tramadol withdrawal - Addiction: Substance Abuse

dwanechurch

Jul 16, 2012

Hey, .. I'm just as stupid. My wife's dad gave me a large bottle full of Tramadol and said they would help me sleep ... (I have issues going to sleep at night). ... Well, one night recently I couldn't sleep so I took two of them .. actually they put me in a weird state, not really asleep, but not awake .. but when I got up I felt rested. Strange feels. Anyway .. the feel was nice .. so, the next night I took like 6 throughout the night ... and continued to do so for like a little more than a week. I had no idea what would happen when I stopped taking this evil drug .. depression, anxiety that is maddening, skin crawling, no sleep, it's crazy bad. I haven't sleep now in like 2 days .. and finally just took tablets hoping I could at least sleep tonight ... no deal. No I probably have to start all over again ... this was a huge mistake. I think I'll get potassium tablet tomorrow, .. and walk 3 miles again like i did yesterday morning, ... I'm currently unemployed so at least I'm at home. I never told my wife that I did this, since it was so stupid ... she just thinks I'm having a little more sleeplessness than usual. I was hoping this anxiety and no sleep would end ... I can put up with the pain and stomach issues, .. but not being able to sleep and this feeling like I could run a marathon in 10 secs is driving me crazy. It's hard to sit still and type this posting. When will this be over ... ugh.

Laura3012

Aug 03, 2012

To: captainhaddock

CaptainHaddock,

I am 28 years old, and have been on Tramadol since I was about 18 years old. I was in an almost-fatal car accident when I was 17, where my pelvis was shattered, neck fractured, and several other injuries (my pelvis is what causes me pain.) I am not the "typical" druggie - as MANY Tramadol users will say - I am an attractive female, I worked in banking and finance for years, and am currently pursuing my degree at Penn State. I am also married and have two children under five years old. I can honestly say that Tramadol has been the handcuffs that have held me back in numerous areas of my life (I get teary-eyed just thinking about it.) I can take 16, 50mg tablets in a day, like it's nothing...and function completely normal. Sadly, I have known others that take only TWO Tramadol in a day and still experience the same awful withdrawal symptoms that someone taking twenty would experience. I stumbled upon Kratom about two months ago, and decided to give it a try; I will honestly tell you that it really is a God-send. I buy the capsules and will take anywhere from 2-5 at a time. If, for instance, I am running low on Tramadol, I will take one Tramadol and two or three Kratom caps to lengthen my supply. I am sure that you can be hooked on Kratom as well, but to be honest, if it helps, it is better than nothing at all.

Also, to the people that have posted about waking up the day after taking Kratom and feeling achy, tired, etc. - basically feeling withdrawal symptoms - I just want to tell you that you ARE experiencing withdrawals. The beauty of Kratom is that it masks (for the most part) your withdrawal symptoms while you're taking it, so when you wake up in the morning and feel so bad, it is because the Kratom has worn off. This is a GOOD thing! It basically means that Kratom allows your body to detox from opiates without causing you horrible withdrawals. It took me several days of taking Kratom to realize this, but when I did, I was so glad to have found it. The only issues I experience with it is that it really does NOT take away your pain (like my pain from my shattered pelvis) unless you consume a high dose. The problem with a very high dose is that it can make you feel dizzy, and if you're trying to function, that can be a problem. If you have an injury like mine, I recommend Celebrex, Mobic or any other arthritis pain reliever, along with Aleve. It won't take the pain away completely, but it does lessen it a bit.

Good luck everyone.

Opiate addiction is terrible...Obviously, I know this,

danny1367

Aug 03, 2012

Just a quick update, 4 days free of opiates after tapering down, pretty much free of the physical withdrawals and easier to quit than I thought. By tapering I managed to escape most of the cold sweats, the hot weather helps! Expect the runs, runny nose and feeling of choking sickness around eating or drinking what you usually like, if you smoke it won't be as pleasurable for a while. Don't worry these withdrawals don't last that long. Also expect a slight firery feeling mentally, as much as it may seem contrary to how you feel now exercise really helps. Watch positive things on TV or engage in acts you used to find enjoyable, as good as Tramadol trance may feel, normal feel a great deal better. I appreciate I will probably chime most with those of you who have hit rock bottom with this drug, let it be a warning to those beginning and a guide to those, who when ready, want to stop. Best of luck.

77cobra

Aug 08, 2012

To: all

a class action suite should be in place because the pill mill has convinced that it's not addictive my addiction started 12 years ago from the army so you can do your mission because it was non-narcotic now they sells these things on line and if you look at the different sights they have the same phone#'s.They have monoplized the whole system a few years ago you could get next day,now it takes a week because of shortages.Really i would to see these peaple in court and answer these questions and shut down thse on line pharmacys.Yes it's very tough to get off of and doctors will tell you that ultram is not addictive.Im getting off again Idont't think i will ever be what i used to be I feel drained,not focused,and this will be my i don't know how many times iv'e tried but that monkey is heavy,all my mind does is to see about getting more i have feelings for nothing.but the pharmacuitcle company will say that you abused the medication,even taken as subscibed will knok your *** down.well i really hope recovery for everyone.my name is tommy by the way,so god bless you will hear from me again

