Ok, HOW do I start tapering off Tramadol?

Question

I take a ridiculous amount of tramadol daily.800mg/daily. I decreased my dose last night to 600mg. I couldn't sleep and felt panicky. I have to do this while I work during the day because I don't have the luxury of taking time off. So I guess what I am asking is in what increments do I decrease dosage, in what amount of time do I decrease? Every day? Every week? How long should withdrawl symptons last? Thank you all!

cleanmom · Answer

You wouldn't believe how much doctors deal with these situations, please dont be embarassed, this is your health at stake here. Check in the related expert forums under addiction ( to the right of this page), i came across something there about tramadol tapering and i believe he said to taper down 10% of your usual dose every two weeks, but check just to be sure. He is a doctor, name is Jeffrey Junig. I still do recommend getting this advice from your doctor though, you are at a very high dose, and your doctor would know whats best for you. Good Luck ----- Jacly

mariesimmons · Answer

I do not think I can go to my dr. I am embarassed. I was just reading about the 17week pregnant lady...that sounds like a decent way to taper...every 72hours?

cleanmom · Answer

Well, first and foremost i think you should talk to your doctor about your problem. They will know how best to help you. Also, im not a big fan of tapering because people like ourselves who take excessively high doses obviously don't have much self control, hence the excessice intake in the first place. I came off tramadol cold turkey, 400 mgs and it sucked but i came through it, very much the same as coming off any narcotic, but since you are on such a high dose, i think its best to inform your doctor so they can help you. And keep posting here for support, and look for any other means of support possible, it will help. Good luck------ Jacky