Aa
Prescribed Tramadol 4 years ago - now addicted and trying to Quit! ---- Current weaning process .
Prescribed Tramadol 4 years ago - now addicted and trying to Quit! ---- Current weaning process .
MY CURRENT WEANING PROCESS OF TRAMADOL......
After finding these threads, one thing for sure is that I feel good that I'm not alone...I came to the boards for help/support and although I still need support for this prescribed addiction, I feel that I may be able to help others through my own experience...so I'll try to post what I'm doing and what I'm experiencing while I go through my weening process..but let me just say, that I have consulted with my doctor before doing so and recommend the same for all that are interested in getting off of tramadol (or any other drug, for that matter)...
I am here to share my story of my addition/weening experiences with TRAMADOL. I was initially prescribed Tramadol/50mg/2x/day for chronic back/neck pain..which lead to same dose/4x/day. About a year or so ago, I was able to cut that down to same dose/2x day. (Although I had some withdrawal symptoms (w/d's included, anxiety, sweating, lethargy, etc), I found it easier to do after a facet block procedure that I had done for my back pain.
I have just recently decided that I want OFF of TRAMADOL. Like several of you, my doctor gave me the prescription and told me that it was NOT addictive, but possibly habit-forming. If you take tramadol and/or read enough of the boards, you will find out (like I did) of how addicting this drug really is...
One thing that people that are trying to get off Tramadol need to know is : You should NOT stop taking it suddenly. It's DANGEROUS!
I talked to my Doctor and he recommended weaning off of them gradually...Soooooo..... I started out by cutting two 50mg pills in half...and taking 3 of the 4 halves (25mg) 3x/day...this decreased my dose by 25%....which I found out later, that it’s TOO much of a decrease...I found some info that said you should cut down 10% at a time.. It sounds easy enough, but 10% is actually hard to do when you don't have a pill cutter...or even if you did, I imagine it would still be difficult to do with such a small pill.
I have been breaking my pills into fourths...so I have 4 small "crumbs" that I can't imagine breaking down any further because of how small they are already...I was thinking of crushing them just so I could make the proper doses as I go lower and lower in mg’s…(Is there another way???)
So after learning that 25% is too much of a decrease, I was already down to 62.5mg/day from 100 mg/day….Let me tell you that the w/d's are very uncomfortable....but my determination and strong will IS going to get me through this…I want OFF of Tramadol!!! I’m just glad that I didn’t go into a seizure (yet?).
I have learned a lot about Tramadol by reading other posts..in addition to “listening” to my own body….
Just to let you know what I’ve been doing, here’s MY weaning process SO FAR which I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND this to anyone…as I JUST found out that I SHOULDN”T HAVE decreased the dose so much. Today is my 5th day of weaning....I just want to share my w/d experiences and my mistakes in my weaning process.
Starting dose: 50mg/2X-day (100mg/daily)
Day 1 –25mg/3xday (75mg/daily)
Day 2- 25mg/3xday (75mg/daily)
These two days seemed to be ok but I was anxious right before it was time to take the next dose. Each dose is about 6 hours apart, so the biggest gap in my dosages was after a night of sleeping..which is 8hours..always woke up reaching for the pill, first thing...but then again..it's always been that way.
Day 3 - 12.5mg/5xday (62.5mg/daily)
Day 4 –12.5mg/5xday (62.5mg/daily)
Day 5- 12.5mg/5xday (62.5mg/daily)
Day 6- 12.5mg/5xday (62.5mg/daily)
Last three nights..w/d's woke up me up at 3am (took 12.5mg)
This dose turned out to be the first dose of the day...the others are taken @ 8am,12pm, 4pm, 8-9pm, and it begins again at 3am.
I'm still afraid to lower the dose again...although it may sound like I'm cruising through the weaning process...let me just say that IT"S NOT EASY!
I had a lot of anxiety last night before going to bed...I wonder sometimes if I'm shaking or something when the w/d's wake me up at 3 or 4 am...but I made it through another night...I'm just glad that I can sleep..I've heard a lot of people say that they can't sleep for days...and even though the w/d's are awful...at least I'm able to get my rest so that I can go to work, etc...thus far, anyway...
It feels like I made too much of a decrease in my tapering...hence, the w/d's...but I feel as though I've come too far already to raise my dose back up a little..I'll just suffer and wait for my body to adapt to the current dose and then taper some more...It seems that it actually gets harder when you get down to smaller doses...just my opinion...I assume that the very hardest part will be letting go of doses..then then ultimately the very last dose to nothing...but I'm looking at the light at the end of the tunnel....and I can't wait to get to the other side..I expect that I won't feel better right after letting go of the very last dose...but just knowing that makes me feel prepared....and the greatest feeling out of all of this is empowerment...because I'm slowly taking control over the drug...while it's losing control over me...I'm getting my life back...and all I can say is that going through the w/d's are worth it...because I"M WORTH IT!
For those of you that are trying to do the same tapering process..please post your experiences so that I can see what you're going through as well. I'd really appreciate it and wish you well through this whole agonizing experience.
If anyone's interested, I will continue to post my progress/withdrawals...
Any support would be appreciated....I may just keep posting for venting purposes...Please wish me luck in this journey...if you have any questions...I'll be happy to try to answer them...
Amy
MY CURRENT WEANING PROCESS OF TRAMADOL......
After finding these threads, one thing for sure is that I feel good that I'm not alone...I came to the boards for help/support and although I still need support for this prescribed addiction, I feel that I may be able to help others through my own experience...so I'll try to post what I'm doing and what I'm experiencing while I go through my weening process..but let me just say, that I have consulted with my doctor before doing so and recommend the same for all that are interested in getting off of tramadol (or any other drug, for that matter)...
I am here to share my story of my addition/weening experiences with TRAMADOL. I was initially prescribed Tramadol/50mg/2x/day for chronic back/neck pain..which lead to same dose/4x/day. About a year or so ago, I was able to cut that down to same dose/2x day. (Although I had some withdrawal symptoms (w/d's included, anxiety, sweating, lethargy, etc), I found it easier to do after a facet block procedure that I had done for my back pain.
I have just recently decided that I want OFF of TRAMADOL. Like several of you, my doctor gave me the prescription and told me that it was NOT addictive, but possibly habit-forming. If you take tramadol and/or read enough of the boards, you will find out (like I did) of how addicting this drug really is...
One thing that people that are trying to get off Tramadol need to know is : You should NOT stop taking it suddenly. It's DANGEROUS!
I talked to my Doctor and he recommended weaning off of them gradually...Soooooo..... I started out by cutting two 50mg pills in half...and taking 3 of the 4 halves (25mg) 3x/day...this decreased my dose by 25%....which I found out later, that it’s TOO much of a decrease...I found some info that said you should cut down 10% at a time.. It sounds easy enough, but 10% is actually hard to do when you don't have a pill cutter...or even if you did, I imagine it would still be difficult to do with such a small pill.
I have been breaking my pills into fourths...so I have 4 small "crumbs" that I can't imagine breaking down any further because of how small they are already...I was thinking of crushing them just so I could make the proper doses as I go lower and lower in mg’s…(Is there another way???)
So after learning that 25% is too much of a decrease, I was already down to 62.5mg/day from 100 mg/day….Let me tell you that the w/d's are very uncomfortable....but my determination and strong will IS going to get me through this…I want OFF of Tramadol!!! I’m just glad that I didn’t go into a seizure (yet?).
I have learned a lot about Tramadol by reading other posts..in addition to “listening” to my own body….
Just to let you know what I’ve been doing, here’s MY weaning process SO FAR which I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND this to anyone…as I JUST found out that I SHOULDN”T HAVE decreased the dose so much. Today is my 5th day of weaning....I just want to share my w/d experiences and my mistakes in my weaning process.
Starting dose: 50mg/2X-day (100mg/daily)
Day 1 –25mg/3xday (75mg/daily)
Day 2- 25mg/3xday (75mg/daily)
These two days seemed to be ok but I was anxious right before it was time to take the next dose. Each dose is about 6 hours apart, so the biggest gap in my dosages was after a night of sleeping..which is 8hours..always woke up reaching for the pill, first thing...but then again..it's always been that way.