Basher777

Aug 28, 2012

To: everyone

I have read one post after another on here. It almost like I was taking pieces of everyones story, and it just reminded me of mine. I was addicted to hydro and oxy. Which ever I could get that day was what I was taking. And once the pain killers got their hooks in; it was down hill from here. My wife and I were taking at least 4-5 10's every couple of hours 24/7. When we woke up in the mornings. we both could barely move our arms much less walk. It got to the point we kept pills on each of our nightstands so all we had to do is reach over and grab 4,5, sometimes 6...10mg tabs. We would have to wait around 20 mins before they were good and kicked in so we could get up and function. On weekends was worse behinds when your chasing the addiction you dont really feel like doing anything but thinking about taking more pills. And when you try to stop.....uh no! Not that easy! But, it is very possible to stop. One thing I want to say before I give my plan for quitting. Keep in mind the wife and I did this for our entire marriage almost 10 years. We could no longer hold it together and now we are divorced. It was her fault and it was my fault that we let the drug take us down. And I do mean down the hard way! Trust me I could sit and type for hours, LITERALLY about all the messed up stuff these types of drugs did to us. And when someone says theyve got a handle on it. And they feel fine. Well, you are probably worse off than the person who knows the strangle hold it has on them. If I only couldve saw it like that at the beginning. Its impossible to see how it changes you until you are already have started your dive straight down. Even how it depresses you. And not to mention when you are really addicted. You sometimes start to attribrute the crazy sh*t that happens to you on something else entirely! I remember my first attempt to stop. I no lie cried everyday for 3 days. And it would be for any reason that would set me off. You're hot, then you're cold, then you're hot again, then you're cold again. Your restless legs syndrome will take you for a ride that will drive you to madness!. I remember running around my yard in 30-40 degree temps in just my boxers. This was an attempt to calm my legs down. I figure if I jogged around in the bitter cold would give some sort of relief next to wanting to cut my legs off to stop the extreme discomfort. It is brutal! Those who have had the unfortunate task of dealing with this knows what Im talking about. Well now Im going to give you info on how I beat this addiction. Ill put it in my next post. Im not sure if Im running out of room on this one!

Basher777

Aug 28, 2012

To: everyone

First thing you have to do to quit this addiction is want to quit. You have to ask yourself how much more would you like to lose. Because, rest assure these pills do not discriminate. They will take as much of yourself you are willing to give! You will not win this battle, if you cannot reach in deep inside and pull out the part of you that only you know you have. Its not going to be fun. It will suck more than anything has ever sucked before. But, I promise you this the feeling youll get when you are clean will pay you back 10 fold! You will exude a confidence and even a bit of a swagger once you beat this drug. Its very very powerful feeling when you can beat something such as opiate addiction. You will be very proud. I am not joking when I say this. It really is exhilerating. Now to the nuts and bolts of getting off the pills. First start cutting back (taper) off a little bit the first week. By doing this especially if you are a heavy user. You may noticed withdrawals then very next day. Simply because your dose is smaller and your body knows it. It needs to adjust to this decrease, I promise you it will get use to smaller doses. Then see your doctor about some Xanax or anything in that class of anti anxiety medication. This was help you to calm down and not get to giddy and run to the pain killer bottle everytime you cant deal with the withdrawal symptoms. I understand alot of people dont want to share this with there doctor. Thats why you just ask for the Xanax and no one know the wiser. Its always best to share and be truthful to your doctor at the same time. So he or she can diagnose you with the right medication. You may need something other than xanax for your anxiety or panic attacks. That it your call. I AM NOT A DOCTOR! Im just a person who's has experienced this addiction first hand! Then get something for the runs, because you wil spend alot of time in the bathroom especially for a week or two. This is important so you donmt pass out from dehydration or worse! You will eventually feel like I have nothing left to poop out! So get a grip on this. It may seem silly but, trust me youll see! Do not by any means get into it with your spouse and or children. You will be cranky as hell. And not very socialble person until the cloud has pass over you! This is all normal to feel this way. Besides you have pissed off your body something aweful and it will let you know its displeasure you put it through during this addiction. Take some Aleve or Ibuprofen for the hardcore muscle and joint pain. Get a heating pad, maybe two. Place them where it hurts the most. Your appetite will suffer as well. So eat and drink whatever you can get in your body. Take vitamins; you will need this desperately! Wear loose clothing or very little. You will burn up one min, and freeze the next. If you have gone a week for of opiates you may be feeling the real sucky withdrawals by now. But, thats what you are looking for! This means your body isnt getting it drug it wants and it telling you directly. Now its time to fall back to the otherside. A side you probably dont remember. The sober side. Continue to control these withdrawals the best your can. DO NOT take any opiates whatsoever. If you fall of the wagon you will have to start all over again. At some point your going to noticed its gotten easier, but you still feel kind of crappy. Or just not your former self. Dont worry its coming. You are getting closer and its going to get easier to cope with. Lastly, stay away from negative people. The people that are still on the dope and dont want to shake it. Get them out of your life immediately. You may lose a so called friend or two. WHO CARES its your life and your body. If you think for a second they wouldnt trade you in for some pills or stab you in the back if they benefitted from it. YOU ARE WRONG! I have 3 people in my life I miss alot in some way. But, I know if I pick up the phone and associate with them. Ill be back to my old ways in no time. You must cut ties to anything and anyone remotely connected to negativity. GOOD LUCK! Any questions or comments. Just ask. Dont hold back just ask!

