Day 45 again! Tramadol Withdrawal. Cold Turkey.

Thanks for your compliments guys :)

Seekingbetterdays I remember that "all I want to do is feel normal again" mood during withdrawal. In fact, day 1 of withdrawal I can recall laying on my bathroom floor and in between puking and diarrhea I would just say that over and over to myself. "I just want normal, I need normal". Its painful but normalcy is just around the corner for you. I think of the tramadol withdrawal as a veil pulled over your mind that prevents you from seeing life as you once did. For me the veil is removed but I still notice certain things about my life that are different than they once were. I'm not as physically laid back as I used to be and it is still more difficult to sit down and organize thoughts but each day is a noticed improvement=]. Its pretty amazing to believe people can go through things like this and it not be common knowledge that tramadol is an ineffective and dangerous drug. I guess its the peer pressure of everyone thinks its great so its probably just me. The withdrawal for me was one of the hardest battles in my life because no one was really watching and no one cared. Its easy to get through things with support but when your on your own its depressing like family members, doctors, and friends all think its something else when it isn't.

Emily, I'm glad no withdrawal symptoms yay! Now you will most likely be at that phase for a few weeks where you feel normal but certain things are just slightly off and different than they used to be. I understand this can last for a bit but it does go away which is great=]. Keep taking those vitamins and niacin! They help alot or at least they did with me and yeah protein is great too. Two for one on the tramadol yeah haha. They slip that little antidepressant in there when no one is looking. Before I knew there was one in there during withdrawal I had my suspicions because Ive seen people go through withdrawal from zoloft and xanax and they had those suicidal thoughts which were like mine, nothing was right in the world and my dad kept telling me to snap out of it. A doctor telling someone to "snap out of depression" yeah because thats how it works-.-. I wish there was some way to get the word out to other people who are taking this stuff but who would listen to some 19 yr old kid over their doctor right?=p

                                                          Always,
                                                                    Paul

Wow Plamp you so nailed it on the early withdrawal description. I remember being too tired to even go get water. Profound disability in Days 1-4.  And I also agree that it is like a veil. It slowly gets lifted. Problem is, the longer you used it, the more randomly the withdrawal symptoms float back upon you.

And I think I figured out why. It's not acting on all the neurons in the brain at once, which is why they can call it an analgesic.

That means that as you come off, the randomness of the way it effects the brain, will create random side effects. Always to a lesser degree but there's an intensity in Tramadol withdrawal from the antidepressant that assures you (Drug Voice) that you are surely going to die this time from it.

In fact my research is only showing me that people are having seizures while ON the Tramadol. Or Ultram. Not while withdrawing. I can't find anything about Tramadol Seizures during withdrawal, only when the person is actively taking it and boosts their dose.

You wrote to SeekingBetterDays, "Its pretty amazing to believe people can go through things like this and it not be common knowledge that Tramadol is an ineffective and dangerous drug."

It's pretty hard to argue with a Doctor who insists it is safe. When we're in early withdrawal, it is sometimes against the wishes of our Docs. Like with me. I was done. I didn't tell the Doctor. Why bother? He's just going to tell me to stay on it, or that it is safe, or that I won't have any withdrawal. And eventually Tramadol is effective at making one crazy and creating greater pain! LOL! Ahhhh the dark humor returns! (It was a joke)

You also write, "I guess its the peer pressure of everyone thinks its great so its probably just me. The withdrawal for me was one of the hardest battles in my life because no one was really watching and no one cared."

We cared, truly. I do actually care about anyone who comes on here in unbearable early withdrawal. I don't care why they are on it, how they got it, they have my empathy 100%. Anyone who kicks pills of any kind has my empathy. Addiction is addiction. Arguing about who has it worst is kinda pointless. It's pain. Pain is pain.

For me, taking Tramadol would never have happened if I had known an antidepressant was thrown in there. That was an Executive Decision made for me by Doctors. I don't appreciate it. And given my History, they should have known better. Also I think arguing about whose responsibility it is pretty silly when you have Doctors feeling free to make Executive Decisions.  That would be me arguing with a five star General. Get my drift? :)

I will also say that my response to what you wrote here, "I wish there was some way to get the word out to other people who are taking this stuff but who would listen to some 19 yr old kid over their doctor right?" is very profound. I thought alot about that.

