Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Tramadol Withdrawal

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.  
Best Answer
599071 tn?1300068702
So sorry to hear about your suffering Faye & so frustrated that yet another doctor has apparently just relied on the pharma company info about tramadol.  Many of us never took more than the prescribed dose yet suffered significant side effects while on tramadol & withdrawing.

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.
4 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I appreciate so much your response as well as the others. The pain patches I use are Lidoderm (lidocaine patch 5%) made by ENDO Pharmaceuticals.  These are $1.00 each my co-pay on my drug plan.  I had not thought of drinking extra water and I am glad you mentioned this as I really have never drunk as much as I should due to the fact that my city water has a chlorine taste to it.  The only other prescription drug I am on is a blood pressure pill which controls it well.  I take several supplements and sometimes an antihistamine during the pollen season which we are getting into now.  The suggestion that something else might be going on is helpful though I only have the sweating when I am past due for the Tramadol which leads me to believe that is the culprit.  It means a lot to have the support which I am going to print out as I think some in my family are wondering about my sanity!!! (LOL)    Thanks so much to the others for their response.  I am looking forward to being completely off most all meds.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Faye~  Yes,I think you should call your doctor in the morning. There may be something else going on. It's so hard to know...

Are you drinking extra water? You need to keep your fluids up.

What is the pain patch that you use for your back?  Are you on other medicines?

Try not to worry and let us know what the doctor says...

Vicki
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi!  Sounds like you are doing pretty well, honestly!  I applaud you for being able to taper so effectively!!!  I never could, but it is probably best.  I would get some pepto bismol for the nausea or some plain pepermints or any kind of hard candy that you might like.  The sweating and chills are just going to be there!  Sorry.  Try some Black Cohosh.  It works for hormonal hot flashes, so it may work on these????  May be worth a try!  You can get it at Wal Mart.  

Keep up the good work, and let your doc know if you can't take the symptoms anymore.  I took clonidine, and I did great with it.  It is not habit forming and helps the CT withdrawals.  I don't know about using it while tapering.  Like I said.....I could never do it!!!

Keep posting too.  Let us know how you are doing!  I have been off of tram since early March!  It CAN be done!!! : D
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Addiction: Substance Abuse Community

Top Addiction Answerers
495284 tn?1333894042
City of Dominatrix, MN
Avatar universal
phoenix, AZ
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
If you think marijuana has no ill effects on your health, this article from Missouri Medicine may make you think again.
Julia Aharonov, DO, reveals the quickest way to beat drug withdrawal.
Tricks to help you quit for good.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.