freebird33

Sep 01, 2012

To: E_Streete

I have been on tramadol for roughly a year and a half, and i was taking 8-10 50mg a day. I would take 6 of em first thing when i woke up, loved the hit of euphoria and good feeling that would kick in bout an hr later. I wud pop 1, 2, 3, sometimes 4 more by the time I went to bed, and sometimes a cuple b4 sleep to obviously sleep better. I was in a car accident about 2 years ago and almost went through the windshield after we hit a tree head-on!!!! 6 mo's later my M.D prescribed T-devils for the pain, telling me, "these are non-habit forming and not a narcotic, sooooo there safe, and they will help w/the pain". as others have said, WOW, in my opinion these should b taken off the market yesterday, I never new how addicted I was, until i wud run out and have to wait to get my 120 script to last 15 days, I would usually run out early and have to wait, and that would drive me fuckn insane mad sad no energy, crawlin legs and arms (like turrets or something crazy) , high anxiety , crying, basically the worst feeling in my life! I needed those pills to function normally, (so I thot)! I have just hit the 72 hr mark and this morning is the best ive felt since cutting back and stopping all together. It was 72 hrs off hell. I honestly didn't think the sleepless nights and the hollowing in my veins under my skin was unbearable, seriously almost drove me mad. I was on heroin for 3 mo's, and this withdrawl (withdrawal) was way worse if u ask me!!! I cannot blieve they just hand this stuff out w/o any precaution. My typin is not the best, im trying to get used to functioning back to normal.. It takes 72 hrs for the tramadol to rid out of your system, and thats exactly when I started to feel normal again, Ive cryed like a baby because i can feel my old self returning, and all the emotions that this crazy drug has numbed. ITS OVERWELMING!!! I finally took a nap and got a few hrs of sleep and i am now feeling normal physically, actually the tramadol was giving me the pain that I thot was still from the accident. I feel amazing @ hr 80. I'm Free of this drug, and it is compltely out of my system, I MADE IT THRU!!!!! I feel New and clean. My memory is clearer, although I'm having thoughts of when I was younger b4 i put any toxins in my system. After 72 hrs the drug is out of your system, the rest is all in your head. Sometimes in life your put in situations to test you to your max, and sometimes there are those situations that are bigger than we can handle on our own. I was seriously scared when I found this site and post after post everyone was feeling the same thing, on how bad this really was. I had no idea, I am one of the many underinformed patients that were innocent, but we did get ourselves to this point soo. Let me just say that u cannot be depressed and know God @ the same time, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE!!! This was just too much for me to get thru on my own and for those with no hope, I asked God (The Holy Trinity) for help, help to rid this from my body and make me whole again!!! Just when i thot I culdnt take anymoe of this it was gone!!!! IT was as if the wind blew and im completely back to normal, and actually I feel Amazing for the first time since I took that crazy little white thing that's ruining lives one by one. My journey with this drug is over and now I can finally start living without the chains of the addiction that has ripped my life away!!! My beautiful fiance was by my side thru all of this, (God bless her soul). We have a baby boy coming in 6 wks and He will be my new addiction now! If you really want help, just ask and believe and you mite just find a new addiction that you will never have to quit!!! Im FREE of that ******** Drug. Good luck on your journey and there is light at the end of the tunnel. If GOD is for you, who then can be against you!!! All of you helped me not feel so all alone through all of this. thank you. Peace, love, empathy!!! Im off to my new life, finally free from the chains of a man-made drug, a drug that is ruining alot of lives. c-ya

freebird33

Sep 02, 2012

To: bsakal

I was thinkn the same thing. SERIOUSLY!!! Im gonna look into who to talk to about making some awareness of the potent addiction and w/d of this drug. To me its worse than heroin!!!! SERIOUSLY!!!

savana9

Sep 06, 2012

everyone, I need help. I have been taking tramadol 50mg for the past 10 months, at my peek, i was up to about 10 a day. I had to take them as soon as I opened my eyes in the morning, to even make it through the day. well, I'm out, and don't get my next script for another 3 weeks. The withdraws are horrible, and i've heard of this kratom powder stuff that's supposed to help... where do I buy it at?

monkeyback23

Oct 11, 2012

To: Monkey Back

I have done this dance w/ pain pills for several years. I had a problem with street opiates 20 years ago, and went to NA and AA for twenty years. Was prescribed opiates a few different times for different things. Sometimes, I would take them and sometimes not. In the last couple of years, I really embraced Hydrocodone and Tramadol. I have experienced very similar withdrawl (withdrawal) symptoms with both. Like many people on this thread, I was under the erroneous assumption that the Tramadol would ease any of the Hydrocodone withdrawl (withdrawal). Come to find out, the Tramadol has made me as sick as any other opiate. I am shocked by the high doses that many people are reporting to have taken. I have only taken between 50 mg daily up to 300 mg daily and still suffer pretty awful withdrawl (withdrawal). It starts with sneezing and cold like symptoms. Then the nausea and diarrhea. Depression as well. I have found that I CAN weather the withdrawl (withdrawal) symptoms but it takes about a week of being far less productive and often times feeling sad and upset. I CAN do it, but it is hard. About a year ago I was so sick with diarrhea and nausea and runny nose for a couple of months, after having taken Hydrocodone for a few months or so. Basically, the bottom line is that while these substances do make us feel better for the time frame we are taking them, it is a trap. In the past, I have treated pain with yoga and healthy eating habits. LOTS of water. The substances I have used for pain have not really helped that pain so much as cheered me up, in general. Total trap. No one is likely to read these posts unless they are already in this boat, so the warnings here may not be terribly helpful. What I can say is that I have been termporarily crippled by the withdrawls...for very short periods of time but it is TEMPORARY. It is much better to get trhough the withdrawls, which seem to last anywhere from a week to a couple of months depending on what/how much you were taking. Again, I have not taken terribly high doses and still managed to get myself strung out. That is what is so surpising and I don't see much difference between Hydrocodone and Tramadol when it comes to withdrawls. Be brave my friends and let's all remember to be gentle with ourselves. We can get to the other side and try to remember it wasn't worth the relief or fun part. I have a very demanding life and can't afford to take the time to be sick because I've fallen into the Tramadol/Hydrocodone trap. The opiates or fake opiates always get you. But you don't even have to begin again. Hang in there, everyone! There is another side to it. I'm just grateful to read all these posts and know that I'm not alone!

fried111

Oct 31, 2012

To: anyone

My son is 23 years old..bi-polar. Has a history of drug addiction. He is taking Lithium and anti anxiety meds (xanax). He is suffering from wisdom tooth aches and pains and has a appointment for Dec.15,2012 for removal.In the interim they have prescribed Tramadol for the pain.From what I have read online this is wrong.Please share your thoughts.
Thanks!

