I was prescribed tramadol 50 mg. 4xday three years ago for back pain. The doctor whom I like very much and is the head of a large pain clinic assured me that it was not addictive as long as I did not abuse it and I have never one time taken more than prescribed. Sometime back I decided to go off it as my appetite was affected and my skin, (especially my legs), itches. The only good thing is that I lost 40 pounds and am now back to a size 12. However, I did not know that I could not just quit it and tried but was so sick that I thought I had the flu. After checking this website, my eyes were opened as to how I should do it. I am weaning myself and have been on 1/2 tablet 3 times a day, sometimes 4 for about 2 1/2 weeks - but I have never taken a whole tablet since starting this regime. The main thing I am experiencing is some nausea, weakness but most of all sweating! I have read that some people take clonidine but I don't know what this is and I sure don't want to get hooked on anything else. I am taking Aleve and using pain patches for my back pain. My question is -how long is this going to take me and should I ask my general practitioner for something to help me? Thanks so much.
You sound as though you are doing well with your taper. Clonidine is a drug primarily prescribed to regulate blood pressure so it can be helpful if you are suffering from heart palpitations or feel your bp is higher than usual. Some women are prone to low blood pressure, however, so clonidine would not be advisable in that case as it would only make you feel weaker. It may help somewhat with temperature regulation & other than the potential to unduly lower bp has minimal side effects & is not addictive.
Antihistamines such as phenergan or dramamine can help with nausea but will probably make you feel drowsy. Ginger tea or ginger capsules can also help.
If you find you are too uncomfortable you can always hold your dose for as long as you need to stabilise your symptoms again. Some people have had minimal side effects by using very slow tapers rather than focussing on a set end date.
No doubt others will have suggestions. Let us know how you are getting on.
Best wishes.