Day 3 - 12.5mg/5xday (62.5mg/daily)
Day 4 –12.5mg/5xday (62.5mg/daily)
Day 5- 12.5mg/5xday (62.5mg/daily)
Day 6- 12.5mg/5xday (62.5mg/daily)
Last three nights..w/d's woke up me up at 3am (took 12.5mg)
This dose turned out to be the first dose of the day...the others are taken @ 8am,12pm, 4pm, 8-9pm, and it begins again at 3am.
I'm still afraid to lower the dose again...although it may sound like I'm cruising through the weaning process...let me just say that IT"S NOT EASY!
I had a lot of anxiety last night before going to bed...I wonder sometimes if I'm shaking or something when the w/d's wake me up at 3 or 4 am...but I made it through another night...I'm just glad that I can sleep..I've heard a lot of people say that they can't sleep for days...and even though the w/d's are awful...at least I'm able to get my rest so that I can go to work, etc...thus far, anyway...
It feels like I made too much of a decrease in my tapering...hence, the w/d's...but I feel as though I've come too far already to raise my dose back up a little..I'll just suffer and wait for my body to adapt to the current dose and then taper some more...It seems that it actually gets harder when you get down to smaller doses...just my opinion...I assume that the very hardest part will be letting go of doses..then then ultimately the very last dose to nothing...but I'm looking at the light at the end of the tunnel....and I can't wait to get to the other side..I expect that I won't feel better right after letting go of the very last dose...but just knowing that makes me feel prepared....and the greatest feeling out of all of this is empowerment...because I'm slowly taking control over the drug...while it's losing control over me...I'm getting my life back...and all I can say is that going through the w/d's are worth it...because I"M WORTH IT!
For those of you that are trying to do the same tapering process..please post your experiences so that I can see what you're going through as well. I'd really appreciate it and wish you well through this whole agonizing experience.
If anyone's interested, I will continue to post my progress/withdrawals...
Any support would be appreciated....I may just keep posting for venting purposes...Please wish me luck in this journey...if you have any questions...I'll be happy to try to answer them...
Amy
Thanks again for the book info, Nick! Looks like a great read but unfortunately, it's not available at my local library. :(
I checked out the site with the link you gave me....and it seems that the international delivery is $43.18 if I wait up to 28 days to receive it or $62.18 for express delivery...so I don't think I'll be able to purchase it anytime soon...but I've bookmarked that site..in case I can't find it any cheaper online. I appreciate the info! :)
I checked out the site with the link you gave me....and it seems that the international delivery is $43.18 if I wait up to 28 days to receive it or $62.18 for express delivery...so I don't think I'll be able to purchase it anytime soon...but I've bookmarked that site..in case I can't find it any cheaper online. I appreciate the info! :)
Boy oh boy, Cyndie and Nick...you guys sure have been through a LOT! I feel like such a whimp....but lucky at the same time.... I feel as though I can at least relate to some of the awful discomforts of chronic pain and the weaning process...whether it's psychological or physical...it's a TRIP! ..and I haven't even scratched the surface of the whole cold turkey thing (i.e.throwing up and siezures, etc.).....I'm grateful...all in all, with your words of encouragement....and by sharing your experiences...it allows me to have confidence that my experiences is light in comparison to yours...I will pull through to the other side...it just doesn't feel as though it's happening fast enough...
Day 8 continued....
Well, I was able to stretch the time between doses today...which allowed me to drop a dose (unless it wakes me up in the middle of the night again -which has NOT happened the last two night...so I have my fingers crossed.) If I am able to get through the night (which seems to be the hardest part for me) then I will have successfully have dropped a dose a Tram today...which will bring me down from 12.5mgX4=50mg/daily to 12.5mg/3X=37.5mg/daily...hopefully, this will happen..but I won't know until tomorrow morning after I make it through the night.
TODAY:
One thing that I've noticed is that drinking lots of water makes me feel better..so I've been trying to do that more...I sat in a jacuzzi for about 20 minutes today...boy did that feel GOOD! Do they give prescriptions for those for musclular-skeletal disorders?? (seriously)
OMGosh! I keep sneezing!!!! what is UP with THAT? There's another girl on a different board going through a LOT of the same symptoms that I'm going through with tramadol weaning....I haven't had a chance to talk to her yet....but I plan to...I haven't even read any of her posts today because I'm trying to respond to you guys as soon as I can...and let me tell you: you guys are tough to keep up with..LOL...I can't thank you enough for your feedback...it's helped me in so many ways....THANK YOU. :)
Ok, sooooOOooo back to how today went.....
I've been sneezing for at least the last few days, if not this whole 8 days....I probably just didn't realize that it was going to be a daily thing until now...I have no other cold/flu symptoms..so I initially thought it was dust in the air..but now..I think it's related..especially since I saw another girl post that she's been sneezing a lot too during her weaning...wierd!..but I can deal with sneezing...
I had anxiety today on and off..but mostly at the tail end of my stretched out doses..which means that they are subsiding because I was having them for longer periods off and on in the days prior..and they were way more intense...I would take my next dose thinking that I would have a siezure or heart attack if I didn't...but now..not so much....that is where I"m seeing the light...even though I haven't felt that it's time to let go...I know the time is coming and I'm still making progress every few days...
I still wonder each night if I will sleep all the way through..I have read about so many people that have RLS which I think keeps them from sleeping at all..I'm so glad I'm not going through that..as they're up for DAYS...I have headaches...but I'm not sure if it's related...my body aches...the lethargy is still there...but I can handle all of this better now because I know they are not as bad as before which gives me HOPE that they will be gone soon....
My focus is turning towards my transition from tram to some other pain management...I have the "plan" that includes skelaxin, massages (not covered by my insurance), exercise (walking on treadmill and neck/lower back strengthening exercises), and more trigger point injections...but I'm always wondering what I would do if it didn't work...then what? tram again? NO WAY!
Speaking of Skelaxin...My doc prescribed these to me when I told him that I was struggling with getting off of Tramadol...He suggested weaning and prescribed me Skelaxin and massage/2X per month..which sounded like a great alternative for tramadol....but my insurance doesn't cover massages...so I'm stuck with (non-addictive?) skelaxin..prescribed at 100mg/4X day...but I'm only taking 100mg/1x day in half doses....
I took 2 halves of newly prescribed skelaxin 100mg today...one in the am and one in the pm...they seem to help me with some of the anxiety which usually leads me to taking a dose.. With that said, I'm wondering if I'll have to increase my 100mg/1X day dose to more as I decrease the skelaxin...and if I feel that I need to, how will I function? Doc said they don't make you sleepy...Pharmacist says all muscle relaxers will make you sleepy and that skelaxin isn't as bad as others and usually only makes you sleepy after eating...well, I have to eat...sooooooo....what a trade off...work/drive/function while sleepy or be normal with my condition...ugh..The tricky part is...I'm feeling more of my condition as I lessen my tram doses....it will be there in FULL once I'm off..so the skelaxin is helping but I'm only taking small doses of that at a time...and I'm concerned that I won't be able to function with taking more...and I don't want to take more..I HATE PILLS ..even the non addictive ones...Like many of you, I feel as though it's a catch 22 situation.
I haven't really gotten much of a response about how people manage their own pain without tramadol..except Cyndie's post about her own skelaxin prescription.....
Thanks again for your comfort that you give so freely...
Day 8 continued....
Well, I was able to stretch the time between doses today...which allowed me to drop a dose (unless it wakes me up in the middle of the night again -which has NOT happened the last two night...so I have my fingers crossed.) If I am able to get through the night (which seems to be the hardest part for me) then I will have successfully have dropped a dose a Tram today...which will bring me down from 12.5mgX4=50mg/daily to 12.5mg/3X=37.5mg/daily...hopefully, this will happen..but I won't know until tomorrow morning after I make it through the night.