You speak with TRUTH my friend. You know truth is the most powerful force. You are also very kind and speak with love. So, your message will be found by the people who are looking for it. They have to look for it. But once they find it here ... they won't be able to forget. Truth rings true and it echoes.

You write, "Two for one on the Tramadol yeah haha. They slip that little antidepressant in there when no one is looking. Before I knew there was one in there during withdrawal I had my suspicions because Ive seen people go through withdrawal from zoloft and xanax and they had those suicidal thoughts which were like mine, nothing was right in the world and my dad kept telling me to snap out of it. A doctor telling someone to "snap out of depression" yeah because thats how it works-.-. "

It is very alarming that there's an antidepressant in Tramadol. You say all of it so perfectly.

Your Father. *stares at ground.* I have relatives and friends who have been thru clinical depression. Telling them to "snap out of it," would be like telling them to heal their cancer with their minds. It would be like telling a car accident victim to "Walk it Off."

I'm really sorry that the only people who can and do understand Tramadol withdrawal are those of us who got on it, and then had to fight off the viscous dogs from H-E double toothpicks that is Trammie Withdrawal. But mean, we understand!!!  On a cellular level we understand!

I remember in early withdrawal barely being able to see the screen! Much less have it stay level ... it was waving around, the words focusing in and out!

I'm staying on the Vitamins. Today, I got tons of sleep. It's my day off. It felt sooo nice to sleep. I wish I had more energy. But I don't.  So I will ration what I have on what is important to get e thru this next work week. I am still taking it one day at a time.

Love and healing,
Emily

What is the Thomas Method do tell? I am weaning off Tramadol as we speak and feeling a little anxious today. I am down to one a day from about 6-8 (100mg tabs) for about 3 years. I have weaned myself for the past 2 months and hope one more week or two at the most. It is hard but I do not want it anymore. If I had no anxiety or lack of concentration I would not take it at all! I feel mentally I do not need it but physically is different. Is there anything that makes your symptoms better? I have been supplementing with other pills like vitamins ibuprofen and some over the counter energy pills. Anything that helps that is NOT adicting I will take for now. Are you completely done or are you still taking some? I am 38 as well. Thanks Amber

Hello EP,

How do we know when it ends?  

I find myself thinking about that a lot.  When will we know we are back to "normal" and what exactly is "normal"?   Will I know it when I get there?

I'm better -- much better -- but still not well enough to lauch an offensive.  You know -- the kind you plan and execute at work to stay competitive with your business.  My mind seems willing, but the body is weak.

Two good days were followed by total "energy decompression" this afternoon for about 4 hours.  Of course all gone now.  Not tired at all.  Unfortunately it's close to midnight and I NEED to be tired.  

That's a dirty little trick of the Devil pill, isn't it?

You wrote "I have relatives and friends who have been thru clinical depression. Telling them to "snap out of it," would be like telling them to heal their cancer with their minds. It would be like telling a car accident victim to "Walk it Off."

That is INSANE, isn't it.   Yet people actually say that silly stuff.

Like you, my relapse seems random, although I find myself searching for a pattern.  The good news -- Tramadol no longer rules me -- I do.  It's a great feeling.  I'll suffer a bit longer I'm sure, but it's already worth it.

--------------------------

Amberwave:  

Very good going on the taper.  I don't know where you get the willpower.  It's a great way to go if you can -- and its apparent you can!!   You got me beat, I could not do it so resorted to my only hope -- COLD TURKEY (Day 22).  

Hang it there - given your obvious determination with that taper, you can go all the way!!!!

Seeking Better Days;

Yep. No kidding it is RANDOM. It is following a pattern. According to the New Math; RANDOM is a pattern! LOL!

But seriously, I understand. I had several great days and then last night at 4am, pain woke me up. Complete with some shaking, some dizziness and physical clumsiness and the "dirty sweat" I get from the withdrawal. It feels like sweating in dust. When the sweat sticks to you cause of the dust, and immediately dries cause of the heat.  Completely freaked me out.

