Tramadol Withdrawal

[pishka]

I have been taking Tramadol (Ultram) every day for the last 3 years.  Up until 3 days ago, I was taking 30 (50mg) tramadols a day.  3 days ago, I almost OD'd on them.  I guess I took about 25 pills within an hour period.  Usually, I take that amount over about 4 hours.  anyway, I fell down the stairs and started shaking badly.  It wasn't quite a full blown seizure, but pretty close.  I could not control my legs, couldn't walk, etc.  Loud noises sent me into the shaking episodes as well.  I curled up on the bed and prayed not to have a full blown seizure.  Everytime I was still, I felt myself slipping away to a place where I had no control over my body.  For at least 3 hours, I shook my legs and pinched my stomach so I wouldn't fall asleep.  I have never had to concentrate so hard on anything in my life.  I finally got to the point that I could carefully walk to the bathroom.  The entire next day I still felt heavily medicated.  This scared me so bad, I didn't even want to take any more ever.  The withdrawal got so bad, I had to take some.  I took cut down to 12.  I am having mild withdrawal symptoms.  

I guess my question here is:

Does anyone have experience tapering themselves off Tramadol and if so, what regimen did you use?  
Also, does the Thomas receipe really work?

Any suggestions/comments are greatly appreciated:)

[madtram]

Scary stuff Pishka but maybe this was the fright you needed.  There's a ton of experience with tramadol tapering on MH.  We have a tramadol focussed thread on:

http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/128660?personal_page_id=142

where you can post your questions on tapering & get support from others who have been there or are currently tapering.

Tapering is not an exact science with tramadol & you are on an extremely high dose.  Ideally, you would benefit from a doctor's guidance as you may need an anti-convulsant like neurontin or valium to manage the risk of seizure.

If you want to manage on your own, I would start by reducing your daily dose by one or two pills per week & be prepared for a slow taper.

The amino acids in the Thomas recipe can certainly help once the worst withdrawals are over but if you put your body into significant withdrawal from tramadol, valium, immodium, gatorade & Epsom salt baths will be your best tools.

Best wishes.

[dominosarah]

I am glad you found this site.  Do not just quit taking the trams.....these need to be tapered due to seizures.  I would really tell your doctor what is going on.  Many here have tapered off trams and i am sure they will be on in the morning. Yes the thomas recipe does work.  We need to replenish our bodies after abusing it for so long.  Again i am glad you are here.......sara

[dominosarah]

Thanks madtram........glad you are here.

[worried878]

like domino stated..u gotta taper off..which is hard for an addict

where r u getting them?  ONline?  the source has got to go even if it takes an email that u cant use them anymore cos u r addicted...if it is a dr u need to talk with him...u really ned to go c a dr who can help u thru this....handing over ur pills to someone u trust helps..writing out a taper and sticking to it...it would be best to include a physician like a psychiatrist or addiction specialist to help u with this//the can rx safe drugs to help u do this..have u tried any aftercare or counseling...?  u need to look into it..u almost killed urself..and u may later...next time could be the last time..it is amazing the dange we put ourselves in with our addiction

keep posting...if u need help tapering let me know..but please c a dr..u will need his help

[pishka]

Thanks for the suggestions and comments.  The thread you provided is an excellent resource.  SO much to think about and learn about this vice of ours.  I have began the taper on Monday.  Went from 30/day to 12/day.  Doing ok so far.  Mild witndrawal symptoms that I have been able to keep at bay.  One day at a time right?????  I will keep you all updated and good luck to all:)))))))

[pishka]

Thank you so much for the encouragement.  It is great to have found this site and all of you that truely understand what I am going through.  This is a great resourse and support group.  I just googled tramadol withdrawal and found this site.  I thank the people that developed this site and the people that keep it going.  I really want to try to do this without informing my doctor.  However, I do have a medical background and I am realistic about probably needing my doctor at some point.  Another major concern: I just found out today that I have gallstones and need to have my gallbladder out.  My appointment with the surgeon isn't for 3 weeks, then I have to schedule the procedure which will probably be another 3-4 weeks.  Am I going to need pain meds??????  Maybe by then, 1 or 2 tramadol will do the trick :(((((((

[pishka]

I'm not sure how much I am able to say about how I get them.  Needless to say, it is not on the up and up.  Thank you for the advice.  I do realize I will probably need to enlist my doctors help at some point.  Stubbornly, I want to try on my own first.  Hopefully, with all of your support, I will kick this poison.