bw23

Nov 06, 2012

To: pharma9

hey!!!!
just wondering I am coming off tramadol after close to 3 years on it I was on 300mg a day for l5 s1 disc/nerve pain after going cold turkey ive been having a difficult time getting or maintaing and erection any advice would be amazing thank you so much

Kelseyannmarie

Nov 12, 2012

To: victoria1667

I was on 200 mg of methadone for 3yrs at one point, and everyone thinks tramadol withdrawals are bad, which they are, I'm experiencing them now, but methadone is the devil dear,I thought I was going to die from those withdrawals, I was in detox for 4 weeks inpatient, seizures and all.. I lost my daughter due to my actions from the done use. I now have her back thank god. Just letting you know if you didnt already, BE CAREFUL and stop while your ahead if you can. It stole my life. But to answer your question, methadone can make you sick if mixed with and kind of opiate or opioid like tramadol. Vicodin, lortab, oxy, etc. good luck and be careful.

Kelseyannmarie

Nov 12, 2012

To: jeremybear

I know you don't want to hear this but if you are miserable then the only thing that's going to help is a detox facility then a rehab, that's what I had to do except I was taking 200-300 mg of methadone or OxyContin a day. I have never felt better and no longer feel like I would rather die. Something to consider?

Kelseyannmarie

Nov 12, 2012

To: sway1

I think it's just your tolerance is already so high from the stronger opiates, at least this is what was true for me. That is until I got clean and hadn't taken any opiates for 8 months then one day took some tramadol and got high, I was very surprised but now I'm paying for like the rest of these folks.

Kelseyannmarie

Nov 12, 2012

To: Binky1968

Im not sure if this helps but I'm going through the same thing and have always had depression issues anyway so they just got worse, but i take Zoloft for depression and it has helped with a number of the withdrawal side effects, including fatigue. Some people it may make sleepy but it's rare. It kind of makes me speedy, but not addictive. They even had me on it during both of my pregnancies. If your having trouble sleeping, try. Chlorphenermine, it's an over the counter allergy pill(anti-histamine) do not try Benadryl, it will cause restlessness to the point you will want to scream and cry. Don't know if this helps. But there ya go

eighttthree

Nov 28, 2012

I've just found this website when googling tramodol withdrawal symptoms and it's really opened my eyes. Thanks for all your information.
My stepdad is currently battling cancer, one part of which is pressing on his sciatic nerve and causing him a lot of pain. After managing it with paracetamol he has had to move on to prescription medicine, which has been Tramadol for the last three weeks. The pills alleviated the pain and made him feel quite jolly and a lot better about everything. However they've been causing him to have night sweats, to the extreme that he wakes in the night having soaked the bed and ended up dehydrated. His dr decided to suddenly switch him to codeine, which he started last night. My mum rang me this evening worried, as he has spent all day curled on the bathroom floor, in the dark, telling her to keep away as he feels like killing someone (he is a very passive, non-aggressive person in normal life) The dr claims this is not a normal side effect and instructed my mum to go to the chemists to get more Tramadol. When she said this to my stepdad (and i was on the phone when she relayed the information to him) he refused and again told her to 'get the **** away' (again, not his temperament at all)
It seems insane to me that there are so many of you suffering the same symptoms and yet this drug is still being dolled out so casually.
Does anyone have any advice that I can relay to my parents? I feel pretty powerless and this is pretty much my only way of helping. Has anyone taken this drug for a similar amount of time and knows how long it takes to feel 'normal' again?
The whole thing has freaked me out and godknows how my poor stepdad feels.

cari2

Nov 30, 2012

To: day one

i have been on tramadol for 4 years, i have been taking 20 pills a day for the past year or two. Gradually worked myslef up to 20, it was 8 then 12 then 16 then 20. I have not had one day in 3 years where i had not had my tramadol. i knew i was addicted but i didnt want to go through withdrawls and i was living my life feeling good everyday so why stop. thiis isnt by choice,i thought i placed an order tuesday online but it didtn go thru. so i have no tramadol untill monday or tuedsay when it comes in mail. and my script from my doctor isnt able to refill tell wednesday. i am on day two , this is bad, never been so depressed and anxious,diahreah, sweating alot but freezing cold. havent slept since wednesday, cant stop crying. cant explain the emptiness i feel. Now reading on here i may have a seizure. what can i do to ease the symptoms and prevent a seizure. no one knows about this, i am balling and my husband thinks i am pms'ing. if you saw me you would never think i would be a drug addict, i have a little boy who ismy life and i am trying to be a goood mom today but this is so hard. i have just been pacing the house all day sweating and freezing . i even tried getting tramadol for mydog today (he has had it inthe past) i have run out of stories to tell my doctor on why i need the tramadol early. i stole a few vicodin frommy mom but those didnt help. i am desperate but wont goto the ER. my granpa is in hospice care and lives two hours away, i was going to drive there in the morning to get someof his pain meds. this is insane , its not me. i dont know what todo. alcohol only depresses me more. most sleepingpills dont work. advice please??

powerup792

Dec 11, 2012

To: cari2

adderall (adderrall) will help with depression but is also a problem if often takin im tryin
a six day steriod pack for my restless legs hope this works my withdrawls are from very small bits n pices of suboxone so i thought four tramadal a day would help it made the withdrawl (withdrawal) last longer 3 hrs a sleep anight n restless legs no depression this tme with adderall (adderrall) but addicting if takin to long God bless

justalittlebitmore

Dec 17, 2012

To: everyone

Hi every one I've been fighting addiction to pills a long time doing good now the hardest thing for me was that i felt really bad and that i could feel better by just a phone call away u really got to say to your self im going to quit. My brother just recently got on herion and i knew if i couldn't make a change in my self that i wouldn't be able to help him. Trying to getout from under something as powerful as pills is a hard thing to do. But keep trying things will get better as time goes on. I hope my story helps someone cuz being under a addiction is no way to live enjoy life and keep up the good work

Teresa1717

Dec 17, 2012

To: justalittlebitmore

HI Justalittlebitmore, Just wanted you to know that this is a really old post but if you want to post on your own thread we would all be happy to hear your story, give support/advice. From what I can tell, it looks like your clean and sober now?? Is that true? If so great job! So sorry about your Brother, and I hope he will realize one day how important his life is and take control of it again.