Woke up all the way (That's a KEY) ... got out of bed, got ice packs, magnesium, anti histamine (Tylenol PM generic) ... Felt again like the brain surgery was upon me.

You ask me, How do we know when it ends?

Well, the two of us are the LUCKIEST people because we're NOT craving it.

That's how we know it will eventually end. It's in a certain way, already at an end. It's just CLAWING in a panic. It knows it is done, but hopes to convince you that you are too "tired."

After almost what? 47? Days I'm tired. And when w/d pain returns, I have to remind myself of what it is. I can't exactly think that after 5 years of use it's going to give up that easily right?

The randomness is explained by The Golden 1, whom I think might be a member here still?  I found this by Googling Ultram or Tramadol Detox ...

She/He writes;
___________________________________________________________________

THIS IS THE LONG ANSWER;
____________________________________________________________________
Re: tramadol addiction

Posted By: theGolden1
Date: Sunday, 25 September 2005, at 10:54 p.m.

In Response To: tramadol addiction (liltat2)

> hi there, i'm new here...i'm a 40 year old
> female that has been taking tramadol for
> over 10 years...after 2 back surgeries i was
> taken off vicodin and given tramadol. i
> found that to be immediatly addictive...and
> have found different excuses to get the
> drug...recently i ran out and could not find
> any and had a grand mall seizure...that is
> when i decided that enough is enough...ya
> right...i cant seem to get off this
> ****...my husband has control of the stuff
> and gives me some accordingly...but it seems
> the more i try the harder it gets...i have
> taken up to 15 at a time but normally i take
> 7 or 8 at a time...about 25 or 30 a
> day....PLEASE HELP...is there anything i can
> do or take to help relieve these withdrawl
> symptoms? if it wasn't for the withdrawl. i
> know i would quit alot sooner...someone told
> my husband that clonapin (spelled wrong, not
> sure of correct spelling) will help...does
> anyone know? and does anyone have ANY
> ADVICE? PLEASE HELP!!! SUSAN

Dear Susan, I feel your pain. This is a common occurrance. The first year I took one pill a day and it worked just fine. Four years later I needed 5 pills a day. I took 3 every morning just to feel normal. Dazz is right about tapering. I do think you will need to add your crossover medication before you are completely off of tramadol. I would seriously plan to be on another medication for a year or so. Just don't panic. Little by little, you will take back your life. It took 10 years to get here, so be patient and you will succeed. Slow and steady wins the race.

Getting off high doses of this stuff requires the utmost care. Tramadol stays in your system a long time. I don't care who disagrees with me. Tramadol builds up and the antidepressant part of it lasts along time. The painkiller part of tramadol targets the brain receptors in a "random" fashion. Off again, on again, here and there. Unlike a real opiate that binds to ALL the receptors at once. That is why tramadol is labeled an analgesic and not a narcotic. That is also why ANY opiate can be used in much smaller doses to get off tramadol. That would also include methadone and suboxone. I know a person that used darvon and successfully got off tramadol. The problem is that you must be on the crossover drug for at least a month, and then you would have to detox from that. In your case I would not detox for a few months. I would also be in under a doctor's care. This drug gets into your mind and makes you believe that you need it.
After a whole year, I actually considered taking it again ..... I'm so glad I didn't do it. Ultram .. the big lie.

Stick close, there is help and support here ...Goldie
ps: don't forget to pray

_________________________________________________________________

SHORT ANSWER;

I yanked that off the Internet because of the sentences ...



"Getting off high doses of this stuff requires the utmost care. Tramadol stays in your system a long time. I don't care who disagrees with me. Tramadol builds up and the antidepressant part of it lasts along time. The painkiller part of tramadol targets the brain receptors in a "random" fashion. Off again, on again, here and there. Unlike a real opiate that binds to ALL the receptors at once. That is why tramadol is labeled an analgesic and not a narcotic."

-Goldie

_________________________________________________________________

So our experience follows the physical pattern of the way the drug effects us when we are still on it. As we withdraw, it is also random. Which is a pattern humans hate.

I'm going to get better. You are going to get better.

