what is the best way to taper off tramadol

[manderin]

I am convinced that tramadol is the devil! Lol as funny as that sounds it is somewhat true. I started taking tramadol about 7 months ago and I don't allow myself to take more that 4  50mg a day. I have run out between scripts and have had the withdrawal symptoms. Tingling sensations, weakness, nausea, tiredness, headaches...the list goes on. Ive become so dependant on these pills that I actually need them to cope. Tramadol helps with my depression and anxiety and gives me massive amounts of energy. I don't want to be dependant on anything that could harm my body I don't want to be a slave to this drug anymore. Im working on tapering off. Can this drug harm the bodies natural ways of releasing serotonin? Im worried that I won't be able to be naturally happy without tramadol.

[manderin]

I wanted to thank you for your input. It means a lot to me.

[manderin]

Hi! Well I went to my doc yesterday and basically told him I wanted to taper off the tramadol. So I've been doing well. Im down to 2 a day. The hardest part is going to be going down to 1 and a half. This is not easy because now I'm feeling all the pain i wasn't feeling when I was taking higher dosages. I look forward to being clean again though. I wish you lots of luck and I'm here if you need someone to talk to throughout your process.

[PurrfectlyKrazy]

I almost forgot to mention...you started your question on someone elses thread.  If you want to continue to discuss you should start a new question...that way we'll know who we are responding to :-)

[PurrfectlyKrazy]

Hi Linda

The medication you mentioned is an NSAID so you won't have to worry about addiction problems from that.  I'm sure he probably only prescribed 7-10 days worth though unless you have a bad infection.  I feel for you....I just got over one and then went right into diventiculitis....that was so painful and I couldn't take anything for pain because they want to go know if it is getting worse or better.  It has been over a week and I just finally got a night sleep and managed to eat today.

I will keep you in my prayers...hopefully you will feel better really soon!

[Lindagay]

I'm new to this site.  My dr prescribed meloxicam for urinary tract infection for pain.  Can it be addicting?

[Missy1231984]

I am currently coming off of tramadol too.  I'm at a higher dose and have been on it for years.   It lifts my mood and gives me energy, but I'm done be trapped by it.   How is your tapering going?

[Sonrissa]

Hi Manderin, welcome to the forum. This is a great place for advice and support.  I have never personally taken Tramadol, but there are folks here who have, and hopefully they will weigh in with some info and advice. Tramadol does have an antidepressant component in it, and should be tapered due to the risk of seizures if suddenly stopped. We are not allowed to give you any specific taper schedule because we are not doctors and do not know your medical history. However, slow and steady is key. If possible, talk to your doctor and express your desire to stop taking Tramadol. Your doctor can give you specifics and support for detox. Also, there is a great blog/journal about Tramadol that you may want to check out. It has some really good information. It's called Tramadol and Ultram...  You can access it on the right side of this page in the Recent Activity Box, or by doing a search.

Hang in there, others will weigh in soon. Take care. You can successfully get off Tramadol. Best wishes!