I was using Ultram a fair amount when it first came out because it is not
supposed to be addictive. It has alot of the same side effects as
narcotics, with a dry mouth, fuzzy thinking/fatigue. I personally don't
think that it works as well as narcotics or as well as nonsteroidal
antiinflammatories. I received a letter from our pharmacy dept (in the
group I practice) several months ago that Ultram is not really very safe,
because of an increased risk of seizures in people taking it. It is
supposed to be taken only for a few days and no more, ie not long term. It
was then taken off of our formulary, and I have not given it anymore;
either have our pain specialists at the hospital (that I have observed). I
personally would try to avoid it in nursing women long term.-Anne Eglash MD