You aren't planning in taking anymore of the Devi;'s Pill right? Neither am I!!

The mornings are sometimes VERY BAD. Sometimes they are not. This morning? IT WAS HORRID. But now it is almost 1pm. And I am pulling out of it. Will it return? Maybe? Maybe not. I have no idea. I know it's gone now. I couldn't have even written this post earlier than this. Too much brain fog.

I mean if there's one thing that the SHELLING does ... it makes you lay low. It sorta teaches you in the roughest way possible to lay LOW and wait it out. When I first started here, a member wrote a post up on the general addiction board. I refer to it often. I hope he doesn't mind me repeating it here! This one of the most Effective Tools I have used in my withdrawal. I believe this with all my heart.

________________________________

Many people need to wrap their minds around this:
by CadillacJack

Jun 28, 2008 07:46PM

This being afraid of withdrawals, and buckling under because of that fear of discomfort needs some mind control conditioning.

I'm not saying it's easy.

But look at quitting exactly like this: It's WAR.

Fear on the battlefield will get you dead, if you can't control it.

The truth is, fear and anger are similar emotions. It's not very hard to condition yourself to turn fear into anger, and in the case of quitting drugs, you should do so.

Opiates may not be as immediately serious as bullets & shrapnel, but, nevertheless, the same mind set applies; survival. I'd rather have a chunk of lead than a bucket of opiates to go out with. Think about this. Logic will tell you this is true. Fear is your enemy in the forum of quitting substances. Anger at using, or the substance itself, will serve you much better. Anger will give you strength. Fear will rob you of it. Get mad, and go to war.

cj
_______________________________________________________________

Hope this helps you SeekingBetterDays ...

I know you being here surely does help me!

Love and healing,
Emily

Hi Amber,

Congrats on your slow taper. Good for you. I did a much faster taper, basically not very scientific. "Run Out Of Pills," was my method. I actually feel like I am not sure if it is better to taper or jump off into cold turkey. But for me, it's kinda a moot point.

I haven't had any Tramadol in 47 days now. I believe my "taper" from 6-8-10? (I forget) was done in about three weeks. Maybe two. It was fast.

I don't know why you are on it exactly. I was on it for "chronic pain," due to a car accident. Funny, but the pain vanished after I stopped taking it. During the heavy withdrawal I would get spikes of pain. But I think that's just the Tramadol trying to get me to take more. Unlike many; I do NOT have a craving for more Tramadol. Thank Goodness! I would rather eat rat poison.

I used to think that Tramadol increased my energy and my concentration. I also used to think it helped my pain. Turns out I was mistaken.

Once a drug turns on you, it does the exact opposite of what it is supposed to do.  Again; in my experience.

Anything that makes it easier? Well, you have the right attitude which is, "I don't want it anymore."

Shifting into planning mode would be good. Getting the house stocked up with fresh easy to prep foods (there's a list on Day 33 of good foods to increase dopamine) and water with lots and lots of vitamins. I had to use powered vitamins in my water, or I would throw up. That happened for awhile. Til I figured out how to get them down and keep em there.

You need a heating pad, a bunch of ice packs if you have pain. You need sublingual B-12 tablets. Honey also works VERY well to get you moving if you have to. If you CAN; PLEASE take at least 7 straight days off. You can make it on 5 ... but that will SUCK so badly. I had to tell alot of lies, people think all kinds of odd things have happened to me in the last 47 days. But, it was necessary and it got me off the Tramadol.

And over the counter pain killers worked well for me. I used and still use Excedrin Migraine in the morning cause of the caffeine. I HAVE to get to work, and the mornings are the worst for me. So I need to wake up earlier than usual cause I move slowly in the morning. At night I'll use an antihistamine or Tylenol PM or Excedrin PM. Magnesium and Calcium helps sleep. Wrapping your limbs helps if you have weird limb pain. You can Google "Home Opiate Detox" and it'll give you some ideas. Obviously some good and some annoyingly bad! LOL!

