coming off of tramodol

[Jen2Jen]

I have stop taking tramol / ultram on wed. and I am having horrible withdrawl symptoms.  I can't function at all,  I want to stay in my bed all day and i am so achy with a pounding headache.  I just was to know how much longer this is going to last.  Please help me.  I can;t take much more.

Jen

[Ga Guy]

Most withdrawals symptoms last 5-7 days with 3 and 4 being the worst. Tramadol has a longer half life and can take a little extra time. You should be feeling better, soon. I'm attaching some general information that may help you. Post any questions you have and we'll answer best we can...

This is a work in progress...something I've been working on off and on for the last couple of weeks. It's not considered complete, but has lots of info from lots of sources. If any of the "old timers" have anything to add, let me know and I'll add it to the document. I hope to use this to post a general "how to" every couple of days or so.

Listed below are suggestions for detoxing and quitting an opiate addiction. They are just suggestions compiled from the detox plans of people that have gone through cold turkey detox before. They are just that, suggestions, and any detox plan is best when done under a doctor's care. Consult your doctor before trying any of the suggestions below.
This is prewritten for anyone who is beginning or planning on beginning a colt turkey withdrawal to opiates. This includes drugs such as tramadol (Ultracet and Ultram) codeine (Tylenol #3, #4), Darvocet, Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco, Lortab and derivatives),  Oxycodone (Endocet, Percocet, Oxycontin), Morphine, Demerol. Fentanyl, and Dilaudud. There are many other opiates not listed, so if you don’t see it listed, you can still use these suggestions if it’s an opiate based addiction. None of these apply to benzodiazepine based addictions. These addictions should never be dealt with by going cold turkey. Always consult a doctor for a detox plan for benzos.

First of all, opiate withdrawals are uncomfortable, but rarely life threatening. You may think you’re going to die, but most of the withdrawal symptoms are just very uncomfortable. Opiate withdrawal symptoms usually start 12-24 hours after your last dose. But, the timing of withdrawal symptoms depends upon the drug taken, length of time you’ve been taking it, and how you react to medications. The physical withdrawals usually last 3-7 days, with days 3 and 4 being the worst. Once again, this is all dependent on the person. You can expect these symptoms. Dilated pupils, diarrhea, runny nose, goose bumps, abdominal pain, stomach cramps, sweating, agitation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, leg cramps, general aches and pains, and sleeplessness. This list is not absolute. You may experience all of these symptoms, only some of them, or other symptoms. Again, we are all different. Below is the famous Thomas Recipe. It gives some general information along with supplements that help with the withdrawal symptoms. The only thing I would add to this list is a blood pressure drug named clonidine. It effectively lowers the blood pressure and lessens many of the withdrawal symptoms. Most any doctor will prescribe it if you’re honest as to why you need it. Discuss dosages and frequency with your doctor.

Thomas Recipe:

1. Valium (or another benzodiazepine such as Klonopin, Librium, Ativan or Xanax). Of these, Valium and Klonopin are best suited for tapering since they come in tablet form. Librium is also an excellent detox benzo, but comes in capsules, making it hard to taper the dose. Ativan or Xanax should only be used if you can't get one of the others.
2. Imodium (immodium) (over the counter, any drug or grocery store).
3. L-Tyrosine (500 mg caps) from the health food store.
4. Strong wide-spectrum mineral supplement with at least 100% RDA of Zinc, Phosphorus, Copper and Magnesium.
5. Vitamin B6 caps.
6. Access to hot baths or a Jacuzzi (or hot showers if that's all that's available).

How to use the recipe:
Begin your detox with regular doses of Valium (or alternate benzo). Start with a dose high enough to produce sleep. Before you use any benzo, make sure you're aware of how often it can be safely taken. Different benzos have different dosing schedules. Taper your Valium dosage down after each day. The goal is to get through day 4, after which the worst WD symptoms will subside. You shouldn't need the Valium after day 4 or 5. During detox, hit the hot bath or Jacuzzi as often as you need to for muscle aches. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of hot soaks. Spend the entire time, if necessary, in a hot bath. This simple method will alleviate what is for many the worst opiate WD symptom.
Use the Imodium (immodium) aggressively to stop the runs. Take as much as you need, as often as you need it. Don't take it, however, if you don't need it. At the end of the fourth day, you should be waking up from the Valium and experiencing the beginnings of the opiate WD malaise. Upon rising (empty stomach), take the L-Tyrosine. Try 2000 mgs, and scale up or down, depending on how you feel. You can take up to 4,000 mgs. Take the L-Tyrosine with B6 to help absorption. Wait about one hour before eating breakfast. The L-Tyrosine will give you a surge of physical and mental energy that will help counteract the malaise. You may continue to take it each morning for as long as it helps. If you find it gives you the "coffee jitters," consider lowering the dosage or discontinuing it altogether. Occasionally, L-Tyrosine can cause the runs. Unlike the runs from opiate WD, however, this effect of L-Tyrosine is mild and normally does not return after the first hour. Lowering the dosage may help. With breakfast, take the mineral supplement. As soon as you can force yourself to, get some mild exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming, etc. This will be hard at first, but will make you feel considerably better.

[enufizenuf]

Hi there. I have never posted here before but I have been reading posts lately since I am trying, once again, to get off of ultram that I have been off and on for 10 years due to an accident and chronic pain. Anyway, I have had many withdrawals in past attempts of getting off tramadol cold turkey. I am now trying to get off them again and decided to taper this time. With last attempts, I had withdrawal symptoms for a few weeks with the worst part being in the first week. Of course, I didn't feel completely myself for over a month. I was taking anywhere from 15 to 20 at that time of 50mgs. How many were you taking? I got back up to 15 - 20 pills a day this time and I am just sick of depending on them! I am doing well with tapering them off and think that is best, at least for me. I wish you the best. Just don't give up!

[dandiggler]

i dont even feel good of trams im trying to stop taking tabs i havent  had a tab in 7 days am i making any headway

[Crystal3333]

Getting of Tramodal has got to be the hardest thing I have had to deal with.  Beside the physical need I have the mental dependency.  I feel almost suicidal when I try to stop taking or taper off.  Dealing with divorce, home in forclosure and my business not doing well the emotions and feelings associated with such issues are amplified 100 times.  Taking the drug seems to make my life manageable.  I have told my physician and pharmacist about the dependency and they insist this drug does not have but a mild withdrawal.  My boyfriend has attempted to help me come off of these but cannot stay with me 24/7 and I am embarrassed to tell my family about the problem.  Having dealt with my ex's drug issues and rehab in the past I feel ashamed I am in the this dark place myself.  Can anyone help or suggest something??