How long does it take to get off Tramadol?

[judya1943]

I have taken Tramadol for two years.  At first it was 25 mg at a time...twice a day.  I ended with 200 mg. in a time release.  I was sick to my tummy at the time.  The Dr. finally said I needed to get off it.  (I was on it for back pain).  I tapered off.  I am now 4 days off it!  Get chills, sick tummy every once in a while.  I weighted 117 pounds but got down to 106.  I didnt' want to eat!  
How long does it all take to get off this stuff?  It is hard to keep weight on.  Does anyone else have this problem?  Still have the back pain..what else can I take?   Any adive anyone can give me I'd appreciate it.

God bless.  JN

[madtram]

I'm glad your tum is a bit happier.  Sudie & Vicki have given you good advice & if you let us know what other symptoms you are having, we can make some more suggestions.

It's tough to be in pain but tramadol proves to be a nasty drug for many people & it's common to need to take more & more just to avoid withdrawal symptoms which include rebound pain.

Tramadol contains an antidepressant so it's common to feel a bit down after stopping, as your serotonin & noradrenaline receptors readjust to the absence of tramadol in your blood stream.  5htp or St John's Wort or passionflower can all help if mood is an issue for you.

Your appetite should return to normal but in the meantime, as Sudie suggests, have something that you can stomach.  Protein shakes are great if you use a good whey protein as the amino acids they contain are very important for a healthy nervous system.

Anti-inflammatories like Motrin or Celebrex can help with pain, (sometimes there is an adjustment period where you may have more rebound pain but some people find that they have much less pain once they are no longer on tramadol).  Accupuncture can be worth a try.

Is there anything you can do to treat the cause of your back pain such as physical therapy, hydrotherapy or surgery, if necessary?

Let us know how you are going.  Best wishes.

[vicki595]

Hi--  

Okay...the doctor wants you off of it but then says it's okay to take it??

Stomach problems are common with Tramadol. Is it an upset stomach or lower as in intestinal?  You can treat that with pepto bismal/Immodium.

Can you take Motrin 800mg 3x per day? It does work for most people.

There are some great women here who have much experience with Tramadol. They'll see your post and write to you.

In the meantime,don't take anymore and try to increase your fluid intake.

All the best~~

[judya1943]

Thank you.  I am now getting the protein shakes.  I am trying really hard.  Back sure does hurt.  My blessing is that I don't have the sick tummy as much so I am going to try real hard NOT to take Tramadol again.  It is hard when the Drs. tell you its OK.

Love your little dog pic.  We hav a Westie.  She watches over me when I don't feel  good.  My husband is so good also.  Thank goodness!

Thanks for your advice.

JN

[sudie58]

i know its frightening but you will be ok, i have heard that folks get bad sick stomaches, i know you dont feel like eating, but its important that you try something, like some soup , or a sandwich, also drink those protein shakes, they are very good for this, it really will help, its a bit quiet on here at weekends , but others will post to you soon, your not alone, take care. and post more if it helps,

[judya1943]

Thank you for helping.  I have so many questions!... do people get sick tummy taking this stuff?  How long will it take to get my appetite back..not hungry!  I get scared, if it were not for the sick tummy I would probably take the stuff longer but there are so many horrible stories about doing this.  Back pain is bad but Tramadol messed my tumy up so much.  Is this a normal thing for it to do also?

Thank you for the advice.

JN

[sudie58]

hi and welcome,its good you are coming off tramodol, its not easy, i have heard how difficult it is and how you should taper, but its a bit late now, so hot baths with epsom salts will help and please drink plenty of fluids, thats important, such as gatorade, ginger ale, also get some imodium for diorreah or cramps, there is a product for restless legs , you can buy it at walmart/walgreen, try to eat something, like soup, or toast, get a magnesium/calcium/zinc supplement, as your body needs this now, take a good multi vitamin , also some valerian root and some melatonin, to help relak and with sleep, keep posting and let us know how your doing, best wishes,  sudie