Hot baths and showers are a huge part of the Thomas Recipe aka The Thomas Detox. Who is Thomas? He's the guy who should be all dead from all the drugs he's taken over the years and this is his method of Home Detox. I used it. It works. I used Batherapy bath salts. I used them in the shower when running a bath seemed impossible. Used them as a scrub. Skin being the largest organ and all that.


Here's a cut and paste of the Thomas Recipe for you Amber ..
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Addiction/Thomas-Recipe-Re-Posted/show/16?cid=66


Here's protocol on amino acids
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Addiction/Amino-Acid-Protocol/show/15?cid=66

Here's PAWS; Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome;
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Addiction/PAWS-part-1/show/39?cid=66

It's alot of reading, but you'll find it useful.

Most people say 4-5 day max once you jump off (stop taking the pills) before you feel ok. Mine was 4 days. It was like the worst flu ever combined with a migraine and a full on psychological attack. But; I can do 4 days and so can you! You may have it easier even! You have been on two less years and you tapered slow. So that's great!

Good luck! Let us know when you need our help ok?

Love and healing,
Emily

I have been on Tramadol for about 3 yrs. I was up to 300mg per day but I weaned myself of the drug over a few weeks. I am on day 10 of no medication and I still have huge issues with sleep. How long does to get a decent nights sleep. Diphenhydramine just makes me weak and not tired. I am controlling the other sypmtons well by exercising and  long hot bath's. Any info would be helpful.

I have been on ultram for the last 6 months. i have been taking it as prescribed. 1-2 50 mg tablets every 4-6 hours. usually 2 doses, rarely 3 a day. My doctor told me that it is non-narcotic and non-habit forming. I forgot to call my refill in earlier in the week and ran out yesterday. No big deal. Non narcotic. not habit forming. BS!!!!!  I hav been researching ultram for the last couple hours and have not read 1 good story about quitting it. I am experiencing may of the symptoms listed. My refill shows up tomorrow. I plan to call the doctor and go over our next course of action. I dont think quitting cold turkey is an option as I have a job to keep. Would there be any guesses as to how long I will have the WD's? Thanks for any input.
MK

Hi MK;

I didn't quit cold turkey, exactly. I did a fast taper, letting the pills run out. I don't know if that is easier ...

I really feel for you. Of course you have a job to keep. I hae a job to keep!

Call the pharmacy and ask them to fill it now? Call your Dco and tell him you are experiencing w/d (I don't know if he'll believe you) and ask for an earlier refill. Then taper. Slowly? Will this help? Mabe.

Read about the Thomas Recipe, and the Vitamin Protocol. You might get hit really hard; or not. I've read about a few people who say they quit with no side effects. (Um. I'm not sure I believe them)

Good luck!

Please please read as much of this journal as you can, it is filled, stuffed with information about HOW to quit.

Love and helaing,
Emily

Thanks for the reply Emily. I got 3 hours of sleep last night. went to work, no drugs, I sat my boss down and explained the situation to him. I felt horrible all day. took a small nap on my lunch break. did ok for the rest of the afternoon. All in all it was a lot better than I expected. right now I feel pretty good. yesterday morning was my last 50mg dose. I have hope that I will be one of the lucky ones. We'll see what tomorrow does.

How are you feeling now? I hope everything is going well. Thank you very much for the advice and info. it is all great help. I'll try to post again tomorrow.

Hi Hunter!

Oh that is so cool that you were able to tell your boss about your situation. Thank goodness! Some people can't you know? Even with Tramadol which is supposed to be non narcotic (but isn't) ...

Everything is ok now as far as Tramadol is concerned. I'm over 100 days out. The randomness of it was what was really horrible. I'm one of the ones that got sacked down hard by Tramadol.

For helping sleep;

Sleepy time Tea by celestial seasonings; right before bed

Pantothenic Acid (B5) which is for clenching of TMJ/Jaw. It happens to people in withdrawal. I took 2000 mg before bed. Nice side effect? Makes you sleepy.

Hot Bath with Queen Helene Lavender Batherapy .... That one has an amazing amount of minerals in it. Makes you crazy sleepy.

Benadryl or an anti histamine works for some.

Herbs, Passionflower, Valerian root, Hops, Skullcap ... one of those will work. Warning; Valerian root smells like a hockey team's tube sock ... so don't breathe; and get capsules!