TODAY:
One thing that I've noticed is that drinking lots of water makes me feel better..so I've been trying to do that more...I sat in a jacuzzi for about 20 minutes today...boy did that feel GOOD! Do they give prescriptions for those for musclular-skeletal disorders?? (seriously)
OMGosh! I keep sneezing!!!! what is UP with THAT? There's another girl on a different board going through a LOT of the same symptoms that I'm going through with tramadol weaning....I haven't had a chance to talk to her yet....but I plan to...I haven't even read any of her posts today because I'm trying to respond to you guys as soon as I can...and let me tell you: you guys are tough to keep up with..LOL...I can't thank you enough for your feedback...it's helped me in so many ways....THANK YOU. :)
Ok, sooooOOooo back to how today went.....
I've been sneezing for at least the last few days, if not this whole 8 days....I probably just didn't realize that it was going to be a daily thing until now...I have no other cold/flu symptoms..so I initially thought it was dust in the air..but now..I think it's related..especially since I saw another girl post that she's been sneezing a lot too during her weaning...wierd!..but I can deal with sneezing...
I had anxiety today on and off..but mostly at the tail end of my stretched out doses..which means that they are subsiding because I was having them for longer periods off and on in the days prior..and they were way more intense...I would take my next dose thinking that I would have a siezure or heart attack if I didn't...but now..not so much....that is where I"m seeing the light...even though I haven't felt that it's time to let go...I know the time is coming and I'm still making progress every few days...
I still wonder each night if I will sleep all the way through..I have read about so many people that have RLS which I think keeps them from sleeping at all..I'm so glad I'm not going through that..as they're up for DAYS...I have headaches...but I'm not sure if it's related...my body aches...the lethargy is still there...but I can handle all of this better now because I know they are not as bad as before which gives me HOPE that they will be gone soon....
My focus is turning towards my transition from tram to some other pain management...I have the "plan" that includes skelaxin, massages (not covered by my insurance), exercise (walking on treadmill and neck/lower back strengthening exercises), and more trigger point injections...but I'm always wondering what I would do if it didn't work...then what? tram again? NO WAY!
Speaking of Skelaxin...My doc prescribed these to me when I told him that I was struggling with getting off of Tramadol...He suggested weaning and prescribed me Skelaxin and massage/2X per month..which sounded like a great alternative for tramadol....but my insurance doesn't cover massages...so I'm stuck with (non-addictive?) skelaxin..prescribed at 100mg/4X day...but I'm only taking 100mg/1x day in half doses....
I took 2 halves of newly prescribed skelaxin 100mg today...one in the am and one in the pm...they seem to help me with some of the anxiety which usually leads me to taking a dose.. With that said, I'm wondering if I'll have to increase my 100mg/1X day dose to more as I decrease the skelaxin...and if I feel that I need to, how will I function? Doc said they don't make you sleepy...Pharmacist says all muscle relaxers will make you sleepy and that skelaxin isn't as bad as others and usually only makes you sleepy after eating...well, I have to eat...sooooooo....what a trade off...work/drive/function while sleepy or be normal with my condition...ugh..The tricky part is...I'm feeling more of my condition as I lessen my tram doses....it will be there in FULL once I'm off..so the skelaxin is helping but I'm only taking small doses of that at a time...and I'm concerned that I won't be able to function with taking more...and I don't want to take more..I HATE PILLS ..even the non addictive ones...Like many of you, I feel as though it's a catch 22 situation.
I haven't really gotten much of a response about how people manage their own pain without tramadol..except Cyndie's post about her own skelaxin prescription.....
Thanks again for your comfort that you give so freely...
It sure does take a lot of reading/typing to keep up with these threads...LOL!
Did I mention LETHARGY???? Between THAT and the ANXIETY....It's driving me NUTS..
Nick....in regards to what you were saying about the psych. effects...I read an informative post (wish I would have bookmarked it) from another poster that has been researching the heck out of Tramadol...said that since the tramadol effects our neuroreceptors in a way that makes us "forget" about the pain...we feel "bad" when it wears off......we have "energy" when we take tram..and that's why we feel "lethargic" when we don't...
With that said, this is why I've been reading about TMS..not because I think they're one in the same, of course...but because IF my condition fits TMS and there's HOPE that I can "psych" my way out of the pain...darn it- I'm gonna try it! I'll try anything that might help me live addictive free...(IF I'm not addicted...then habit forming free)..or even med free..if that's possible...
I know that I am an isolated case on this thread (or seems to be as far as my diagnosis and lesser of an addiction compared to a lot of the other posters with high numbers in mg's.
At this point,
I don't care if I'm considered addicted or a person that got caught up in the psychological effects...or not....
It doesn't even matter to me if I was a responsible patient that took the medicine prescribed and just so happened to become an addict...There's no use in blaming anyone at this point...got over that recently...only putting info out there for other people to BEWARE and understand that it's easy to get on Tram and hard as hell to get off...for whatever reason..physical, mental..whatever..
Even though it used to offend me...NOW: I am even open to this all being in my head....at least if it is, I might be able to DO something about it...
but no matter what the case may be...
I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired...and mostly confused and frustrated about what is wrong with me..and what to do about it..and then what to do after doing something about it (tramadol addiction)...
I am confused and don't know what I'm dealing with or doing right (because of the controversial issues between my diagnosis and medication treatment) so there's a lot I DON"T KNOW...
But what I DO KNOW is that I'm angry because I am not the way I used to be..and haven't been for years...none of which is from my own doing..not even the car accident that started all this. (I am very responsible..and just to make sure I wasn't in denial, I've tried several several several times to see where I wasn't responsible during this whole process) ....that's all that matters to me... .The only thing I'm guilty of is trusting my doctor....I just want Tramadol gone and it can take all of these ill-effects along with it...
signed,
sick and tired
Did I mention LETHARGY???? Between THAT and the ANXIETY....It's driving me NUTS..
Nick....in regards to what you were saying about the psych. effects...I read an informative post (wish I would have bookmarked it) from another poster that has been researching the heck out of Tramadol...said that since the tramadol effects our neuroreceptors in a way that makes us "forget" about the pain...we feel "bad" when it wears off......we have "energy" when we take tram..and that's why we feel "lethargic" when we don't...
With that said, this is why I've been reading about TMS..not because I think they're one in the same, of course...but because IF my condition fits TMS and there's HOPE that I can "psych" my way out of the pain...darn it- I'm gonna try it! I'll try anything that might help me live addictive free...(IF I'm not addicted...then habit forming free)..or even med free..if that's possible...
I know that I am an isolated case on this thread (or seems to be as far as my diagnosis and lesser of an addiction compared to a lot of the other posters with high numbers in mg's.
At this point,
I don't care if I'm considered addicted or a person that got caught up in the psychological effects...or not....
It doesn't even matter to me if I was a responsible patient that took the medicine prescribed and just so happened to become an addict...There's no use in blaming anyone at this point...got over that recently...only putting info out there for other people to BEWARE and understand that it's easy to get on Tram and hard as hell to get off...for whatever reason..physical, mental..whatever..
Even though it used to offend me...NOW: I am even open to this all being in my head....at least if it is, I might be able to DO something about it...
but no matter what the case may be...
I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired...and mostly confused and frustrated about what is wrong with me..and what to do about it..and then what to do after doing something about it (tramadol addiction)...
I am confused and don't know what I'm dealing with or doing right (because of the controversial issues between my diagnosis and medication treatment) so there's a lot I DON"T KNOW...
But what I DO KNOW is that I'm angry because I am not the way I used to be..and haven't been for years...none of which is from my own doing..not even the car accident that started all this. (I am very responsible..and just to make sure I wasn't in denial, I've tried several several several times to see where I wasn't responsible during this whole process) ....that's all that matters to me... .The only thing I'm guilty of is trusting my doctor....I just want Tramadol gone and it can take all of these ill-effects along with it...
signed,
sick and tired
Hi again...Here's some more info about my condition....(post from another thread)....
It sounds like a lot of the people on this site have bone related pain...mine is a muscular-skeletal issue...I was in a car accident and due to the impact, my muscles don't relax like they should anymore...which causes the constant discomfort...