Best of luck to you!

belle363

Dec 25, 2012

Am I addicted to tramadol?I only had for just under a couple of months 2 in the morning I don't have them for a high but to get me through the day reasonably relaxed.antidepressants never worked and when I took these I seemed to have an immediate effect.now when I wake in morning until I take the tramadol I feel like death so groggy and stumbling all over about an hour after taking tramadol im a llt better now im really worried I will have to take them every morning and what will I be like if I can't.

kmchristian

Jan 01, 2013

I need help... please. I have been addicted to tramadol for almost 4 years now. I have been taking 15-20 pills a day for the last year or two and I have finally decided enough is enough and I am done with this crap.

I tried to give up cold turkey for the first time yesterday, but after 19 hours I could not go any longer and gave in. Given my HUGE dependance on it I have a feeling I am going to have to taper off of it.

The worst part of dealing with all of this is the depression/anxiety. I feel like the most WORTHLESS person in the world right now. My parents, dog, and family mean the world to me and I feel like I have let them down in the most ridiculous way possible. At my lowest of lows I feel like they are the people who I really need around me. However, I can not tell them, it would crush them. They have been the most loving and supportive people I can imagine and telling them this would absolutely hurt them and worry them beyond anything imaginable and I can not do that to them. I need help, please, somebody!

woody06

Jan 17, 2013

To: kmchristian

I have been an addict to pills for the last three years straight. I have taken Methadone,Hydrocodone,Percocet,Vicodin,Morphine and good ol' Tramadol, you know the one the professionals say you can not become addicted to. I am not going to go into my addiction, I am only going to tell you how i got off of them on my own without the help from any dr. or pharmacist, just myself,God and Jesus Christ. If any of you are taking anything stronger than Tramadol I urge you NOT to stop cold turkey. i tried pyramiding methadone down to 2.5 mg a day and then quiting and it was hell times 5. if it is at all possible get yourself some 50mg tramadols and pyramid those. there is no way to come off of these devil pills side effect free.The last day i took trams i swallowed 325 mg in 2hrs just to finish off the bottle. if you can dump them down the toilet then do so, but DO NOT KEEP ANY AVAILABLE TO YOU.....NONE!!!!! after you do so you need to be ready to sweat off and on, get the chills off and on, ache all the time and never find comfort, you will cry like you have lost something very dear to you, it is very emotional. you will have stomach aches and diarhea (diarrhea). you will have vertigo and diziness(this is what lasted the longest for me,6 days) most everything else was gone by the 4th and 5th days. i feel so good again!!!! this is not easy, but you will get through it. when you decide to go for it then do exactly that......DO IT !!! you will succeed.
For anyone interested in my past addiction here is a little insight. i have compressed discs in my lower back so they put me on hydros and man was that great!!! it helped the pain and took away my anxiety and gave me energy to do things. i was on top of the world. then a friend introed me to methadone and they were good but didnt give me the same up that the hydros did. Next i got my hands on Perks and wow those rocked but were out of my system quick and too hard to find so i went back to hydro 10's.... i was taking up to 25 a day just trying to get that same feeling back that i used to feel from 1. I knew i was out of control and it was time to stop. i got my hands on a prescript of trams cause they stop the withdrawals from other pills and you dont become dependant.....atleast thats what the professional know nothings say. I am guessing i had takin 5,0000 trams in a 1 year period and then they just stopped being available. other norcos were available but there was no way in heck i was going back up to something stronger and allowing it to get a tighter grip on me again. so that is when i swallowed my last 6 and a half trams.I am on my 5th day and i am not 100% but i do feel normal again. If i did it you can do it! just dont give up and dont give yourself a way out if it gets too tough. stay busy with movies, excercise bikes, tread mills, hot baths, sleep aids and alot of fluids !! you will make it and God be with you!!

woody06

Jan 17, 2013

To: kmchristian

I have been an addict to pills for the last three years straight. I have taken Methadone,Hydrocodone,Percocet,Vicodin,Morphine and good ol' Tramadol, you know the one the professionals say you can not become addicted to. I am not going to go into my addiction, I am only going to tell you how i got off of them on my own without the help from any dr. or pharmacist, just myself,God and Jesus Christ. If any of you are taking anything stronger than Tramadol I urge you NOT to stop cold turkey. i tried pyramiding methadone down to 2.5 mg a day and then quiting and it was hell times 5. if it is at all possible get yourself some 50mg tramadols and pyramid those. there is no way to come off of these devil pills side effect free.The last day i took trams i swallowed 325 mg in 2hrs just to finish off the bottle. if you can dump them down the toilet then do so, but DO NOT KEEP ANY AVAILABLE TO YOU.....NONE!!!!! after you do so you need to be ready to sweat off and on, get the chills off and on, ache all the time and never find comfort, you will cry like you have lost something very dear to you, it is very emotional. you will have stomach aches and diarhea (diarrhea). you will have vertigo and diziness(this is what lasted the longest for me,6 days) most everything else was gone by the 4th and 5th days. i feel so good again!!!! this is not easy, but you will get through it. when you decide to go for it then do exactly that......DO IT !!! you will succeed.
For anyone interested in my past addiction here is a little insight. i have compressed discs in my lower back so they put me on hydros and man was that great!!! it helped the pain and took away my anxiety and gave me energy to do things. i was on top of the world. then a friend introed me to methadone and they were good but didnt give me the same up that the hydros did. Next i got my hands on Perks and wow those rocked but were out of my system quick and too hard to find so i went back to hydro 10's.... i was taking up to 25 a day just trying to get that same feeling back that i used to feel from 1. I knew i was out of control and it was time to stop. i got my hands on a prescript of trams cause they stop the withdrawals from other pills and you dont become dependant.....atleast thats what the professional know nothings say. I am guessing i had takin 5,0000 trams in a 1 year period and then they just stopped being available. other norcos were available but there was no way in heck i was going back up to something stronger and allowing it to get a tighter grip on me again. so that is when i swallowed my last 6 and a half trams.I am on my 5th day and i am not 100% but i do feel normal again. If i did it you can do it! just dont give up and dont give yourself a way out if it gets too tough. stay busy with movies, excercise bikes, tread mills, hot baths, sleep aids and alot of fluids !! you will make it and God be with you!!