B-12 sublingual tablets saved me! SO did Excedrin Migraine for getting to work!

Coffee helped me get to work!

I'm so glad you got a nap! That helps alot too.

Yes. yes, be one of the lucky ones ok?

Love and healing;
Emily

well, I woke up feeling great. slept a solid 8 hrs(with help from Lunesta). Sleep made all the difference. Felt good most the day. just kinda sluggish and scattered. I talked with my doc and expressed my concerns about tramadol and all of the nightmare stories about people trying to get off of it. She tell me that I am only hearing worst cases and scare tactics. Went on to say that they prescribe Tramadol because it is far less addictive than vicodin or percocet. I told her not to worry about the refill.

It's funny, as crappy as I feel, and I know tramadol will make me feel "better". I dont crave it one bit. I have been on percocet abit and always craved it after it was gone.

I feel I wasnt hit as hard as you or some of the others and you amaze me with your strength. I'm not sure how I could have dealt with that. I would have been right back on the bottle. Had the pharmacy had my script ready yesterday I would be starting all over.

Once again, thank you very much Emily for the support and advice. It really helps to hear this from a person that knows than from a doctor that dont care too much.

I'll try to post again tomorrow. gotta go now. sleep meds are bangin on the back of my eyelids.
Take care and be well
MK

Hunter, I encourage you to read my story, print it if possible, and give it to your practitioner.  If that doesn't work, give me your practitioner's phone number and I'll call him/her and tell him/her the TRUTH behind Tramadol myself!!!  I have been an RN for 20+ years....I too, bought the line that it is relatively harmless....until I went through the most agonizing, painful, and emotionally destructive withdrawal I could ever hope to never have again!

Arrrgh!  And to think your practitioner just brushed off your comments.....scare tactics?  My Arse!  Worst-case-scenario?  Not a chance!  This is real and prevalant and frightening.  This will become big news when it finally comes out, mark my words.  And those of us practitioners who were clueless will blame the FDA and the drug companies instead of ourselves for not listening to the thousands of people (our patients) whose lives have been affected negatively by this horrible little pill.  

In case you can't print from the comment page, I put this in your mailbox as well.  

Best of luck and health

I am so glad I found this site.  I had no idea how many people had this problem with Tramadol.  I got addicted Tramadol because I have horrible cramps. If my stomach started to cramp I would just pop a Tramadol I would feel like new in about 20 mins. I began to realize that I was addicted to Tramadol one day when I hadn't taken any all day and my knees started aching really bad.  I felt sluggish. So I took a Tramadol, and I was all better. (or so I thought). It literally made me feel BETTER.  Well, enough was enough and I decided I wanted to be "normal" again.  The first day of withdrawals sucked. I  just stayed in bed. Because I would have been of no use in the real world.  Well, the real fun started that night.  I am just a big bag of emotions and I am ready to go to bed.  Well, the fun restless legs kicked in.  It was horrible, I cried, I kicked, I prayed. I was up and down all night long, I watched the whole season of Flovor of Love. And finally dozed off at about 5 in the morning. After that things got alot easier.  I was learning to do things over again.  
Then: I had to get my wisdon teeth removed.
That **** hurts.  And I gets me some Lortabs. I take them all. I look in my drawer and what do I see??  2 left over Tramadol.
Just one wont hurt!!!

Well, here I am again.  It has been 1 day no Tramadol.  Today was pretty sucky.My legs hurt. I am dizzy. Scattered minded. Just feel horrible.  My legs are aching so I know I wont be getting any sleep tonight.
BUT: I flushed all the remaining Tramadols.  
I have to get them out of my life. FOREVER
TO ANYONE WHO HAS NEVER TAKEN TRAMADOL:
DON"T DO IT

Tramadol is rat poison. It's hoorrrrrrible stuff.

Can't imagine using this for cramps ... ICKY! I gets you hooked in a few days ...