I've had trigger point injections, facet block, physical therapy (cranial sacral and myofascial release, TENS units, traction, ultrasound (penetrating heat therapy), chropractor adjustments, wet heat therapy and muscle strengthening...
Day 8
Down to 12.5/4X day = 50mg for two days now...
Whatever I'm feeling before the next dose is due...drives me nuts..I feel the hold it has on me and I HATE IT...especially in the morning...because I feel like I'm ALMOST there and then in the morning, I can't think of anything but getting that 12.5 mg in my body before ANYTHING ELSE! Is this what they call HABIT forming?
I'm confused about how this drug really works....I've heard that it effects the brain....but I'm convinced that it IS addictive....low doses in comparison to other..or not..I think it's addictive either way...I do not believe that I'm struggling more than most of the people on here..but I AM struggling..for whatever reason..Otherwise, I really don't think I would be in this forum. I wasn't even the type of person to participate in forums...until now.
If it's all in my head..then what is waking me up at 3am when I'm not awake to think about it? Why was I sweating the first 3 nights? Why am I feeling other aches in my body? have my legs kicked? Why am I sneezing all the time now? Why did my immune system feel weak?, The anxiety/worry is the worst part to me...I'm thankful that I can sleep...and things ARE getting better...The discomfort is there...especially in the morning..
I have to continue with some type of pain management...so I'm going to strengthen the muscles that have deteriorated and pay for my own massages (had a prescription but my insurance won't cover it). I'll get trigger point injections and take an anti-inflammatory...and Skelaxin (was told it wasn't addictive by Doc..but pharmacist said all muscle relaxers are addictive - I believe the latter)...so I will take them carefully and NOT daily..just to loosen me up enough to bare with it... I hope I'll be able to manage it somehow...
I want you guys to know that I don't even like saying "pain" when I refer to my condition because it's more like a tightness that is extremely uncomfortable and never goes away...I am fortunate to be able to do most things that I like to do..However, I am limited (probably through conditioning of being "careful" not to over do it) because of a fear of pulling muscles...which happens quite frequently in my back and neck since the muscles are so tight...(imagine pulling a neck muscle 3X in a month..feeling like you have whiplash....each taking a week to start feeling better and then it happens again..and again...same with the back....)...
I have always told my doctor that it's not really a PAIN...(the type I imagine you all to have)....it's an extreme ache and tightness...and dealing with it day after day wears on a person...just the same as it would if it was pain....who wouldn't get depressed?
I spend a LOT of my time in bed...for someone in their mid (now late) 30's that used to be very social and outgoing...is now a couch potato that goes to bed, directly after work.....Not sure if I"m depressed about feeling this way day after day, or if I'm depressed because I can't spend time with my loved ones because I'm going to bed while people are eating dinner together....
Anways...I've always been grateful to be ABLE to walk..and to function in daily living.....but I've somehow started using the word "pain" to get my point across because I look so normal to people that they don't understand what's really going on with me, when I tell them I can't or don't feel up to doing something....I figure that the diagnosis has the word "pain" in it and it's just easier to say that than explain how my muscles are all screwed up...
I want you all to know that I REALLY REALLY REALLY appreciate your feedback...IT"S COMFORTING to just KNOW that there are other people like me out there after being told by some doctors that "it's all in my head"...until I got an MRI done by a specialist..Please know that I'm not here to compare my level of pain/discomfort..I know that so many of you have much more severe conditions to deal with....I'm here to vent and find a way to live without medication....
Thank you so much for listening...
It sounds like a lot of the people on this site have bone related pain...mine is a muscular-skeletal issue...I was in a car accident and due to the impact, my muscles don't relax like they should anymore...which causes the constant discomfort...
I've had trigger point injections, facet block, physical therapy (cranial sacral and myofascial release, TENS units, traction, ultrasound (penetrating heat therapy), chropractor adjustments, wet heat therapy and muscle strengthening...
Day 8
Down to 12.5/4X day = 50mg for two days now...
Whatever I'm feeling before the next dose is due...drives me nuts..I feel the hold it has on me and I HATE IT...especially in the morning...because I feel like I'm ALMOST there and then in the morning, I can't think of anything but getting that 12.5 mg in my body before ANYTHING ELSE! Is this what they call HABIT forming?
I'm confused about how this drug really works....I've heard that it effects the brain....but I'm convinced that it IS addictive....low doses in comparison to other..or not..I think it's addictive either way...I do not believe that I'm struggling more than most of the people on here..but I AM struggling..for whatever reason..Otherwise, I really don't think I would be in this forum. I wasn't even the type of person to participate in forums...until now.
If it's all in my head..then what is waking me up at 3am when I'm not awake to think about it? Why was I sweating the first 3 nights? Why am I feeling other aches in my body? have my legs kicked? Why am I sneezing all the time now? Why did my immune system feel weak?, The anxiety/worry is the worst part to me...I'm thankful that I can sleep...and things ARE getting better...The discomfort is there...especially in the morning..
I have to continue with some type of pain management...so I'm going to strengthen the muscles that have deteriorated and pay for my own massages (had a prescription but my insurance won't cover it). I'll get trigger point injections and take an anti-inflammatory...and Skelaxin (was told it wasn't addictive by Doc..but pharmacist said all muscle relaxers are addictive - I believe the latter)...so I will take them carefully and NOT daily..just to loosen me up enough to bare with it... I hope I'll be able to manage it somehow...
I want you guys to know that I don't even like saying "pain" when I refer to my condition because it's more like a tightness that is extremely uncomfortable and never goes away...I am fortunate to be able to do most things that I like to do..However, I am limited (probably through conditioning of being "careful" not to over do it) because of a fear of pulling muscles...which happens quite frequently in my back and neck since the muscles are so tight...(imagine pulling a neck muscle 3X in a month..feeling like you have whiplash....each taking a week to start feeling better and then it happens again..and again...same with the back....)...
I have always told my doctor that it's not really a PAIN...(the type I imagine you all to have)....it's an extreme ache and tightness...and dealing with it day after day wears on a person...just the same as it would if it was pain....who wouldn't get depressed?
I spend a LOT of my time in bed...for someone in their mid (now late) 30's that used to be very social and outgoing...is now a couch potato that goes to bed, directly after work.....Not sure if I"m depressed about feeling this way day after day, or if I'm depressed because I can't spend time with my loved ones because I'm going to bed while people are eating dinner together....
Anways...I've always been grateful to be ABLE to walk..and to function in daily living.....but I've somehow started using the word "pain" to get my point across because I look so normal to people that they don't understand what's really going on with me, when I tell them I can't or don't feel up to doing something....I figure that the diagnosis has the word "pain" in it and it's just easier to say that than explain how my muscles are all screwed up...
I want you all to know that I REALLY REALLY REALLY appreciate your feedback...IT"S COMFORTING to just KNOW that there are other people like me out there after being told by some doctors that "it's all in my head"...until I got an MRI done by a specialist..Please know that I'm not here to compare my level of pain/discomfort..I know that so many of you have much more severe conditions to deal with....I'm here to vent and find a way to live without medication....
Thank you so much for listening...
Thank you thank you thank you for the book info...I will see if it's at my local library first..(as that's where I get most of my reading material)..
There is a LOT of controversy about my condition (MPS) AND Tramadol.
Which makes it even more complicated and confusing in my treatment/pain mgmt experience..I agree with you about the psychological effects...
Hence, my reading the book on TMS (which is also controversial)...UGH!
I'm trying to be as open as possible (and not being in denial about my condition and treatment) while educating myself...I often wonder if I have TMS instead of MPS ...and if my condition even justifies Tramadol. Skelaxin seems to be a better choice..non addicting (at least that's what I was told- again)...and makes sense for my muscular condition.