adexec181

Feb 03, 2013

To: shelby74

Hey, totally agree with the timing...I think it's largely due to the amount and time you were taking. Just for some encouragement to others, I have been on a really high dose for a long time (1000-1500mgs/day for 5 years), and in day 9 of my c/t WD. Am following the Thomas Recipe except for the Valium, and have had the first glimpses today of real true clarity of thought...and have even seen glimpses of my old ambition and drive. But just for small moments....the fatigue and malaise comes back. Actually got out to shovel snow today for the first time, and made spaghetti...a real milestone to the otherwise days of lying on the couch watching Bravo TV reruns! Gotta take each baby step forward as a huge milestone in the right direction. I will not let this take any more if my life....I want me back!

FourJays

Feb 03, 2013

To: adexec181

hello - I read your post and want to offer you some support. I too was on very high doses of Tramadol (up to 40 pills a day). I started off over 14 years ago taking 2 or 4 per day for back pain and it just spiraled out of control. My story is long w/lots of twists, but for now just want to say that I can totally relate to where you are. I also did a cold turkey w/d on Dec. 1st. I promise you - it will get a little better every day. I am at about 2 months clean now and still have the energy/emotional issues that come and go. I'm sure you have heard/read about PAWS, which we will have to deal with for some months ahead. It is still WAY better than living a lie, in a fog, a slave to these pills. Good luck, stick with it - it will be the best thing you ever do for yourself and anyone that loves/cares for you.

And - love that Bravo too; don't know what I'd do without that and HGTV!!!

adexec181

Feb 03, 2013

To: FourJays

Thanks FourJays! Couldn't have gotten through the long sleepless nights without the support and encouragement of people like you and this forum. Kept reading through it in the middle of the night through the worst parts. Still have to face the tedium of long time ahead with the lack of energy and malaise but with help from folks like you, I know what to expect and am armed!!!!! I will see this through....baby steps, and you're right....HGTV! Unfortunately, I will also have a lot of rebuilding of relationships after this too...I have not been myself for at least the past year or two and my friends and family noticed...so I, in my fog, shut most f them out. That is going to be one of the hardest things to do, but better there than in the horrible fog of tramadol addiction. I really appreciate your encouragement. Lets both keep this up!!!

FourJays

Feb 03, 2013

To: adexec181

Ah yes, the long lost friendships. That is another one of those things that seems to be SO common here. I had the greatest life, full of friends in my neighborhood, my daughters' friends moms and college friends. I have started on the rebuilding process, but it is rough. I know that some of them, while not necessarily knowing exactly why I drifted away, have kinda lost faith in me. I guess I turned down one too many invites and just allowed myself to lose touch (because I'd much rather sit around at home stoned out on Tramadol). But I am working on it and I know it is an important part of the recovery process. Friends and family are SO important in our life and I intend on repairing (or at least attempting to repair) every relationship that I blew. A good friend recently gave me this quote that I think is so appropriate here . . . "at any given moment you have the power to say this is NOT how the story is going to end" (author unknown). My story WILL end how I want it to, full of life and friends and family all around me. Hang in there girl, we will get through this!
Julie

Jati26

Feb 10, 2013

To: Michellebelle

I am in the same boat. I have been taking 13-20 50mg a day. Recently I ran out due to a non shipment from the company I order from. So I was forced into this withdrawal. I have 4 pills left and I have been stretching them as far as I can. As soon as my shipment comes in, i am going to try my best to get off of this slowly. cold turkey is too hard. I don't know if I will have seizures or not. But I have the cold sweats, shakes, muscle and joint aches, migraines, and stomach issues. That is just the physical side. I'm very emotional, depressed, and all I want to do is sleep. I'm taking hydro codeine right now to help but it's not doing much.
I have been on tramadol for almost 10 years. It started when I injured my knee at work. The doctor prescribed me the tramadol and I was taking one 50 mg pill a day for a long time. Over the years I have become tolerant to the stuff so therefore I need to take more so I don't start feeling the withdrawals. I do not need this pain medication for pain anymore. I need it to function from day to day. I am so tired of worrying about ordering more and running out. Also the financial burden in has caused. I am at the end of my ropes with this stuff and I just don't have the will powler to stop. I want to more than anything in this world. I am married and have two little boys that keep me busy. When I am in withdraws, I am useless. I feel I need this medication to just do the every day tasks. Not to mention I am a housekeeper for a company and I work 5 days a week. Tramadol gives me the energy I need to get through my physically demanding job and life.
I hate this stuff. I would highly suggest NEVER take this medication. There's so many other things out there.
If anyone has any advice, I would appreciate it very much.

killerzoey

Feb 10, 2013

To: Jati26

Hi and welcome. The thread you posted on is very old. You might want to start a new thread with what you posted above, I feel for you in your situation. I started rationing doses while stuck between shipments and that is what gave me the impetus to start tapering and eventually quitting. It's horrible, being on the Tramadol train and being terrified that a shipment won't arrive in time. I did not take as much as you, I was at 10-12 per day for about a year. But I managed to quit and so can you. I did a fast taper (8 for a week, then 5, then 3, then jump, I think...can't exactly recall. But I feathered in some hydrocodone once I was at 5, and took them for 16 days after stopping the Tramadol, so that I could go through some of the Tramadol withdrawals with a buffer. Some people do this with Kratom, or both, as the original poster did. I can't say what you should do, it's a slippery slope when you introduce another addictive substance to quit the original one. That's why the Thomas Recipe for detox no longer recommends Valium for sleep.

