I need to get off of Ultram for good! Please help me.

Question

I am 38 years old and in 1996 I was prescribed Ultram for Degenerative Disc disease.  Needless to say, I was also told it was non-narcotic yet I too become addicted to it.  Soon after that I was also prescribed Oxycontin which led me straight down the road to hell.  I eventually ended up in a residential treatment center where I got clean from all of it.  However, when I withdrew from the Ultram, I was in jail and don't remember the withdrawls being that severe.  Back in March of 2006 the doctor prescribed it to me again for kidney stones, against my better judgement I took it, and yet again, I am addicted.  It feels like such a set back after being clean and in NA for 5 years.  I don't consider it a relapse but I now have to get back off of it.  I tried cold turkey but the withdrawls were horrible!  I don't remember them being so severe, like I said before.  I have teenage girls and a full time job, I can't afford to take off work to go through anymore withdrawls nor do I want to go through them again.  What is the easiest way to wean off and less likely to produce severe withdrawls?

workinhardtostop · Answer

The job that I have could not permit me to be found out.  I would lose my clients, etc.   So no meetings.  But I was a strong person before this, and I'm finding that never left me, even when I thought it did.  A bit of Britney Spears'  "Stronger"  I keep singing that in my head.. :)

miraclemiss · Answer

I know where you are coming from.  I've been through those same withdrawls.  I do hope it works out for you.  I do know that the support of the NA fellowship has helped me tremendously.  Perhaps try going to a meeting?

workinhardtostop · Answer

P.S.  By saying "feeling good" I mean compared to wanting to die.  I'm still really low all around, have bad diareahea, keep sneezing, keep sweating and then start freezing, and basically feel like ****.  But compared to days one and two, its a big improvement.  I literally thought I would just die.

miraclemiss · Answer

I've heard that vitamin B-12 helps, I'm already taking that. I will try cutting down and let you know how it's working out.

workinhardtostop · Answer

I was taking 12 (50mg) a day.  Occasionally more if I wanted to get high, but just the 12 to feel somewhat normal.   On day 1 and 2 I took 5 a day and got horrible withdraw symptoms.  I'm on day 3, I only took 4 because I didn't feel the physical need, and I feel pretty good.  I also stocked up on vitamins, especially B-12.  It's really helped with the crushing fatigue I've felt.

miraclemiss · Answer

I think I'm up to 15 per day! Tomorrow I thought maybe going down to 8 for a couple of days then continue to decrease from there.  Thanks for your input.

workinhardtostop · Answer

I'm on tramadol also.  Day 3 of weaning.  How many, and what dose are you taking?  If you can't deal with the withdrawls, and you have willpower, cut by 50% for the first two days.  Then cut down 25% more for the next two days, etc.

I need to get off of Ultram for good! Please help me.

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