Tapering off Tramadol?

[TramadolTrap]

I am currently addicted to tramadol. I take 10 pills a day. I have 100 slow release tablets to use to taper. I'm successfully down to 8 tablets a day. I'm ready to be off but I cannot jump off as I HAVE to be at my job as I am a higher up in a big company. I have been addicted for two years and am truly ready. I guess I'm just looking for support and a little guidance.

[TramadolTrap]

Thank you soooo much everyone for the posts!

[brownvelvet]

I am no expert but I am just kicking the Tramadol myself.... there were a lot of bad things but for me the insomnia and RLS has been the worst....I have taken 4-5 showers a night....I have tried everything people listed and somethings helped and some didn't....i think really it is just time... someone here said I should think of these bad things... pain, rls, etc as the body healing itself....I do triathlons and I can deal with the pain of the event just knowing the exhilaration of the end so now I think that way..... that whatever I am enduring now is just what I have to deal with to get to the finish.... it isn't punishment for being bad and it isn't something I can medicate away...I have just have to keep moving and eventually I will reach the finish.... like they say..." If you are going through hell keep on going....."
I drink soda but I avoid caffeine as soon as I can in the day. I had to work every day through my withdrawal.....I never even was on here when I first kicked the Xanax....anyone want horror story I can tell you how that went....lol...
The Xanax I took only at night to sleep but I did it for a year.... big mistake...

I have to say that while eating good and drinking water is important the first week I just decided to eat and drink whatever I wanted ..I eat pretty healthy anyway..... but I didn't agonize over nutrition the first week....I just ride to survive..... no sleep, fun withdrawal....stressful to the max career.....I let my diet slide......I did get out and exercise every day and I tried to get in the sun and I drank a lot of fluids.... oops sorry for the ramble.... guess I was going on and on

[ArmyWifeMomof4]

I would kick the soda and down as much water or Greens as you can.  Soda will dehydrate you and will slow everything down.  Actually for about 1-2 hours after drinking a soda it is like having smokers lungs.  The carbonation and sugar close off a lot of what is going on in your body.  You should be drinking half your body weight in ounces daily anyways.  More if you live somewhere like I do...Colorado.

[Kylie4501]

What does Irish soap help with??

Hi there!! I am also hooked on Tramadol, been for many years and today is day one for me! UGH this feeling is horrible. When I get some time I will respond my whole story. I am looking for ways to get rid of the cold symptom feeling faster. Does drinking water really help? Im addicted to soda also and I know I need to drink more water.

[PlowBoy36420]

I don't think the slow release matters, when it comes to quitting it's all mental. I would stock up on Irish Spring soap, water or gatoraid,  bananas and get you some rice and put it in socks (45 seconds in the microwave) for heat.
I'm praying for you, I wouldn't want my enemy to go through this

[TramadolTrap]

Thank you all. I have the slow release tablets. I'm not sure if that matters or not.

[Alldone30]

Hi. I did a rapid taper off of the tramadol and it was really a struggle! I wish I could tell you I feel better physically but im not there yet! I have good days and bad days today was a crappy one. I'm at day ten and really keeping busy was what got me through each day! Being around people drinking alot of Gatorade and music! Best of luck to you I hope you get rid of this habit because tramadol is awful! Best wishes!!

[TramadolTrap]

Thank you. I didn't think anyone would respond!

[brownvelvet]

Hi
I too went cold turkey and I have a very stressful career where I have to be there too.... so it was not easy but like John I couldn't seem to taper this time. Everyone will tell you to taper and that it is easier and less risky and they are likely correct. Most of my reading suggests very slow like one pill a week less....8 this week 7 the next etc..but you don't have enough pills if you only have 100....so maybe go down by one every day? 10, 9, 8 etch?
I couldn't seem to do that and ended up CT.... if you do go down quick I have heard you can go down to 150 no matter where you start and be better but the last 150 to zero is tough so time it that when you are getting below that for maybe a Friday? The other helpful thing is to start an antidepressant as that can help with the Tramadol withdrawal that I serotonin driven.... good luck!

[TramadolTrap]

Anyone?

[PlowBoy36420]

I was only able to quit cold turkey,  just knowing I had tramadol in my reach was enough to keep me taking.
I'm glad to see you're ready for a new life, the journey is not an easy one by any means. When I did lay them down, I went through hell the first week or so but to my surprise it got much better. I'm starting to notice things that had been masked by taking tramadol.
I feel much better, still tired but nothing like it was a week or so ago. I'm able to go most of the day before I have to give up and go to bed.
Best of luck with your journey,  I'm looking forward to your progress.
((John))