How do I quit taking tramadol safely?

[pawnee187]

I have been taking tramadol for about 8 years now. I started taking it for lower back pain (arthritis). The way it started is that I would just take the prescribed dose- 4- 50mg/day but I liked the way it made me feel so started taking more and more gradually up to about 12 pills a day. Now it's getting harder to get it off the internet and the price is going up so I really want to stop taking this but am scared to death about the withdrawals. I am 55 years old and just finished up nursing school. I have not been able to find a job yet and this addiction could be why. My doctor told me that the withdrawals from this would not be anywhere near as bad as other drugs such as vicodin. I have no medical insurance so I can't just run to the doctor all the time. I go in once a year for a script but it is never enough.I need some serious help as to what to do.

[pawnee187]

Thank you so much everyone for the support! Starting tomorrow I am down to just 10 pills a day. I just keep telling myself that I can do this- every time I go to take another pill when it's not time I just tell myself NO- you can do this. So far I've been doing okay but I did just start tappering. I think the fact that so many of the internet websites are shut down now is actually a blessing in disguise. I also keep telling myself about how hard the withdrawals will be if I go cold turkey and I don't want that. I figure to go at least a week with taking 10/day and then gradual after that- 9/day and so on. I am so determined - I also go to Alanon since my hubby is a recovering alcoholic and I am going to come clean with them too and that will be quite helpful.

[FourJays]

Best decision of your life to get off the Tramadol!  I used it for 14+ years and very high doses; was taking like twice what you were, and am now about 2 months clean.  Tapering is the best way, but I wasn't really able to do that.  I also ordered on online (supplementing my regular script), and unexpectedly my last order was not shipped as expected and I was forced in to a c/t withdrawal.  It was not fun at all but I got through it and am doing well now.  I still have lingering lack of energy issues with up and down days, but overall I feel great and am starting to get my life back on track.  Tramadol stole a lot of things from me and I know the process of recovery will be a long one - but SO worth it.  I did not try the Kratom, but otherwise agree with NicoleBow on the supplements, water, etc.  I also find that exercise is HUGE; even a short walk or just some fresh air.  Also in the early w/d days especially, long hot tub soaks were lifesavers for me.  I still find it helps with achy muscles, etc.  There will be lots of information and support for you here.  You CAN do this - it is SO much better on the other side!

And happy 25th!!!  My husband is very supportive as well, don't know how I would have made it this far without him (we are coming up on our 28th very soon!).  He knew I was on the pills too (I have had back problems and spinal surgery a few months ago); so he knew I was taking things but he had no idea how much :(  I thank God for him and my family and friends every day.  Good luck!
Julie

[NicoleBow]

Getting off my 6 year Tramadol addiction is one of the hardest things I have ever done. Congrats on making the decision to quit. I've been off Tramadol for 34 days and there are still some uncomfortable days. I mostly went cold turkey but tapered for about 5 days until I ran out and refused to order more. I took Kratom for 2 weeks, then switched to Imodium for 2 weeks now I'm just taking the Imodium strictly on an as needed basis. Also, drink tons of water and green tea, caffeine really helped me too. Also, I take tons of vitamin C, B12 supplements, magnesium, and a multi vitamin, all which make me feel a bit better. I take melatonin for sleep too, works well. Hope this helps and let me know if I can answer any other questions for you.

[atthebeach]

Congrats on your decision to come off the tramadol. The taper plan sounds good. Slow is better. Can you stick to the plan and not take more? Many people have a hard time it requires discipline.
it's great that your husband is supportive. Happy 25th anniversary.

[pawnee187]

Tomorrow my husband and I will celebrate 25 years of marriage and how lucky I am that he has stuck with me. He knows that I take tramadol but I don't think he knows how much.

[pawnee187]

Thank you for the support! I have decided to start tapering off- it helps that it's not as easily available on the internet as it used to be so I have decided that I would start slowly coming off it. I was up to 12-15 a day. The past 4 days I have taken 11 per day and it hasn't bothered me at all so I figured that I would cut down to 10 per day after a week or so and then go from there. I am determined to get off of these things. I'm really glad I found this and other sites - I didn't think there were so many people in the same boat I am in.

[MIkanik]

I'm starting my 5th day of being clean.  Let me tell you....doctors are not always well educated on these things.  I went to one doctor and told him about my Tramadol problem and he denied it being addictive in any way.  Ummmm.....on my 3rd day (yes...just 2 days ago) I was in the ER because of vomiting and severe dehydration which also caused a severe drop in my beats per minute and I was put on cardiac watch.  

Tramadol withdrawals are NOT fun....of course NO withdrawal is.  The thing with Tramadol is that it also contains an antidepressant as well...or something  that acts as such.  So along with the horrible physical withdrawals you CAN get severe emotional problems to put the icing on the cake.  This is something you want to SLOWLY taper off of to make your withdrawals easier.   I'm horrible at tapering and did mine over 4 days...not suggested!  I know there are other people that will have better advice and most will advise you to see a doctor and be open and up front about it.  

I'm wishing you all the best!!  You are in my prayers and my heart!  Let me know if you need anything <3