Anyyywayyyyyyy.....you guys are the BEST! I'm so glad I'm here...We're all so different, yet the same in so many ways...I'm glad I have you all in my life...even if it's virtual! ;-)
Well, today is DAY 8....I woke up to that desperate feeling of needing tram...and immediately reached over (with anger) and took the 12.5 dose...I'm happy to say that between now and this morning, I haven't taken another one....(even though I know I will before the day ends...probably 2...which would still mean that I have cut down the 50mg daily dose to 37.5mg....I want so badly to just toss them all..but I can't figure out a way to deal with my condition outside of taking the skelaxin and tylenol....I'm not sure if it's going to be enough. Keep in mind that I was prescribed to take 100mg4X of skelaxin and have only taken 1/2 of a pill at a time (twice a day at the most) so far....Doc said it wouldn't cause drowsiness..but pharmacist said that it will if I eat..and it does...I have to eat so I am drowsy..even off of a 1/2 pill! I have to work, drive so I have to function...The choice between being knocked out on pills while not being able to function OR being relieved from my condition...is not an easy choice..I have a job to keep and bills to pay...In regards to Tram...I am often thankful that I don't have children..How would I be able to do everything??? How do you guys manage taking care of a family, outside of yourself??? I also wonder how I ever will...choosing between medication and having a baby...I'm 38...time itself is challenging me enough....Ugh...
Cyndie: I didn't forget to post more about my condition...I'll post it shortly..
There is a LOT of controversy about my condition (MPS) AND Tramadol.
Which makes it even more complicated and confusing in my treatment/pain mgmt experience..I agree with you about the psychological effects...
Hence, my reading the book on TMS (which is also controversial)...UGH!
I'm trying to be as open as possible (and not being in denial about my condition and treatment) while educating myself...I often wonder if I have TMS instead of MPS ...and if my condition even justifies Tramadol. Skelaxin seems to be a better choice..non addicting (at least that's what I was told- again)...and makes sense for my muscular condition.
Anyyywayyyyyyy.....you guys are the BEST! I'm so glad I'm here...We're all so different, yet the same in so many ways...I'm glad I have you all in my life...even if it's virtual! ;-)
Well, today is DAY 8....I woke up to that desperate feeling of needing tram...and immediately reached over (with anger) and took the 12.5 dose...I'm happy to say that between now and this morning, I haven't taken another one....(even though I know I will before the day ends...probably 2...which would still mean that I have cut down the 50mg daily dose to 37.5mg....I want so badly to just toss them all..but I can't figure out a way to deal with my condition outside of taking the skelaxin and tylenol....I'm not sure if it's going to be enough. Keep in mind that I was prescribed to take 100mg4X of skelaxin and have only taken 1/2 of a pill at a time (twice a day at the most) so far....Doc said it wouldn't cause drowsiness..but pharmacist said that it will if I eat..and it does...I have to eat so I am drowsy..even off of a 1/2 pill! I have to work, drive so I have to function...The choice between being knocked out on pills while not being able to function OR being relieved from my condition...is not an easy choice..I have a job to keep and bills to pay...In regards to Tram...I am often thankful that I don't have children..How would I be able to do everything??? How do you guys manage taking care of a family, outside of yourself??? I also wonder how I ever will...choosing between medication and having a baby...I'm 38...time itself is challenging me enough....Ugh...
Cyndie: I didn't forget to post more about my condition...I'll post it shortly..
Wow..is that what you were prescribed? I'm too afraid of overdosing..to even fathom the thought of 1500mg a day...or even 1000mg. I cannot stand for long periods either..and that has always been the case throughout taking it...I wonder if it's due to needing another dose...or my lack of exercise because of how much I have been in bed, instead of living my pre tram life...
Sometimes, I wonder if I ever should have been prescribed tramadol...in the beginning, I don't think they knew what was actually wrong with me..just that I had pain from a car accident..It appears that over time, things started coming together..I have a new family doctor now and I'm satisfied with him...Throughout the last year or less, I've learned that tramadol IS addicting..even though I was told by the doctor that prescribed it that "it's just a higher level of Alieve and isn't addictive"..I've learned about the psychological impact, etc....which brings me back to wondering if I should have ever been prescribed this in the first place..Myofascial Pain Syndrome is sometimes confused with Fibro because the symptoms overlap....there is a LOT of controversy about it....so I read books on the issue and basically, there needs to be an alliance of doctors of different fields (including pediatricians) to work together to come to a better result of caregiving....unfortunately, this hasn't happened yet. So I can't help but wonder if my condition has ever been properly treated...but since I don't think I am a candidate for tramadol....I'm getting off of it...and am eager to try something non addictive to manage my condition....
I am being treated by a doctor...always have been...including many others. including specialists...I don't think it's uncommon for people to be prescribed medication and become addicted...and go through the (as you call it and I agree) the tricky part of separating the two..that is where I am now...to see if there are other options for managing my condition....and/or if there was ever a need for tram in the first place...
I was prescribed skelaxin last week...I am using 1/2 doses of a 100mg pill ..to replace the Tram...(Rx'd 100/4X daily..but only taking one pill at the most (two halves) in a day)....
Cyndie, I am truly saddened by your story....I'm proud of you...and encouraged that this will be easy for me in comparison...even though it doesn't feel that way at times.
p.s. I just posted more about my condition in another thread so I will paste it here in my next post..
Sometimes, I wonder if I ever should have been prescribed tramadol...in the beginning, I don't think they knew what was actually wrong with me..just that I had pain from a car accident..It appears that over time, things started coming together..I have a new family doctor now and I'm satisfied with him...Throughout the last year or less, I've learned that tramadol IS addicting..even though I was told by the doctor that prescribed it that "it's just a higher level of Alieve and isn't addictive"..I've learned about the psychological impact, etc....which brings me back to wondering if I should have ever been prescribed this in the first place..Myofascial Pain Syndrome is sometimes confused with Fibro because the symptoms overlap....there is a LOT of controversy about it....so I read books on the issue and basically, there needs to be an alliance of doctors of different fields (including pediatricians) to work together to come to a better result of caregiving....unfortunately, this hasn't happened yet. So I can't help but wonder if my condition has ever been properly treated...but since I don't think I am a candidate for tramadol....I'm getting off of it...and am eager to try something non addictive to manage my condition....
I am being treated by a doctor...always have been...including many others. including specialists...I don't think it's uncommon for people to be prescribed medication and become addicted...and go through the (as you call it and I agree) the tricky part of separating the two..that is where I am now...to see if there are other options for managing my condition....and/or if there was ever a need for tram in the first place...
I was prescribed skelaxin last week...I am using 1/2 doses of a 100mg pill ..to replace the Tram...(Rx'd 100/4X daily..but only taking one pill at the most (two halves) in a day)....
Cyndie, I am truly saddened by your story....I'm proud of you...and encouraged that this will be easy for me in comparison...even though it doesn't feel that way at times.
p.s. I just posted more about my condition in another thread so I will paste it here in my next post..
Amy, the reason i believe that you are having possible edverse psych effects from the tramadol wearing off are possibly because although tramadol isn't classed as a narcotic(although some class it as a semi-narc)the truth is that is does use some of the same receptors in the brain that narcotics do, hence it can cause pshycological addiction.
that is only my opinion, not medical fact.
I have been to several pain clinics that are involved in multi-disciplinary treatment of chronic pain. i was treated by several different kinds of dr's daily for 3 weeks to try to rely on mostly psychological ways of dealing with pain.
it did not work for me, but if you have ongoing pain issues, i would suggest you consider looking into something similar as there are definately people who can benefit from those techniques.
cessation of the therapuetic effect is merely a way of saying "when the pain killing effect of the tablets has worn off", it is not as severe as w/d's.
I have a book you would be interested in reading. it was written by several of the dr's at the pain clinic that i went to. including the psychologists. I will send it to you if you want on the condition that you would send it to another person after you are done with it. OR you could try to find it online or in the library.
it is called:Manage your pain
by Dr michael nicholas, dr allan molloy,lois tonkin and lee beeston.
hang on i'll find where u can get it.
http://shop.abc.net.au/browse/product.asp?productid=163925&SearchID=1&SearchRefineID=2320165
$30 australian dollars from that site.
I have read it back to back about 10 times.
I think it would benefit you.
as for what to do for pain when you're off the tram. there's lots of things.
perhaps if you ask in the pain forum more people might have sugestions
I hope some of this helps. try to stay as active and normal as you can during the w/d's
and do your best to stay positive.
let me know if there's anything i can do
Nick
that is only my opinion, not medical fact.