There is a wealth of information out there on what has helped others, from the Thomas Recipe (listed on this site somewhere) to individual experiences. My experience up to a point is on a thread called "Trying to Quit Tramadol". You can see what I set out intending to do and how it morphed into something else, but I eventually got free. I'm 31 days off Tramadol, 15 days off the hydrocodone that I used to quit the Tramadol. I still have sleepless nights here and there but with the help of over-the-counter sleep aids, I get through ok. It's so much better on this side of things.

One other thing: I have found definite relief with a supplement called Rhodiola. It helps my energy level and resiliency under stress. I think it's worth a try for anyone in WDs, as it is an ancient herb, non-addicting, and it seems well tolerated by the masses. Astronauts and athletes use it, and if there's any group of people who are lost in space and enduring a triathlon, it is we who are in withdrawals!

Beesus

Feb 21, 2013

I'm experiencing withdrawal symptoms and you may not even believe how long and how much of this drug I have been taking. Ready for it? One 37.5mg pill per day for the past two or three weeks. That's it.

I stopped taking it and thought I had a cold or something. Tired, sweating, anxious, not sleeping, and feeling like crap.

Wow, and 'they' say there are no withdrawal symptoms..???

FourJays

Feb 21, 2013

To: Beesus

Ya, that's what they say . . . . but they are wrong, very wrong. Good thing you were not on them long and/or at high amounts. And best thing - you are OFF them (right?). The withdrawal symptoms should only last a few days and you should be fine (if this is all you were on for such a short time). See the 'Thomas Recipe' (links on this site) for ideas of remedies that can help ease some of the symptoms for you, stay hydrated and be sure to eat healthy. You are one of the lucky ones to 'catch on' to this drug so quickly and to escape! Hang in there . . . . you will feel better soon.

lokisnooper

Feb 27, 2013

To: FourJays

I was encouraged to read these recent posts. I thought I was the only person in the world who would gulp down 15 trams at atime 3x a day. I've been doing it in secret for 1.5 years and I simply cannot stand it anymore. I heard kratom can hep with withdrawl (withdrawal). I have enough tramadol for a few days and then thats it, but I ordered kratom. Thank you to all of you who have helped to encourage me and helped me not to feel so ashamed.

adexec181

Feb 28, 2013

To: lokisnooper

Don't be ashamed...many of us got there with the best of intentions...a lot of us after accidents and injuries and it just escalated. Myself, I was taking about 30-40 a day at the height, and I quit cold turkey Jan 25, with no Kratom, benzoz or anything but herbal supplements, vitamin water and eating right. Can't say it's any picnic, but it is so worth getting out of the fog and at day 33, the fog is lifting and I now an just struggling a bit with my energy level. Nice not to hide the slamming down of wads of pills...worrying that people know you are not yourself when they talk to you and you have this blank expression because you're really not listening and won't remember what they said 10 minutes later anyways. Believe me, it's great to have your mind back (although will still take more time for my brain's short-term memory to completely heal and get back to where it was), that whatever those first days of WD are like, it's sooo worth it in the end. Look up the Thomas Recipe and prep yourself. Also lots of previous things on here about Kratom, but eventually you'll need to just jump off and get rid if everything. For me, I did not want to delay the inevitable, so just did it.

roadrash364

Mar 19, 2013

To: tramadol

I am ticked off. I was never told this was a controlled substance. 2 weeks ago I went to renew my med and I was informed that I now needed a triple script. I have severe pain and take cymbalta and oxycodone. So i decided I would stop taking my 300 mg a day for the first time in six months. OMG!!! it is 8 days and I feel like I have been hit by a truck. every day since i stopped taking it I have experienced insomnia and sweating. Now I am suffering from aches,pains,headaches,sweats,chills,agression,depression and flu like symptoms. IF YOU CAN stay away from this crap. NOthing like I have ever experiened in my life and I am 43. YEs, it did work but the long term cost IS NOT worth it. I hve upped my fluids, vitamins, tryosine and vitam b's good luck to us all.

FourJays

Mar 19, 2013

To: roadrash364

Yes, as you can see, many of us have fallen into the Tram trap. I am so glad you figured it out and have been able to get away from it. I battled with this monster for 15 years - it stole MANY things from me. But I found my way out and it looks like you have as well. It sounds like you have all the right remedies to help get through the ugly withdrawals, and at 8 days you should start feeling better very soon. Keep posting if you have any questions or comments - we all learn from each other's experiences; that is why this place is so great. If you do want to post more on this it would be best to start a new thread - this one is pretty old and wont get viewed as much. Just got to the orange box and click on "Post a question" . . . this will start a new thread and you will get more responses from more people. In any case . . . congrats on getting of the trams . . . .probably the best decision you ever made!!! Good luck :)

roadrash364

Mar 19, 2013

To: Fourjays

Thank you so much for your reply. I was so mad reading all these posts I couldn't help but respond. We have all been lied too. It was labeled a non narcotic, but highly addictive and many of us never knew. I feel like absolute garbage. I have so any back issues and I am awaiting surgery. I would rather suffer in pain then go through this withdrawl (withdrawal) again. Never again. This is a great community. We can all make it through. Best of Luck to you too.

romeoplank

Mar 25, 2013

To: Sierra7760

Hi there,

My most recent blood test revealed that I had a liver enzyme AST level of 115. (Normal is 10-40 as I'm sure you know). I'm in perfect physical shape (or at least I was), but I've been taking 2 trams a day for OCD treatment for years. Quite often I'll have a couple glasses of wine while on it. I've never experienced any pain from it, so I was shocked when I was told that it might be destroying my liver. I saw your post about the docs suggesting your increased liver enzymes were due to the tram. Did they determine that that was the root of the issue?

