Is tapering off Tramadol really the best way to go?

[serenenow]

I've been on Tramadol for 6 years now.  I went from over 20 50mgs. per day to down to 12 50 mgs. per day.  Yes it has been a nightmare.  I was prescribed it 6 years ago for a kidney stone and told them to not give me any narcotics because I'm a recovering addict.  I had been addicted to it from 1996-2001 back when the doctors SWORE it was not addictive!  When I got clean from it in 2001 I had been off of it for 4 years and working a 12-step program.  But like I said above, my stupid thinking allowed it to be prescribed again thinking I could get off of it...no problem.  So here I am 6 years later and thousands of dollars wasted, trying to get off of it again.  The whole time I've been staying involved in the 12-step program and have made lots of friends with others in recovery but have not been able to feel I could trust any one of them enough to let them know what has been going on with me.  There are those in this program who like to spread one's personal life all over the fellowship.  I have tried several times to quit cold turkey and cannot stand the withdrawal.  I am a full time college student, a mother and a grandmother, as well as a fiance'.  I've begun doing a tapering method, taking 2 50 mgs. in the a.m., then 2 hours later taking another 50 mgs. to get my plasma level closer to tolerable, then after that it's 2 50 mgs. every 3 hours.  I planned on going to 2 50 mgs every 4 hours after a few days of the 2 every 3 hours.  I just started doing this yesterday but after reading all of the forums on tramadol withdrawal I'm wondering if this is really the best way to go?  Tapering off that is.  I would greatly appreciate any feedback.  Thanks.

[littlebit667]

There is a tramadol group that might be helpful.  Here is the latest posting group.  Good luck

http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/353222/Tramadol--Ultram-Recovery-Room-Part-52

[serenenow]

I wondered if there was a similarity between Tramadol and Effexor!  I was put on Effexor after my dad suddenly passed away and I was taking alot of Tramadol during that time as well.  After I'd begun taking it, I felt less need to take Tramadol but had the thought that something was similar between the two drugs.  Unfortunately my personality and everything else changed for the worse causing me to lose my relationship with my fiance'.  Since I've been off the Effexor, I've felt much better and the relationship is back on again.  I do not want to go back on it, I'd rather just do the wean down off the Tramadol without any other meds.  Thanks for your input.

[serenenow]

Thank you :)

[serenenow]

Thank you all for your feedback.  It sounds like I'm going to need to get another script to wean off with.  I've got enough to last until Saturday and I don't want to get thrown into severe withdrawal again.  I will keep you posted.  I definitely need some support with this.

[wransomejr]

tramadol also contains an anti-depressant component very similar to the brand effexor, which also needs to be tapered. they are right, slower is better as this is one of the hardest detoxes there is. I was taking up to 20 a day, and was able to cut to 10 with no problem, but by the time I got to 4 the w/d was so bad I just quit. I was not under a doctor's orders so this is not a taper plan. I was having mild seizures at the high dose, but once I lowered it that went away. There are conflicting reports on the seizure issue. Either way, tramadol is a serious medication that has been prescribed way too loosely. The worst of the detox for me was about 5-7 days, but I did not sleep for a couple of weeks and sleep and mood were messed up for much longer. I would seek a doctor with knowledge about this specific medication. Some people actually find going on Effexor helps when getting off tramadol. At any rate, both are high powered and both need careful tapering. Good luck.

[dominosarah]

Tramadol needs to be tapered due to the risk of seizures.  We want you to be safe.

[atthebeach]

yes tapering is the only safe way off of tramadol. with tramadol w/d there is risk of seizure going cold turkey.you are doing great continue with your taper. you are making excellent progress.