Tramadol tapering?

[bdenton]

Hi Everyone...I have spent alot of time just reading the many posts...but would really like to get serious about stopping this drug I have been on now for over a year daily. Tramadol. I have never "needed" it. I started taking it because I liked the high as well as the energy and best of all the appetite suppressant effect. I lost over 50 pounds last year. I did need to lose it, so I am not skin and bones. I weighed 175 and am now about 135. But...thats beside the point. I have never done drugs, never been a drinker...never even took tylenol unless I couldn't stand my headache or whatever. This is CRAZY! I am married with 3 great kids. I have such fears of things like kidney or liver damage...or what if I get in a car accident and have to go to the hospital. That would seriously suck to be out of it from an injury and then "need"my daily dose of 8 pills of tramadol. So yeah, I want OFF this crap. I have been told that tapering is the way to go. I was told by a pharmacist to drop a pill every week until I am finished. I have not gotten lower then 6 because yes, 6 is fine...but the restless legs/body and the cold sweats start even before my next dose. I would like to just ask anyone out there is they have had ANY success in tapering from a high dose to nothing and achieved success. I always read of the advise of tapering, but has anyone ever done it and had success?

[spartaguy2003]

I can attest to Tramodol withdrawal being worst. I stop cold turkey from two 5-500 a day of vicoden was fine after five days. I'm on day ten after quitting ct from 100mg dose a day of tramodol and still having intense leg cramps causing insomnia. Best advice get it out in the open tell the family get the doctor involved and if at all possible take a week off work. I know its a hard thing to do, but you'll be usless to your family and work for that week anyway might as well plan for it. Also get a lot of TV series on dvd it helps pass the time and keep your mind off the pain without requiring much brain power. Good luck the only thing that really helps is time, sad but true.

[chronicmistake]

Stopping Tram CT is said to be worse then WD from opiates.  I would call your doctor and develop a taper plan.  Have someone else hand out your medications for the day.  there is great health information on top of this forum page to ease WD symptoms,  take care.

[LeaAnn807]

Hi!  I did not taper.  It takes a huge amount of discipline, but I can tell you that you should just follow the pharmacist's advice.  That is the best way.  As directed by a professional.  I have been clean from them since March, and I am doing really good.  I encourage you to just do it!!!  You will be so happy!

Just want to let you know that I am here to help you if you need it.  You will get so much help here!!!

Hugs!