Tramadol Taper

[Dylan465]

I was given tramadol about 1 1/2 yrs ago for chronic pain. I read that is can madke you pain worse. I see myself going up and down with the pain. I am taking about 200mg or less a day. I think I want off. My pain got so bad, they put me on ms contin (lowest dose) and it helped but then my husband got sick and I had to do more and was hurting more and was given a little more, that I don't always take in full anount. I am sick of these pills and after reading about the tramadol, I want off. I got off the morphine sulfate easily, but the tramadol sounds terrible.
I think tapering is good. Does anyone have ideas for tapering? Thanks for any advice. When I read someone say that their pain got worse from the tramadol and actually felt  better off, I thought, maybe that's why I'm going up and down and not improving. I was doing better not on the tramadol for pain, when I think of it, and would think of that, and that post just confirmed it,
Thanks anyone for any advice.

[J T Junig, MD PhD]

There is no special way to taper tramadol-- or other medication for that matter.  It depends on your schedule and on what you are taking it for to some extent-- for example some people will use time off to taper something quickly, and other people don't want any discomfort and so must go very slowly.

The good news is that the discontinuation syndrome of tramadol is not dangerous-- but it is uncomfortable after long-term use.  There are two facets to the symptoms;  the 'mu receptor' effects (diarrhea, insomnia, and fatigue) and the serotonin effects (flu symptoms and 'brain zaps').  Your dose of 200 mg per day is not all that high;  I would think that reducing by about 25 mg every 3 days or so should get you there with only a small amount of discomfort.  

Some people have a difficult time getting off tramadol-- they complain of all kinds of strange symptoms that most people do not have.  I don't know what to make of that-- whether they have unique personality features or whether the medication has unique effects on their systems.  

[Dylan465]

Thank you for your answer. There are so many opinions and symptoms that I'm reading, it is making me very nervous. I know I can do this or anything when I want to with God's help. Thank's again.