Yep. Yes, say NO! :D

day 2: well... i made it through the night.  it was horrible. i think i got 2 hours of sleep.  i got out of bed 47 times i think. and all im thinking is .....a 1/4 of one and i will be asleep.  BUT I DIDNT DO IT...... that was a big deal to me. so finally when my body decided to relax..... i hear my alarm clock..... im not sure, but i think i dressed myself for work.  i got to work and my legs are achy but not as bad as the first day of withdrawals..... I made it a whole day at work ... no Tramadol.  and i actullay did work.   im at home now... horrible mood swings. my legs are hurting........i bought some vitamins to give me energy.... we'll see how tonight goes... and the next couple of days.

HOORAY!

OK color me impressed that you went to work. I wasn't at work on Day 2! Good for you! Take it easy enough that you don't go back to the Tramadol. That stuff causes more problems than it cures after a time.

Sorry you got up out of bed 47 times! I know that feeling of finally being asleep and then the darn alarm goes off. So awful!

Ok well best of luck tonight. Try and use The Thomas Recipe as much as you can. Hot mineral baths really do help!

Love and healing,
Emily

Is anyone out there?  I need help and am scared to death right now.  I have only been on Tramadol for about 3-4 months.  I stopped taking it b/c I wasn't having pain of endomietriosis at the time and wow the withdrawl is so wicked.   I am down to no refills and only about 25 pills, I am scared and don't know whether to try to get another prescription or quite....I have such a busy life, 4 kids and a full time job.  I function totally well on tramadol and can't do anything when I was withdrawling.  I don't have time for a long withdrawl before I feel normal, what can I do?  

Its me again, I don't have email at home right now, and work night shift, so I am sure nobody is up right now.  I read most of the blogs and am relieved and scared to see others have had the same withdrawals as me.   The leg aches are the worst for me, I can't stop trying to stretch and move.  It is so miserable I feel like it would be easier to ask a doctor for a long term prescription and just avoid going off of them.  I hate this!!  I don't want to be on them, but I don't want to feel the hell of withdrawal.  I have had 4 kids and this pain is worse than child birth.  I accomplish so much too, when I am on it.....I don't know if I will be able to do as much when or should I say if I kick the habit.  HELP HELP HELP..........................I think I will call the doctor today and just keep going.    I take about (6) 50 mg pills a day, used to take more, but I can get by with 6.  I can't get moving during the day until I have my tramadol pumping through my veins, but man then I am getting everything done.  Not to mention, I suffer from severe migraines and haven't had any since on tramadol?  Also lost a lot of weight and am thinner than I have been in forever.    

Hi Kel;

Well yeah, that is what stops most people from getting off Tramadol. Fear of Pain from withdrawal. You wanna be on a long term program? When exactly will that end? The pain of withdrawal will be minimal after 3-4 months as comapred to 3-4 years. Everybody says that they don't have time.

You can read about what most of us did to get off. I have been off for over 100 days ....probably more now.

I wouldn't take it for anything. It's poison. For me; it made pain worse. It gave me the illusion it was helping me. But it wasn't. It was and is worth it to get thru 3-4 days of he-$$ and then 7 days of sub-normal functioning. People get the flu all the time. Tramadol will take your life from you. Right now, you sound as if you have an attitude of fear. That won't help.

Only anger and a fight will help you get out.

I hope you read the whole journal. Only my opinion. but this stuff if poisin, makes pain way worse and will ruin your life. You should get out before it really take ahold of you. But then; it's your decision.


Love and healing,
Emily

I have just found this site and am so relieved.. When I started taking Tramadol 5 years ago there was virtually nothing about addiction/withdrawal.  

I have been taking it for fibromyalgia and other things and have really not had a break, although I have never had more than 200ml daily ( 2 x 100 in the time release).  I am tapering off and feel just ghastly, particularly emotionally. Can anyone tell me if they have experienced the following?:

Pain in arms/ arm swelling (my doctor thinks there are cervical spine problems, but thought I'd ask)
Pressure in the chest
Feelings of swelling in neck
severe agitation
severe lack of focus
a LOT of sweating
complete apathy

I know that I find it very difficult to stop drugs - I have been very unwell throughout my life and was on steroids (prednisone) for a very long time.. The way the doctor told me to come off it was completely unsatisfactory, so I did it my own way.. very very gently lowering then stabilising the lowered dose, then lowering again, over months till I was OK.  I'm wondering if it will be the same with this.

