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Tramadol Addiction

I have been taking Tramadol reguarly everyday for the past 9 months.  I slowly increased my dosage to about 15 pills a day (750 mg).  I have been trying to stop taking the drugs and have gotten myself down to 6-9 pills a day.  I am scared to get off completely because I have tried before and feel completely like crap and fatigued beyond belief.  Nobody knows about my Tramadol addiction and I want to detox without any of my family knowing, without it affecting my everyday life.  Is there anybody out there that has detoxed from Tramadol successfully and if so, what advise do you have to make this as painless as possible. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
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Avatar universal
im currently takeing tramadols now. and have been for a year :( I tried to quit a couple of months ago. but the with drawls were SO BAD i started taking them again :(  so i know where ur comeing from. I wish i could stop takeing them. But i just caint :( I need help too!
Helpful - 0
599071 tn?1300068702
Depression is a hard thing to live with & often people don't understand but that doesn't make you a screwup.

Too much serotonin causes a serious condition called serotonin syndrome which can be fatal.  It also increases the risk of seizure & if you have already had one, it means that you are susceptible.  I know you wouldn't want the risk of putting others at danger if you have a seizure while driving.

If tramadol otherwise suits you, you could talk to your doctor about switching to Effexor or Pristiq which are the same chemical without the opioid component.

I don't know what therapy you have had but cognitive behaviour therapy teaches you a new way of thinking that helps you understand that you have more choices in life than you think.  It's hard work to start but very worthwhile & has absolutely no side effects or cost; once you get the hang of it, you can do it yourself.

As soon as I found out how bad tramadol was, I was 100% committed to stopping first time but I'm sure others will post with what helped them quit.
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Avatar universal
I guess I still don't understand the Tramadol and Anti-depressant confliction.  By have too much Seratonian, is that the problem? I don't want to change my meds becuae I have been taking them for a loong time and don't want to screw it up, since it is the only thing barely making me tolerable through life.  I've had alot of problems with being in and out of mental hospitals and don't want the embarrassment of my family and friends knowing that I've screwed up...AGAIN.  At the same time, I feel like I need the Tramadol to keep me normal. It gives me energy and makes me not so depressed. I know it's not good for me. I've read all kinds of posts from different people and different websites, so I am really scared.  I've been through this with other drugs in the past and always come back to something.  Counseling and therapy don't help. Its something inside me that is keeping me prisoner to drugs.  How did all of you find the courage to completely stop?  What was your rock bottom?  I just feel like a screw up and really depressed and need to know that I'm not the only crazy one out there.
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495284 tn?1333894042
COMMUNITY LEADER
You are a godsend madtram~~~sara
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599071 tn?1300068702
Tramadol contains an antidepressant that is similar to the serotonin & noradrendaline reuptake inhibitors in Effexor.  5htp is a precursor for serotonin & zoloft is also an SSRI so there is a risk of too  much serotonin in your system which itself increases the risk of seizure.  Combining zoloft with tramadol is also quite risky for this reason.

Given that you are already struggling with depression, you would really benefit from doing this with professional help.  If the zoloft, welbutrin & ativan are prescribed, you could ask your doctor to review whether your meds need to be adjusted or changed.  Ideally, you need a doctor who is strong in pharmacology & is aware that tramadol is structurally similar to Effexor which is why it is best tapered.

It is possible to taper very slowly & have minimal physical discomfort so there is no need to be scared.  I do encourage you to get some help as you could feel so much better with the right meds & self medicating when you are on tramadol is extra risky.

Best wishes.
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Avatar universal
Thanks for the encoragment.  I actually did have a seizure while at work one day about 2 months ago.  I knew something was wrong because i was very shaky and physically "off" for a couple days before.  I was taking alot of pills the days leading up to it.  As far as everyone knows, I passed out, and don't know why.  That really scared me. I have taken Vicodin whenever I can get it as well, but that is not very often.  Im able to buy Tramadol online so it is easy to get.  I have an extremely addictive personality and it doesn't take much to get me onto something.  Years ago, I was addicted to meth. Up until about a year ago, I was daily drinker.  I take anti-depressent for depression. (zoloft and Welbutrin)  I also take Ativan as needed for anixety.  I don't have any problems with the ativan.  It's usally the opiates that take it's hold on me.

To Madtram, you mentioned not to take 5htp or St. Johns Wart.  Why is that?  I've been taking 5htp for about a month or two.  What is happening by me doing this?  I've done alot of research on Tramadol addiction and withdrawal and I am terrified.  I'm already depressed as it is, but withdrawing is gonna be so bad.
Helpful - 0
599071 tn?1300068702
It won't feel like at first, it but 9 months is an excellent time to get off the tramadol.  As you have noticed, tolerance to tramadol builds quite quickly & people have found themselves taking 30 pills a day.  Once you get to those sorts of doses, you have a real risk of seizure.

You have done a great job getting your dose down by half.  We are not allowed to give specific tapering advice but in general terms, a very slow taper can help, particularly if you found a big drop in dose too uncomfortable.

Weekly dose reductions can be small, as long as you are sticking to the taper & not ever increasing your dose again.

The Thomas recipe remedies can help, (but don't take St John's Wort or 5htp until you are completely off the tram).  Realistically though, I think your prospects of success will be much better if you accept that the quitting process will affect your life.  Tramadol is a powerful medication & it will take time to reverse the effects it has had.  We will do everything we can to help but as the others have said, part of successful recovery is acknowledging that taking pills does have consequences & being very honest with yourself about the reasons.

Many many people on this site have been where you are now & are tramadol free.  Emily Post's journal has more than 60 pages of other people's experiences & suggestions for tramadol withdrawal.  The current thread is http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/273981/Tramadol--Ultram-Recovery-Room-Part-44

I hope that you keep your resolve to do this because now is a perfect time.
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Avatar universal
Hi and welcome!   There are a few members who have experience with Tramadol withdrawal and they''ll post to you so keep checking back.

In the meantime,any withdrawal is going to affect your life. You know that. But,certainly there are things you can do to help yourself along.

First of all: Relax and don't worry!  Next,you're wise to taper. Keep going down and go slowly. I think it may help you in the long run. You don't need to hurry it along. Just steadily decrease the dose.

Keep your fluid intake high. Eat well. Get exercise. Don't keep secrets.  You can do this...9 months isn't a terribly long time.
Helpful - 0
495284 tn?1333894042
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi and welcome~~

We have some members who have successfully come off tramadol.  They are very helpful and supportive.  tramahater and madtram are the ones i am talking about and they will be on at some point.  I do hope you will share your addiction with your family at some point as our secrets keep us sick.  Do you take anything else?  Keep talking with us as we are here to support you~~~~sara
Helpful - 0
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495284 tn?1333894042
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