Bencivenni Michael R in Cleveland, OH

Donald J Castle asked a question

In 2007 I was prescribed Ultram by my family doctor because he was told it was non addictive by his drug reps and would be safe for my back pain stemming from my broken back injury in 1990. I took the drug as directed.
The drug affected my way of thinking and ruined my business of 14 years. I had no idea it was changing my thinking until I started coming off of the drug last summer.
It was been a long year of withdrawal, pain and suffering.
I have been under doctor's care trying to come off of Ultram. I have been put on a high dose of Effexor for the depression associated with coming off of this drug. I have slept very little in the last year and I fear that I have permanent damage as a result of taking this drug.
My arms and legs will not stop tingling and I can not lay down to sleep at night because of body tremors.
The FDA has changed the label on Ultram twice since I was prescribed it. Once to say that it should not be given to a person with family history of dependence, and once to say that it is indeed addictive.
My father was an alcoholic who killed himself when I was 12. I do not and have never smoked or drank or done drugs. I am a victim in this case.
Please advise.

Donald Castle