I have been to several pain clinics that are involved in multi-disciplinary treatment of chronic pain. i was treated by several different kinds of dr's daily for 3 weeks to try to rely on mostly psychological ways of dealing with pain.
it did not work for me, but if you have ongoing pain issues, i would suggest you consider looking into something similar as there are definately people who can benefit from those techniques.
cessation of the therapuetic effect is merely a way of saying "when the pain killing effect of the tablets has worn off", it is not as severe as w/d's.
I have a book you would be interested in reading. it was written by several of the dr's at the pain clinic that i went to. including the psychologists. I will send it to you if you want on the condition that you would send it to another person after you are done with it. OR you could try to find it online or in the library.
it is called:Manage your pain
by Dr michael nicholas, dr allan molloy,lois tonkin and lee beeston.
hang on i'll find where u can get it.
http://shop.abc.net.au/browse/product.asp?productid=163925&SearchID=1&SearchRefineID=2320165
$30 australian dollars from that site.
I have read it back to back about 10 times.
I think it would benefit you.
as for what to do for pain when you're off the tram. there's lots of things.
perhaps if you ask in the pain forum more people might have sugestions
I hope some of this helps. try to stay as active and normal as you can during the w/d's
and do your best to stay positive.
let me know if there's anything i can do
Nick
"I have a few questions:
How much tramadol were you taking at the time of your detox? What kind of withdrawal symptoms did you have while going cold turkey? What do you do now for your back pain? What do the warm baths do?"
Amy,
Good morning. Let me first speak to the detox portion, then pain management...
At the time of detox, I took a toxic amount: 20 to 30 pills @ 50mgs each! That is somewhere between 1,000 and 1,500 milligrams per day. While taking that amount, I would nod off while having conversation, had hallucinations that landed me in the ER, and other less intense symptoms. So, detox, in truth, was probably much better than it will sound to you. Remember though, the dose at which I was at that time, which doesn't sound like it will compare in your case...don't be afraid. About six hours after my last dose, I began feeling weak, needing to sit down when I'd normally stand (in line, for example). By the time I was checking in to detox (12 hours later), my legs were cramping as though I had a vitamin deficiency. By evening, that was the experience of my entire body. Around 2am the first night, my body began convulsing...I had no control over my limbs at all. Vomiting (and crying) followed. I did not sleep at all for about 48 hours. And then, I passed out, but still had the severe muscle cramping. It doesn't sound as though you've had this experience, but correct me if I'm wrong. The baths (and heat compresses), as well as the ibruprofen, were helpful in relieving discomfort from these symptoms.
Now, not everyone (in fact, probably very few) who takes tramadol becomes addicted. There is a very real psychological, and in some cases physical component to the tramadol addiction. Well, any addiction, but in this case, and to the tramadol which is proving difficult for your to kick, not a narcotic etc...very real. I certainly will not say that your experience is any less difficult than mine. What I hope is that you can take something from my story that will help you in some way.
So, to the pain, can you tell me a little more about your medical situation? Are you being treated by a doctor currently? It's a very tricky thing when you find yourself amidst (possible) addiction while still experiencing pain. Albeit counterintuitive to recovery, at times, you have to guard your addiction. So many would argue that, especially those in the twelve steps. However, that is your decision to make. For instance, I am in my 7th month of pregnancy and have severe migraines and lower back pain. I cannot take the migraine medication in pregnancy, and the only way to effectively treat them is with tylenol #3, a narcotic. I had to weigh my options and stay honest with myself, but have chosen to leave out my tramadol experience when talking with my OB. I have had no issue with taking the narcotic as prescribed. Again, each experience is different, so wouldn't want to steer you in this direction; simply sharing what I have chosen. For the back pain, when I am not pregnant, I take skelaxin, a muscle relaxant that is non-narcotic, and for me, non-addictive. There are several options for you, including pain management clinics (personally, I don't like these places, but they are helpful to some).
What I'm saying is DON'T GET DOWN right now. This is the time for you to pull all resources and do whatever you can to feel well.
Best wishes!
Cyndie
How much tramadol were you taking at the time of your detox? What kind of withdrawal symptoms did you have while going cold turkey? What do you do now for your back pain? What do the warm baths do?"
Amy,
Good morning. Let me first speak to the detox portion, then pain management...
At the time of detox, I took a toxic amount: 20 to 30 pills @ 50mgs each! That is somewhere between 1,000 and 1,500 milligrams per day. While taking that amount, I would nod off while having conversation, had hallucinations that landed me in the ER, and other less intense symptoms. So, detox, in truth, was probably much better than it will sound to you. Remember though, the dose at which I was at that time, which doesn't sound like it will compare in your case...don't be afraid. About six hours after my last dose, I began feeling weak, needing to sit down when I'd normally stand (in line, for example). By the time I was checking in to detox (12 hours later), my legs were cramping as though I had a vitamin deficiency. By evening, that was the experience of my entire body. Around 2am the first night, my body began convulsing...I had no control over my limbs at all. Vomiting (and crying) followed. I did not sleep at all for about 48 hours. And then, I passed out, but still had the severe muscle cramping. It doesn't sound as though you've had this experience, but correct me if I'm wrong. The baths (and heat compresses), as well as the ibruprofen, were helpful in relieving discomfort from these symptoms.
Now, not everyone (in fact, probably very few) who takes tramadol becomes addicted. There is a very real psychological, and in some cases physical component to the tramadol addiction. Well, any addiction, but in this case, and to the tramadol which is proving difficult for your to kick, not a narcotic etc...very real. I certainly will not say that your experience is any less difficult than mine. What I hope is that you can take something from my story that will help you in some way.
So, to the pain, can you tell me a little more about your medical situation? Are you being treated by a doctor currently? It's a very tricky thing when you find yourself amidst (possible) addiction while still experiencing pain. Albeit counterintuitive to recovery, at times, you have to guard your addiction. So many would argue that, especially those in the twelve steps. However, that is your decision to make. For instance, I am in my 7th month of pregnancy and have severe migraines and lower back pain. I cannot take the migraine medication in pregnancy, and the only way to effectively treat them is with tylenol #3, a narcotic. I had to weigh my options and stay honest with myself, but have chosen to leave out my tramadol experience when talking with my OB. I have had no issue with taking the narcotic as prescribed. Again, each experience is different, so wouldn't want to steer you in this direction; simply sharing what I have chosen. For the back pain, when I am not pregnant, I take skelaxin, a muscle relaxant that is non-narcotic, and for me, non-addictive. There are several options for you, including pain management clinics (personally, I don't like these places, but they are helpful to some).
What I'm saying is DON'T GET DOWN right now. This is the time for you to pull all resources and do whatever you can to feel well.
Best wishes!
Cyndie
Another question: Once you're off of Tram..what do you do for the pain without becoming addicted to something else?
I guess everyone is different.... I read on another board or two of others that are going through the same symptoms... From what I understand, Tramadol has a psychological impact...and sometimes I wonder if these symptoms are based on that...either way, they feel very real...
Speaking of the psychological relations to pain, etc....I'm currently reading a book that I picked up at the library about the mind-body connection regarding back pain. It focuses on TMS...which I think a lot of fibro patients would find interesting..(I am not a fibro patient but I am intrigued by the information I'm reading....basically, doctors provide medicine but won't cross over to the side of psychology...and vice versa...which leaves the patient in limbo between the two because the two types of doctors won't educate themselves on the other related issues that are outside of their own field....blah blah blah..). I might start a new post about it because I don't think a lot of people know about it and I'm interested in hearing the opinions from the ones that do.
I appreciate your input because I"m learning about getting off of medication, etc..
Question: What exactly is "cessation of the therapuetic effect"?
