withdrawal from addiction to tramadol

[narnia66]

what is the safest and most sucessful treatment for a Tramadol addict to quit the habit ?

[gonna_make_it]

Hey I'm weening also...went from 9 on Sunday to 4 today...I'm so ready to be done with these and I know it's a fast wean and I've been taking them for 3-4 yrs. I'm sooo glad your deciding to give em up! Message me if you'd like to talk

[Icandothis10]

Hello...I find it amazing how people can feel so connected to total strangers online.  I did it today....after almost four years, I told my husband.  I told him that I have been abusing this disgusting drug since I had surgery in 08 and thought that this would be a great way to deal with the pain since the motrin didn't quite cut it and the doctors weren't going to just prescribe Percocet for as long as I felt like it.  I mean, they were so easy to get!  Just go online click a button and I could get bottles whenever I needed it.  Then one day, I decided to stop.  I have never felt such physical and emotional pain in my life and cannot see where anyone should have to suffer the absolute agony of Tramadol Withdrawal.  Well, now, they're getting a little more difficult to obtain.  I have to be home now to sign for the package (I work all day), they're only taking Mastercard and not Visa, I will have to drive all over town to pick up my script etc.  I looked at myself in the mirror last month and realized, for the first time in four years, that there was a junkie looking back at me.  I felt sick

I kept everything from my husband.  Picking up the package at the local Fedex location (but they started shipping a different method, so I would have to call around and try to track down my package), I would have to wait till he fell asleep to place my order, I would apply and get a credit card specifically for my online Tramadol orders, I would clear the history in the computer.  All to find out that he knew this whole time.  Of course, he's not stupid.  He knew and I finally came clean today.  I told him that it's over.  I have my last bottle and the days of pouring the pills into my hand and swallowing up to 30 a day are gone.  

Weaning is my absolute only option.  With my job, I HAVE to be able to function.  I cannot function when I withdrawal.  I realized that it's going to take strength and perseverance to accomplish this and I know that I can do it.

If you're trying to wean, write down your doses in a little pocket calendar.  Take your doses and do the L-Tyrosine and Vitamin B together.  I started on Monday and went from popping 30 (hell I lost count) to 13 pills today.   The only thing that will help is the will to stop and support.  I have lurked on these forums before was too ashamed and in denial to actually post.  I think I was here about six months ago with the "idea" of stopping but now, it's crunch time.  My husband told me the credit card is being shut down, and I have placed my last order.  The e-mails and phone calls for re-ordering will be stopped and I won't be able to order or pick up anymore.  I have a bottle and it's specifically for weaning purposes.  The abuse party is over.  

Now it's time to look for support from new online friends and be there to support them too.  Nobody knows how much of an effect this drug has on our lives accept for us.  

I do believe that cold turkey is not an option for this drug.  I think weaning is the only way.  I look at it this way, what's the hurry?  I can either take the next year weaning properly and getting better or I can just continue to abuse and be in the same place I have been the past four years.  I choose life and normalcy.  I'm going to do this.  I also want to be here for anyone else who is ready to live again.  

[ImDONENoMore]

Hope you return soon?

Tramadol is tough - the withdrawal can be extra tricky because of the damn anti-depressant quality to this drug.  But it's TOTALLY doable.

Trama's right though - tapering is best.  I don't think she and I truly knew that cold turkey wasn't the way to go - but I believe we just wanted to nightmare to end.  And tramadol was the WORST nightmare of my life.

So GOOD for you for deciding to quit.  So come back and tell us what you plan to do to end this awful cycle because I can not tell you how much BETTER life is without this poison.  Seriously.

[snakejones]

I absolutely believe that tapering is the very best way with tramadol. With a cold turkey stop, the physical part of tramadol withdrawal is bad, but the depression is terrifying, much worse than any opiate. And you don't sleep well. Add that to the depression, and you are pretty much immobilized--you feel like you're in hell, that each minute seems like an hour, and there will never be an end in sight to your misery. If you can taper, it takes time, but can be done with only minor annoyance. The time element can be a couple of months to do it gently. If you have a legal prescription for tramadol, it'll be great. If not, it'll be expensive because it takes awhile. How many a day are you on right now? Do you have enough personal mastery of your behavior to taper? I wish you all the best and a successful effort!

[HelpWithDarvocet]

I have been through it before. Was taking 16 a day 4 at a time 4x a day. Remember sweating ALL the time on those. Psychologically it was tough to let go and stop, but it wasn't as bad as most other withdrawals. It ***** nonetheless.
Expect mostly depression and achy joints, especially in your arms, wrists and elbows. Fatigue and malaise is common with any opiod withdrawal even synthetic ones like tramadol. And sleeplessness was harsh for a few nights so I took Tylenol PM.
I took ibuprofen for the aches, plus caffeine to combat the fatigue and depression. Consider an anti depressant, however they won't show noticeable results for a few weeks, so that's probably too late. But be careful because antidepressants and tramadol can cause serotonin sickness. My psychiatrist cut off my antidepressants when I told him about the tramadol for that reason, but I had a fair amount left.
I would try to get a 3 day weekend from work and plan your first day without meds for that last day of work prior to the 3 days off. It'll give you a chance to reach some normalcy before you head back. Good luck.

[LeaAnn807]

Hey, alot of it has to do with how big your habit is.  How many and how often per day?  I did it without tapering.  I didn't have the self control....but you may!  If you taper, it should be slow and easy, and if you take that road, it's best to consult with your doc.  

You can do it though, ok?  Think positive! : )  I'll watch the thread for you to post back, so i can be of help.  Someone else who can help goes by screenname "I'mDONEnomore" and she is awesome and so helpful and encouraging.

You are in good company here!