Addicted to tramadol

[tramadollover1234]

I've been taking about 8-10 a day for a year. They are prescribed but I usually run out. I have started tapering and am down to 6 a day. I need advice as I have to work and can't take time off.

Thanks,
Sarah

[BearsFan1966]

Yes Trams are the worst! I was taking them along with Norcos, vics and any thing I could get my hands on! I was taking so many trams that I started having seizures...very scary! I went CT off them almost 2 years ago and yes it was he(( but doable. Look up the Thomas Recipe and I took every thing that was over the counter and it helped a ton. I wish you the best of luck and stay on here there are a ton of people to help and just vent to when you need to!

[addlover]

Sorry you are going through this. I too had a terrible time coming off tram. I started having seizures from taking 20, 25mg tabs a day. I had to go to rehab. But I made it through the other side, and am happy to say I am sober. It's been a long journey with some bumps in the road. Got hooked on adderal for a year. But now am clean. It can be done

[Ruthy55]

Hi Tramadollover
I too am tapering 4 months now and it is not easy at first. The WDs will begin immediately upon tapering. There is no avoiding it. But it is smoother than cold turkey of which I tried and had no idea how hard that would be. If you have to work, tapering is the best way or take vacation and stop. I never cut back more than .25 mgs a week. There will be a "jumping off " for me in a couple months as I have planned vacation. I am not sure if I can taper down to nothing. The one thing that you need to know is there is a very strong anti- depressant in the mix of this evil little white pill and that along with  the synthetic opiate binding together is what makes it rough. Your serotonin levels will slowly drop and cause anxiety and pretty significant depression of which is now affecting me as I go lower. I am just starting a natural anti-depressant since my Tramadol is low enough n o w. You have to watch out for Serotonin Syndrome if you take something to boost your Serotonin, because a large part of Tramadol is already an antidepressant. Google the Thomas Recipe and stock up on the vitamins and all that is in it. I started vitamins and supplements as soon as I started tapering. If you have a good relationship with your MD as I have, tell him or her to help you.You will eventually have insomnia and your d o c can help you out there.  I took Tramadol as prescribed too and had no idea this was going to happen. But I took them for 5 years everyday as I have chronic pain  and anyone will get hooked on this drug taken everyday even for a few months! It needs to come off the market now! Just go slow and listen to your body level out then taper again.

[spider6]

Hi there, I feel for you on your sitch. I think your only option is a slow taper but you seem to be under pressure to have it over ASAP.  Support would be ideal.  Could you give a little more back story, it might help with advice.

I've heard terrible stories about this drug, so much so that I've refused it from the vet for my dogs.....and I'm a drug addict...I know I'd love them!  I also suffer from bp depression so because trams have the added antidepressant in it, it screws with your detox in the way of....omg...I'm sooooo looooow and slooooow and dooooown!  So if you have depression issues, you should talk with doctor.

So...if you must work I guess slow is best and do all the yoooosh, ie vitamins, eating clean, water, water, water, ....exercise !!!! Surround yourself with positivity on every level. Humour...music....therapy..ie aftercare.

You'll get a lot of support here too. Much luck, I'll be rootin!

[tramadollover1234]

Thanks frogger. I'm hoping to go down to 5 today. I am terrified of the withdrawls. I'm currently on a very healthy dirt snd drinking 130 ounces of water a day. I hope that will help me

[Frogger76]

Hi!! I was highly addicted to trams for years, around 3000 mg a day (not a typo). Trams are very difficult to withdrawal from. It took about a month for my physical symptoms to ease up, and the mental withdrawals from trams are just as bad, if not worse. I see your tapering from them, that's a good thing, I had to quit cold turkey, not fun. Keep up the taper, you'll still have withdrawals, but maybe they won't be so severe. Sorry I don't have any experience in tapering. I wish ya the best and good luck!'~Sherry

[tramadollover1234]

Thank you. Anyone else have any advice?

[vicki595]

Hi Sarah and Welcome- First off, you have to stop loving Tramadol. Do you take it for pain? If so, what will you take instead?

It's good that you're tapering; it's the best way to stop. We can't provide a taper plan so just keep doing what you're doing. Drop a small amount over time. Let yourself adjust between drops.

You need support so find a recovery program that suits you; AA/NA, counsellor, church...just google recovery programs.    Keep posting-