Speaking of the psychological relations to pain, etc....I'm currently reading a book that I picked up at the library about the mind-body connection regarding back pain. It focuses on TMS...which I think a lot of fibro patients would find interesting..(I am not a fibro patient but I am intrigued by the information I'm reading....basically, doctors provide medicine but won't cross over to the side of psychology...and vice versa...which leaves the patient in limbo between the two because the two types of doctors won't educate themselves on the other related issues that are outside of their own field....blah blah blah..). I might start a new post about it because I don't think a lot of people know about it and I'm interested in hearing the opinions from the ones that do.
I appreciate your input because I"m learning about getting off of medication, etc..
Question: What exactly is "cessation of the therapuetic effect"?
I'm not saying your being a wimp or anything like that, hope it didn't sound that way.
i just mean that for some unkown reason i didn't have any problems coming off tram at all(except my pain got worse)
good luck
i just mean that for some unkown reason i didn't have any problems coming off tram at all(except my pain got worse)
good luck
the truth is amy, you are having a harder time with the tramadol than i did. I was on 200mgs twice a day for severe pain(and was not addicted to them).
I started having seizures and quit immeadiately with no consideration given to withdrawals(I didn't even know they existed back then).
I didn't have any. I don't know why, but i just had no trouble at all.
I was taking the long acting 12hr tramadol(and had previously been on the shorter acting 50 and 100mg ones).
I don't know if there is much difference between the two.
Nick
I started having seizures and quit immeadiately with no consideration given to withdrawals(I didn't even know they existed back then).
I didn't have any. I don't know why, but i just had no trouble at all.
I was taking the long acting 12hr tramadol(and had previously been on the shorter acting 50 and 100mg ones).
I don't know if there is much difference between the two.
Nick
Hi Cyndie!
I'm always interested in reading about the experiences of others...Thanks for sharing your story with me.
I have a few questions:
How much tramadol were you taking at the time of your detox? What kind of withdrawal symptoms did you have while going cold turkey? What do you do now for your back pain? What do the warm baths do?
I've been taking tylenol daily for headaches...not sure if it's helping with the w/d's or not but I think it is..even if it's just a little...
I was very afraid of going cold turkey as I didn't want to have a siezure..and still don't...so far, so good...
To my surprise, I'm very focused..more than I thought I would or could be...I'm hoping that I stay that way until the end...
Thanks again for contibuting with your post....I'm new to this site and the postings help me in so many ways...THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
I'm always interested in reading about the experiences of others...Thanks for sharing your story with me.
I have a few questions:
How much tramadol were you taking at the time of your detox? What kind of withdrawal symptoms did you have while going cold turkey? What do you do now for your back pain? What do the warm baths do?
I've been taking tylenol daily for headaches...not sure if it's helping with the w/d's or not but I think it is..even if it's just a little...
I was very afraid of going cold turkey as I didn't want to have a siezure..and still don't...so far, so good...
To my surprise, I'm very focused..more than I thought I would or could be...I'm hoping that I stay that way until the end...
Thanks again for contibuting with your post....I'm new to this site and the postings help me in so many ways...THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
Hi Amy --
I'm a mother of two (one on the way) who began taking tramadol as a "non-addictive" option for the treatment of back pain. Two years after I took my first dose, I found myself in detox at a local addiction treatment center. I had tried, with support of both my husband and therapist, to taper off of the tramadol; it was to no avail. My withdrawals were so intense that I simply could not handle it on my own. When I went into detox, the nurses informed me that I would experience much of the same symptoms of opiate withdrawal. And, I did...it was a miserable FOUR days, cold turkey, but with doctor monitoring. I was given a beta blocker which was supposed to lessen the muscle cramping, and ibuprofen. I cannot say that it was better or worse with those meds, but I took them faithfully anyway. Have you tried ibuprofen? Does anyone else know that you are weaning off of the tramadol? When I got home from detox (did not stay for rehab treatment, but would recommend it if possible) after four days, I was still very weak. My husband drew me several warm baths each day for about about three more days, while I continued the ibuprofen. I'm not certain what to tell you about meds after this, but think you are doing the right thing for yourself at present. I know, first hand, what tramadol addiction (and yes, it is addiction...no matter what the literature reads!) does to your body and mind. If I can be of support in some way, please post. This is my first time posting here, so I'm not sure how else to get in touch.
Best wishes!
Cyndie
I'm a mother of two (one on the way) who began taking tramadol as a "non-addictive" option for the treatment of back pain. Two years after I took my first dose, I found myself in detox at a local addiction treatment center. I had tried, with support of both my husband and therapist, to taper off of the tramadol; it was to no avail. My withdrawals were so intense that I simply could not handle it on my own. When I went into detox, the nurses informed me that I would experience much of the same symptoms of opiate withdrawal. And, I did...it was a miserable FOUR days, cold turkey, but with doctor monitoring. I was given a beta blocker which was supposed to lessen the muscle cramping, and ibuprofen. I cannot say that it was better or worse with those meds, but I took them faithfully anyway. Have you tried ibuprofen? Does anyone else know that you are weaning off of the tramadol? When I got home from detox (did not stay for rehab treatment, but would recommend it if possible) after four days, I was still very weak. My husband drew me several warm baths each day for about about three more days, while I continued the ibuprofen. I'm not certain what to tell you about meds after this, but think you are doing the right thing for yourself at present. I know, first hand, what tramadol addiction (and yes, it is addiction...no matter what the literature reads!) does to your body and mind. If I can be of support in some way, please post. This is my first time posting here, so I'm not sure how else to get in touch.
Best wishes!
Cyndie
Day 7 continued....
I'm sorry to post another one....but I think I'm actually posting again for my own benefit....to keep track of my progress.....kind of theraputic, like keeping a diary...and seems to help me stay focused...
I've tapered down my Tramadol to 12.5mg/4x day
and so far, I think today's the best day I've had...I think my body is getting used to the small doses...I think a lot of my anxiety is coming from being alone and worried about having a siezure....but all in all, I'm feeling confident that my relationship with Tramadol will soon come to a close....I will know for sure by tomorrow, as the worst part of my day is actually at night...I'm interested to see how tonight goes...but I'm fairly optimistic...Stay tuned...
I'm sorry to post another one....but I think I'm actually posting again for my own benefit....to keep track of my progress.....kind of theraputic, like keeping a diary...and seems to help me stay focused...
I've tapered down my Tramadol to 12.5mg/4x day
and so far, I think today's the best day I've had...I think my body is getting used to the small doses...I think a lot of my anxiety is coming from being alone and worried about having a siezure....but all in all, I'm feeling confident that my relationship with Tramadol will soon come to a close....I will know for sure by tomorrow, as the worst part of my day is actually at night...I'm interested to see how tonight goes...but I'm fairly optimistic...Stay tuned...
Wow! Cold Turkey from 400mg/day..that's pretty impressive..I guess you WOULD know about REAL withdrawals..I'm trying to take the subtle route...and I think it's working...as uncomfortable as it is....I went 6hrs since my last dose and it was the last dose of the day.....
I think I'm going to try to jump right into the letting go process, depending on how tonight goes...tomorrow might just be my day...but we'll see...I have a brand new bottle of 5omg (90ct)....and don't plan on taking them..If I have a bad day tommorrow with my weaning, I may just make an appt with my Doctor again.....and although I like him as my Doctor (he's not the one that Rx'd the Tram), I don't think he's going to be much help...
Thank you for your help, Nick..I know that I don't have it as bad some some of you did or have....but it hasn't been a happy ride for me either....
I'm looking forward to being Tramadol FREE....SOON...
It's been a long 4-5 years...and I"M READY for my new life to BEGIN!
I'll keep you all posted..
I think I'm going to try to jump right into the letting go process, depending on how tonight goes...tomorrow might just be my day...but we'll see...I have a brand new bottle of 5omg (90ct)....and don't plan on taking them..If I have a bad day tommorrow with my weaning, I may just make an appt with my Doctor again.....and although I like him as my Doctor (he's not the one that Rx'd the Tram), I don't think he's going to be much help...
Thank you for your help, Nick..I know that I don't have it as bad some some of you did or have....but it hasn't been a happy ride for me either....
I'm looking forward to being Tramadol FREE....SOON...
It's been a long 4-5 years...and I"M READY for my new life to BEGIN!
