. Tramadol (Ultram) acts centrally (in the brain) to modulate the sensation of pain and has no anti-inflammatory effect. It is a stronger pain reliever than acetaminophen, but probably not as strong as the narcotic agents. Ultram is often a good option for treatment of low back pain because patients do not build up a tolerance with extended usage and there is a very low incidence of addiction.

This new medication is still quite expensive and is not covered by some health plans because of the expense. The regularly prescribed dose is one to two 50mg tablets every four to six hours, not to exceed eight pills a day. Exceeding the prescribed dose may lead to respiratory depression or seizures.

Ultram has several potential side effects and risks, such as:

Drug interactions. Care should be taken with antidepressant medications, as a combination of Ultram and antidepressant medications can lead to seizures. Ultram should also not be taken in conjunction with alcohol, tranquilizers, or narcotics because the effects are additive and it may impair mental and physical function.

Pregnancy risk. Ultram should not be taken by women who may be pregnant.

Tolerance. Ultram is not well tolerated by everyone, and some people report feeling "weird" or "unusual" while on the medication.

[org.whodat]

dose is one to two 50mg tablets every four to six hours, not to exceed eight pills a day

One are two pills a day should be max, I take one everyday, but then I have two titanium rods and four bolt in my back.

[alnick]

who's OKing these prescriptions? Customer service dudes

The patient has a "consultation" with a "doctor" by filling out an online form. The "doctor" issues a prescription and the patient's credit card is charged.

[eno_]

The article, of course, makes the Internet the bogeyman. If you are not too lazy to visit Dr. Feelgood in person, insurance will cover your pill habit.

[muggs]

Going to jail because you were in pain and your doctors were essentially forbidden to prescribe adequate pain relief and monitor your use of it

After this last week of the worst pain I have ever experienced, I can understand why people resort to illegal drugs for relief. If I didn't know that the pain I am experiencing would end soon and I couldn't find a doctor to prescribe adequate pain relievers, I would find any source I could or blow my head off.

[Bluntpoint]

And 5 or 6 six years ago Rush Limbaugh would have categorized you as another linquini spined whiner who can't take the least bit of discomfort.

[Ed_in_NJ]

Great!!!

Now the lunatic drug warriors will want random drug testing for everybody that uses the Internet - paid for by the taxpayer, of course!

[Triple Word Score]

We need to wake Congress up. It's time for the War On Drugs to back off law-abiding people in pain, so our doctors can take over and actually manage our freaking pain. Most of us have responsible physicians who take their oath to "do no harm" seriously.

And people who are in severe pain do not become addicted to painkillers as long as they are taking them as directed--it's when they start self-medicating that they get into trouble.