tramadol addiction

[otrs]

I have been taking tramadol now for about 8 years for cronic pain.  I have had to increase my dose over the years to about 400 to 600mg. a day in order to funciton.  I know this is a dangerous dose but every time I try to cut down or stop taking the medication I have extreme pain and my mood is very agitated and I just can't work or even run my household.  I need to know how long these symtoms will go on or if there is a better way of getting off this drug than going cold turkey.  Any answers out there?  I can't afford the inpatient treatment centers.

[vicki595]

m  r:  This is an old post...let's stick to your new thread. I'll post on there now and I answered your PM.

[m_r_]

I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for a tapering schedule off tramadol.  I thought I was taking 6 50mg pills four times a day, but I wasn't keeping track that close.  I have started to be really careful about monitoring how much I take and when I take it.  I am definitely now taking six pills four times a day (about 4 hours apart) and I still feel pretty crappy.  Does valium or clonidine help when tapering?  I have read about the Thomas Detox recipe and didn't know if it would help with the tapering too.  I have no idea how fast I should taper and how much .  Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks.

[avisg]

yes you are going to have to do a slow taper I would let your doctor know its not fun but I promise it does not last forever  get a good taper plan in place then we can give you ideas on how to take the edge off it wont make the symptoms all go away but it can make it bearable.The worst of it is when you get all of the way off the first 5 days tend to be the worst and sleep is one of the last things to go back to normal its rough but we will be here to help.

[dominosarah]

Tramadol needs to be tapered down slowly.  I would talk with your doctor about wanting to get off these as he will be able to monitor you while you are coming off trams.  We want you to be safe as there is a risk of seizures.  There are a couple ladies on the forum who have come off tramadol safely so hopefully they will be on at some point.  They will be able to give you better advice.......sara