I'll keep you all posted..
yes, i assumed that you had broken them up, but what i meant is that you don't need to have the drug in your system 24hrs a day to avoid withdrawals.
i think you are not quite understanding the word withdrawal.
when the pill wears off, that IS NOT withdrawal. that is just the cessation of the therapuetic effect.
withdrawal is where your body craves the drug physically. it makes you sweat, shake, and sometimes vomit etc, it feels like the flu.
i used to take 400mg a day and i quit cold turkey.
it is up to you how fast you get off it.
you should definately talk to your dr before changing your dose though.
the 4 hours between doses(after the pain killing effect has worn off)is not withdrawal. it is just life without narcotics. you will need to get used to that feeling.
I'm afraid you haven't had any severe w/d's yet.
when it happens, you'll know. BIGTIME.
take care, msg me if you need to.
i think you are not quite understanding the word withdrawal.
when the pill wears off, that IS NOT withdrawal. that is just the cessation of the therapuetic effect.
withdrawal is where your body craves the drug physically. it makes you sweat, shake, and sometimes vomit etc, it feels like the flu.
i used to take 400mg a day and i quit cold turkey.
it is up to you how fast you get off it.
you should definately talk to your dr before changing your dose though.
the 4 hours between doses(after the pain killing effect has worn off)is not withdrawal. it is just life without narcotics. you will need to get used to that feeling.
I'm afraid you haven't had any severe w/d's yet.
when it happens, you'll know. BIGTIME.
take care, msg me if you need to.
Thanks Nick!
Are you thinking that I am taking 50mg pills 4X? and when do you know what "severe" is?
The ones that I'm taking 4x/day are what I've tapered down to so far...
it's actually only 1/4 of one 50mg pill, so they're only 12.5 mg each and they don't last very long...The w/d's begin about 2-3 hours after taking them...I'm struggling with the 4 hours in between each of them but I'm able to do it..The hardest part is at night when there's about 8 hours of sleep before the next day's pill...I can deal with the w/d's, I'm just afraid of having a seizure...but I think my body has adjusted to the decrease as of now...because last night was the only night I didn't wake up at 3am and take a 5th dose..so hopefully, the worst is over...Thanks for the other method that you mentioned above...to try to space them out further so that I take less per day...I think that kind of happened last night when I didn't wake up in the middle of the night...
Does anyone know how long it takes to get COMPLETELY out of your system after taking 100-200mg daily for 5 years???
Are you thinking that I am taking 50mg pills 4X? and when do you know what "severe" is?
The ones that I'm taking 4x/day are what I've tapered down to so far...
it's actually only 1/4 of one 50mg pill, so they're only 12.5 mg each and they don't last very long...The w/d's begin about 2-3 hours after taking them...I'm struggling with the 4 hours in between each of them but I'm able to do it..The hardest part is at night when there's about 8 hours of sleep before the next day's pill...I can deal with the w/d's, I'm just afraid of having a seizure...but I think my body has adjusted to the decrease as of now...because last night was the only night I didn't wake up at 3am and take a 5th dose..so hopefully, the worst is over...Thanks for the other method that you mentioned above...to try to space them out further so that I take less per day...I think that kind of happened last night when I didn't wake up in the middle of the night...
Does anyone know how long it takes to get COMPLETELY out of your system after taking 100-200mg daily for 5 years???
the only thing i want to add is that if the withdrawal symptoms become severe, you may be tapering too fast.
with the short acting pills that you are on, i don't think you need 4x a day.
you won't get withdrawals until 12-24 hours after you most recent dose.
so you can probably space them out a bit more over time.
good luck Amy
with the short acting pills that you are on, i don't think you need 4x a day.
you won't get withdrawals until 12-24 hours after you most recent dose.
so you can probably space them out a bit more over time.
good luck Amy
I was prescribed Tramadol 50mg/2X -day almost 5 years ago for back/neck pain.
After the first year, my dose was raised by my doctor to 50mg/4X-day...I reduced that back down to 2X day.
I'm currently tapering 100mg/day with 50mg pills...and have gotten down to ONE 50mg pill...
My question: Can someone tell me which is better to do???
Right now my current tapering dose is:
12.5mg/5xday = 62.5mg/daily down to 12.5mg/4xday=50mg
Sooo...I have a 50mg pill to deal with now...and I'm wondering if I should take 12.5/4X a day OR 25.mg/2X day or 50mg/1X day.....
The pharmacist said that one pill only lasts about 6 hours....so I'm concerned about the w/d's on all three of those methods...I guess I'm looking for the lesser way of suffering, of the three.
Can someone tell me which method to use? or another that is better?
Also, at what mg is it safe to take at the last dose and exactly how should I do this? I've heard that I should taper at 10% or 1/8th at a time....but I've been tapering by as much as 25%....but have since slowed that down due to the withdrawals...
Again, I'm taking 12.5/4X day now...is it safe to try to go down to NOTHING at all? or keep tapering? (i.e. one of the methods mentioned above)
One more thing...
Once I am Tramadol FREE.....How do you suggest that I deal with my chronic pain?
I've been prescribed Skelaxin 100mg/4x (as needed) and I haven't taken more than 50mg (breaking one in half) at a time...and not daily....I'm wondering if taking one here and there will help with my weaning process and there after. I refuse to take them daily because I'm not trying to trade one addiction for another..
Any suggestions would be appreciated....If more info is needed, please let me know....
Thanks,
-A
After the first year, my dose was raised by my doctor to 50mg/4X-day...I reduced that back down to 2X day.
I'm currently tapering 100mg/day with 50mg pills...and have gotten down to ONE 50mg pill...
My question: Can someone tell me which is better to do???
Right now my current tapering dose is:
12.5mg/5xday = 62.5mg/daily down to 12.5mg/4xday=50mg
Sooo...I have a 50mg pill to deal with now...and I'm wondering if I should take 12.5/4X a day OR 25.mg/2X day or 50mg/1X day.....
The pharmacist said that one pill only lasts about 6 hours....so I'm concerned about the w/d's on all three of those methods...I guess I'm looking for the lesser way of suffering, of the three.
Can someone tell me which method to use? or another that is better?
Also, at what mg is it safe to take at the last dose and exactly how should I do this? I've heard that I should taper at 10% or 1/8th at a time....but I've been tapering by as much as 25%....but have since slowed that down due to the withdrawals...
Again, I'm taking 12.5/4X day now...is it safe to try to go down to NOTHING at all? or keep tapering? (i.e. one of the methods mentioned above)
One more thing...
Once I am Tramadol FREE.....How do you suggest that I deal with my chronic pain?
I've been prescribed Skelaxin 100mg/4x (as needed) and I haven't taken more than 50mg (breaking one in half) at a time...and not daily....I'm wondering if taking one here and there will help with my weaning process and there after. I refuse to take them daily because I'm not trying to trade one addiction for another..
Any suggestions would be appreciated....If more info is needed, please let me know....
Thanks,
-A
I did tapper off the lortabs but the 12.5mg tablet was just broken in half and I tappered on the 1/2 's till I ran out of the last few pills I had. I'm sorry, I just didn't think I could cut them back anymore for them to still help me wean. Ya know??
Ella
Ella
Can someone tell me which is better to do???
Right now my current tapering dose is:
12.5mg/5xday = 62.5mg/daily down to 12.5mg/4xday=50mg
Sooo...I have a 50mg pill to deal with now...and I'm wondering if I should take 12.5/4X a day OR 25.mg/2X day or 50mg/1X day.....
The pharmacist said that one pill only lasts about 6 hours....so I'm concerned about the w/d's on all three of those methods...I guess I'm looking for the lesser way of suffering, of the three.
Right now my current tapering dose is:
12.5mg/5xday = 62.5mg/daily down to 12.5mg/4xday=50mg
Sooo...I have a 50mg pill to deal with now...and I'm wondering if I should take 12.5/4X a day OR 25.mg/2X day or 50mg/1X day.....
The pharmacist said that one pill only lasts about 6 hours....so I'm concerned about the w/d's on all three of those methods...I guess I'm looking for the lesser way of suffering, of the three.
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