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Should i seek professional help to wean off of Tramadol?

I have been taking Tramadol for 2 years for arthritic pain. I do not take more than 250 mg at present, but this amount is reduced by me after having taken a lot higher dose previously. i MUST take T first thing in the morning or i begin to get nausea and weak with sweats.
I am not on a high dose, but need them each day or I will begin to withdraw.
I am soo tired of taking this medication, I just want off! I know I must taper down as I have come down considerably already. I'm wondering if, after 2 years, I might need medical help?
This drug is insidious, and the dependency is real.
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Avatar universal
I have been on Effexor for over 5 years.  I weaned myself from 250 mg Effexor to 75 mg.
2 years ago I had a knee replacement and the surgery did not go well.  I needed to be on pain medication for longer than the usual time for that surgery due to complications.  Immediately after surgery, I was on Dilaudid for several weeks.  The Dr then put me on hydrocodone and I was on that for several months.  The next step was Tramadol.  I have been on  Tramadol now for a year and a half.  I used to take between 300 and 400 mg daily.  I loved the energy and the well-being I felt with this drug. I now understand that the drug acts upon the brain much as a Effexor does.  My decrease in dosage of Effexor over the last year was being compensated by the T.  I have reduced my dosage of Tramadol down to 150 mg daily now and I am experiencing severe depression.  I know that this forum is not for psychological drugs but the fact that Tramadol acts as an antidepressant has me very concerned.  The doctor just cut me off a few months ago, and I am currently getting my Tramadol on-line.  I hate this drug in my life.  Its' usefulness has long left my life, but I am afraid for myself if the way I feel now is to go on forever.  I am willing to deal with the pain.  I'm not even sure it's helping all that much.  I have recently gone to a very good Naturopath whom I've told the whole story to.  She wants to help me with the final weaning process.  My questions are about the psychological aspect of this drug.  When a person stops Tramadol, is there a greater mood drop immediately after decreasing, and is it possible that my own brain can regain its' ability to create the chemicals needed for well-being?  
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Avatar universal
Hi there- Sure, it wouldn't hurt to ask your doctor for help with this. It's much more comfortable and less stressful on your body to taper off slowly...The doctor can also prescribe some meds for nausea and a BP med called clonidine that really helps with wd's.

We can offer a lot of support here so stay in touch.  But you need your doctor for a taper plan and other meds. Good luck!
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