Thanks for providing this means to talk to others.. it is so important when you feel there is nowhere to go!

I just wanted to add that before I took Tramadol I rarely took any drugs (except thyroxine as I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis), ate very healthy food and drank raw organic juices daily, was rigorous in my yoga practice, etc etc.  

After a while it dissipated.  I had a lot more energy for things, but didn't treat my body the way I always had - I craved carbs and sugar etc etc.  

Just a thought, in case others have had a similar experience.

Hi Organica;

Yes. Every single one of those symptoms I had thru withdrawal from Tramadol.

I specifically remember thinking that my arms were going to fall off from pain.

Yes, Chest pain and anxiety and yes yes neck pain.

Sweating ... YES. I had stacks of yoga clothes washed and ready cause I would finally sleep and wake up covered in sweat. It would also happen randomly.

Agitation; yes yes. I remember in early withdrawal and even at the end that I thought I was developing a social anxiety. In early withdrawal the phone would ring or the doorbell and I would HIDE! LOL! Seriously, that is so not me. So .. withdrawal form this is serious YUCK,

Apathy with lack of focus is so annoying isn't it? Like being cut off emotionally, knowing it and kinda not being able to muster up the will to care about it. Tramadol is such an ugly destabilizing drug emotionally because it has that added antidepressant component that "they" never like to admit is in it!

They won't even tell you it is addictive. It most certainly is addictive. I'd rather go off any one of the pain pills (opiates) that I went off of than go off Tramadol again. Truly like being in a pit of despair. Luckily, it is chemical and caused by both being on the drug and then by coming off of it.  It's not a personality change or anything organic. It is a drug reality.

I'm so sorry that you are going thru it! I am way out now. I have recovered and was on the same kind of dose for about the same amount of time and I can promise you, once you get thru it; you will regain everything you "lost" ... even things you did not know you had lost. It's going to be ok.

The feelings of "Oh I am DYING!" are caused by withdrawal.

What I did was make lists. Alot of my lists are in this journal. I would forget what it was I was supposed to do to make myself feel better. So the lists helped a great deal.

The good news is that most of us reported 3-4 days of very bad withdrawal (it's like a flu/migraine/backache the worst you have ever had) and about a 7 day period of not being functional. By Day 10 I knew I would live.

It was remarkably random. SO I would be ok for a few hours or a few days or a few minutes and the BLAMMO! So ... keep that in mind. You are so smart to taper and then jump off. Tramadol makes people sick after extended use. And if you want to call it addiction or "dependence" it is kinda all the same at the end of the day as far as fighting the fight!

Thank you for writing! You have no idea ... well I bet you do ... what your words do for people who can't express what you have. Or ask what you have. To be in early withdrawal form Tramadol is really scary. I wanted people to find this and think, "She got off and out, so I bet I can!" There's so little like that when you search for Tramadol withdrawal.

Let us all know how you are doing ok? Write as much as you like and I am sure we can help. Been there. It is awful, but the drug will destroy you, so you really have to taper and jump off. I know you can!

Love and healing,
Emily

Thank you, Emily.  You have no idea how helpful it is as absolutely no-one knows my situation.

It has taken me about a month to get from 2 x 100 slow release daily, which I have been on for years, to 2 x 50.  I asked my doctor for the 50 slow release (she also gives me the normal 50s).  I told her I wanted to taper off and she said there was absolutely no need to - you can just stop.  Yeah, right.

There is no problem with accessing the tablets, which can make stopping harder as, when it all gets too much, I always have them.  

So at the moment I am on 2 x 50 slow release, although I admit when it gets too much, I substitute a more rapid 50, but still stick to the 'no more than 100 daily' rule.  I am barely functioning.. today, not at all...
And I haven't even gone cold turkey!

Anyway, slowly, slowly is going to have to be my way so that I can funcion in the world in some way.  If I could just stop, perhaps it would be easier, but I cannot let people know what I am going through, and I have to earn a living.

Thank you so much for your support.

Best,

Organica