Is it ok to use codeine to taper Tramadol?

[Mercedes175]

Hi, this may sound like a dumb question but I am in the middle of it.  I decided to quit Tramadol after about 4 months of abuse (I think).  Went from 4 a day to (at times) 14 a day in the end. On Wednesday I took 2 in morning and then another 2 at 12noon (trying to taper back to 6 a day).  when it came for my last 2 around 4p I just couldnt do it.  Long story, longer I stopped.  I am on my second day today (will be working on my 3rd day after noon today).  My question is I have not taken the Trams at all but in middle of night when I was feelilng really sick (all over body aches, stomach problems) I took some left over codeine pills.  There is approx 30mg in each pill.  I think I have been taking about 2 pills every 4 hours or so since Wed.

I still have the aches, nasuea and mild RLS but all in all ok.  The one traight I do not have is diarehha.  I believe since codeine constipates.  

Will this be a problem for me ...?  Am I still doing good in my quitting the trams. My goal is to not take any opiates of any kind but I just can't stand the sick feeling I have.  Again, even with the codeine it didnt help complteley..came very close to taking a tram or 2 last night when I just felt so "flu"ey.

But I didnt. I feel decent and alot better than I thought I would feel. I have kept things very simple though.  Just stay in bed and only get up when I have too.  Of course by Monday I plan to not take anything.

[jclean]

you cant detox from opiates with other opiates you need to stop completely.After 72 hours the physical sickness ends. Depending on how long youve used the mental part may take longer.Excercise will help once you pass the three day mark.If that doesnt work you may need to check yourself into a Detox facility and probably will need to attend some NA meetings to get with other people who know that pain.  The disease of addiction is cunning,baffling,and powerful. Good luck and God Bless

[Mercedes175]

Thanks so much. I still feel sick.  Tylenol 3s used to be what I took when I was sick and allowed me to function and sleep like a baby.  Not with this.  It quiets it a bit but still I feel sick.  Its good to know I am not alone in this battle..I will pray for you and hopefully by end of w/end we will be mostly there..:)

[tryinagain945]

It's great to hear your trying, and you can do it.  I'm in the same boat myself with the codeine pills.  I used to take hydros, 10-15 a day and I tapered off those, then feeling horriible by day 2 and I told my doc about the withdrawls, he prescribed tylenol 3's with codine to help with the symtoms.  I think it is ok, as long as you take the codine pills as directed, and not to abuse those pills.  I'm taking my codine pills, 2 every 6 hours (i'm on day 2 with this stage) by tommorrow I'll take 1 pill every six hours and day 4 I'll be at 1 pill every 8 hours, day 5 hopefully taking 1 pill just for sleep.  Hang in there we can both do this :)