Thanks in advance.

Eddie

owlshead317

Mar 27, 2013

To: IBKleen

Hello,
Tramadol metabolizes in the body as morphine as does heroin. In the sad days after my young son died, I leaned on sniffing heroin to ease the pain, which it does well. It was expensive so it was time to stop. Tramadol to the rescue. For my bodys' chemistry 6 to 8 (50mg) tablets a day kept the horrors away and I could sleep a little. During the time I was using Tramadol, someone offered me a line of unadulterated light brown smack.Tried it but couldn't feel it while the others were being ill.
Point is, Tramadol can help getting off H. but it has it's own claws to bury in your back. Beware of using Tramadol for any extended time. Best Wishes,BL

KIPPER061165

Apr 10, 2013

To: Tramadol

If there is an evil in the world it indeed lurks under the cap of 50mg Tramadol tablets for pain. I injured my lower back a few weeks ago and was prescribed Tramadol for the pain fronted as a non narcotic way to treat the issue. At any rate I consumed 300 mg per day for 12 days and quit cold turkey because I was feeling better or so I thought. All I can say is that the sudden withdrawal from this medicine was pure hell. Here are a few of its lovely symptoms beginning on a Friday and lasting until the following Wednesday: High heart rate for 5 days, night sweats followed by chills, extreme sadness, extreme depression, high anxiety, no appetite and no sleep whatsoever. I checked myself into the Hospital emergency ward because I though my heart would explode. After being released I went and seen my doctor who was of course book up solid. So I drove myself out there and sat near his office waiting for a cancellation it was that bad!
I had been off an SSRI Paxil for 6 months and promptly got started on them again. I was also put on Ativan for a couple weeks for the anxiety to pass.
Tramadol is a particularly wicked pain killer to come off despite the common belief that it is a low level Opiate with no withdrawal symptoms. This drug is an atypical pain killer that targets some wicked brain chemicals that you don't want to screw up. Trust me, see a Doctor immediately and be monitored in your withdrawal. There is no other safe way. I will never take this prescribed medicine again period! God bless you in your journey, for out of the darkness and desolation of withdrawal you will see and be embraced by the light and love all around you very soon.

FourJays

Apr 10, 2013

To: KIPPER061165

There is nothing more I can say here except that I wish I could have read this 15 years ago. Thank you for sharing your experience and congratulations on getting free of this med (which I personally consider to be a proverbial "wolf in sheep's clothing"). Hope you feel better very soon.
Julie

Goldengrl57

Apr 10, 2013

Tramadol is an evil drug with a horrible withdrawal.

One part of my withdrawal was to add Effexor to the mix. Tramadol and Effexor are very close, only no narcotic with Effexor. But the worst part of the withdrawal is because it's an SNRI anti-depressant, not that strong of narcotic.

I started on 75 mg, then kept going down little by little. Jumped off the Effexor at somewhere between 12 and 20 mg. It will really help the evil pill's withdrawal!

weakinpain551

Apr 11, 2013

To: anyone

I am trying to get off of tramadol for the 3rd time. It was prescribed to me 5 years ago for fibromyalgia. Both my Neurologist & GP insist that withdrawel is "nothing"! I really fear that I am losing my mind!!! The pain, spasms, insomnia and the rest of the horrible side effects of withdrawel feels like death without an end!!!!

KIPPER061165

Apr 13, 2013

Thank You FourJays for your kind response. May your soul be wrapped with the Love of the Divine and be filled with wonder and joy in your every endeavor.

ross122

Apr 25, 2013

To: Laura3012

Just came across your post while doing research on tramadol withdrawal. I have experience with kratom and tramadol withdrawal in the past, but unfortunately I would use these two things at the same time. I am wondering on how you are doing with just using kratom, because to be quite honest, I havent used kratom in 5 days today and it feels worse than the tramadol withdrawal. BTW, I have not used tramadol in a few weeks and was not on a high dose (300 mg) prn, daily. The withdrawal was there, but not like this. Just wondering if you are still using this god forsaken plant? and if not, how long until my body doesn't feel like this.
Thanks
Ross

melas57

May 07, 2013

To: cari2

You sound like such a beautiful person. I have read a lot of these stories because I have been on tramadol for some years too. But your story really touhed my heart. I have wanted to quit for so long but just cannot make it through the burnng stinging feelings under my skin, the restless arm and leg syndrome. Feeling so tired and exhausted, unable to sleep, severe depression, stomach discomfort, loss of appitite and the works. I really feel what you feel. and like you, no one in my family knows the hell I go through. In my state I can no longer order them online and the doctors will only give 1 perscription of 60 per month. My prescription only last about 2 1/2 weeks and as soon as I get down to 8 or 10 pills, I get panicy and scared. Cant stop thinking about when I am going to run out. Like you I try to chase them down. the longest I have been able to go without them is 8 days, but unlike some of the testimonies on here, I am still suffering from all the withdrawel symptons. I read several stories where people claim to go through the worst from 3 to 5 days. Just reading a lot of these stories scares me because I am wondering why I dont feel some relief after 8 days.