Tramadol - Insomnia

[concerned8]

Today is the 9th day I have been off tram.  Was taking it for about 2.5 - 3 months, 10-15 a day.  Most of the physical symptoms are gone, besides the diarrhea.  Mentality, I am feeling a ton better, the first 5 days were pretty rough.  It was hard to stay positive, feels like your life is literally worthless.

Now the main problem is the eff'in insomnia.  I have averaged only 3-4 hours of sleep the past nine days.  I have still tried to keep going to the gym, even went to a late night yoga session last night, doesnt matter though, still not sleeping.  If I didnt have to get up and work everyday it wouldnt be a big deal, but I do.  Any idea on when this will start to normalize?  I have tried ever OTC sleep aid there is, even combining them with no luck.  I wake up freezing cold because I am literally dripping wet from sweating, I have to move all over my bed trying to find dry spots to sleep.  I didnt go the the gym, didnt want to wear my body down more if it cant recover from sleep.  Any ideas?

[BanTheTram]

Thanks for all the info.  I am on day...11 now (had to count fingers) and my sleep seems to be getting better.  I actually slept the last 2 nights and I am really starting to feel normal again.  Luckily I had some trazodone and combined that with nyquil.  I know thats probably not the safest but its better than not sleeping.  Its almost the weekend so I think I am home free.

Yea, the RLS is pretty bad and I suffered from it before all this even happened.  The night sweats were insane, I mean my bed was soaking wet.  I opened the window but had to close it because I would freeze from being drenched.  Feels really good now though, I am feeling sleepy and my mind isnt racing.

[LifeisHell]

I was addicted to tramadol (as well as hydrocodone/oxycodone) for almost 2 years.. I was taking up to 20 every day, somehow without having seizures. I also tried to quit cold turkey. I know exactly what you are going through.

My insomnia and restless leg syndrome were some of the worst parts about the withdrawals. Unfortunatly I don't really have any advice that I know will work for you because I ended up getting on suboxne a few days ago because I just couldn't get through the WD's.

However, a few things that helped me when I was having severe insomnia were exercise, like everyone says.. particularly walking on a treadmill.. I started with walking at a brisk pace and ended up running. Wore myself completely out. Also, I don't know if it bothers you or not, but tramadol seems to give ALOT of people RLS (restless leg syndrome) which was one of the main problems that was keeping me uncomfortable. I have discovered that a TENS unit helped a TON with this problem.. so you might want to look into getting one of those if you have a hard time getting your limbs to be still or even if you just cant get comfortable. I've found that placing electrodes in different spots can really make your body relax. Just don't place them around your heart, head or throat.

Oh god, night sweats. Just the thought of those makes me shiver.. unfortunatly those were hard to do anything about but I noticed that taking a really hot bath, as someone else said in this thread, right before going to bed seemed to help me not wake up with night swaets.. also, another thing that seemed to help a little was keeping my windows open and sitting a fan in front of them to draw in fresh air.. something about that fresh air seemed to help me too. Again, sorry I couldn't be more help.. I know exactly how bad not being able to sleep can make you feel and I wish you the best of luck!

[avisg]

honestly going to the gym is a good thing it helps wear you out and get your natural dopamine receptors pumping again It seems like you cant continue like this but your body can do alot more then we think .Give it some more time exercise,hot baths before bed.Nothing over the counter or prescription worked for me my body slept when it was ready .you will be ok ....

[LeaAnn807]

Hi!  Try some Nyquil without the decongestant in it for a couple of nights.  It helped me in the beginning!  I take Alteril now.  Seems to help some.  I have been off of tram since March, and I can tell you that it was the last thing to come back.  Exercise will help too.  You have to wear yourself down!!! : )

[ang_811]

Sleep is usually th last thing to come back. Have u tried taking the hottest bath u can stand and sit n it for as Long as u can right b4 bed? It should help some. Try taking some melantonin and valerian root. I know it helps me to sleep!! Good luck to ya