As usual the drug reps do not always tell the truth about drugs they are putting out in the general public. A great example is the debacle over Oxycontin.
Oxycontin Manufacturer Lied About Dangers of Drug
The fines this company experienced pale in comparison to the great profits they achieved versus the amount of lives that have been absolutely destroyed by this drug. There are more deaths that occurred through overdoses of this drug than anyone can imagine. It became a nationwide problem that we are still reeling from the effects of.
Abuse of prescription drugs surges across globe - Addictions- msnbc.com
In my business I get several copies of the yearly Physician Desk Reference which lists the most commonly prescribed current medications utilized today. Unfortunately, many physicians do not have time to read the warnings and rely on what drug representatives tell them. Since Ultram (Tramadol) came on the market in the United States it has been erroneously stated by many physicians that it is not addictive. There could be nothing further from the truth. It may not be a potent as some of the other long-acting pain killers but there have been reports of increasing addiction associated with the use of the drug.
What is the addiction risk associated with tramadol? | Journal of Family Practice | Find Articles at BNET
However, just because a drug carries a risk of having the patient become addicted to them does not mean that the benefit is offset by potential harm. As with any medication you have to assess whether the benefit outweighs the side effects or potential for harm. As with any painkiller medication the patient should be tapered off of the medication rather than an abrupt cessation.
As far as the sweats associated with the withdrawal effect of an opiate taper there is very little that can be done to alleviate this. It is only uncomfortable and somewhat embarrassing when it looks like you have just come out of the shower from perspiration. At least you are on the path to a gradual, comfortable as possible, taper program. The medications can be switched to Tramadol as your doctor states. It is better to realize the importance of adequate pain relief and how this enables the body to sleep and heal from surgical or injurious pain. Pain can definitely affect mood, healing, sleep, and your overall psyche which makes it important to take care of.
No matter what you do, we will support you in the process as most of us have been where you are at.
Hang in there.
Terry Newton