Tramadol Addiction

[jennie71]

I have been taking 400mg daily for about 2 years now.  I am now at the point where I need to take some other medications for other problems.  I am trying to wean myself off of Tram a little at a time but, having an extreamly hard time.  I get heavy arms, night sweats, flu like symptoms, really bad headaches & many other symptoms.  I am unable to take care of my 18mth old and my 3 year old unless I break down and just take the pills.  I do not have any help with the kids and cannot afford to go to rehab to withdraw.  Does anyone have any advice on what to do to ease it more?  I really want to get off Tram so I can start the other meds safely.  I am at my wits end!  Any help will be appreciated!  

[elefrog42]

Hi there!  I had the same problem........Quit about 1 month ago and I was taking upwards of 400mgs a day too for about a year.  So, this advice will probably get me yelled at, but it worked for me, so I'm going to pass it onto you.  Like you, I didn't really have time (I'm in clinical rotations in school and missing them means not graduating :( ).  I ended up needing dental work and got a script for 12 vicodins.  I had tapered off the tramadol before (which you NEED to do to avoid a seizure), and I was down to 1 pill in the am, 1 in the pm.  Then I quit the trams c/t and starting taking 1 or 2 vicodins a day until they ran out.  I still felt a bit lousy for the first two days, but I could still go into clinics and pretend I know how to be a surgeon :).  After that, it was smooth sailing, and I was able to stop the vics no problem.  BUT if you have any doubts you might get addicted to vicodin, DON'T DO IT.  Personally, they make me waaaaaaay to sick to my stomach to become addicted, but you never know.

Be careful and take care!  Feel free to PM me if you want any more info about quiting trams.  

[jrizz]

hey how old are you and do you have any pills left, and how are you getting them?

[Avalancheblanche]

Is there anyone who you can trust to tell and ask them to help you while you withdraw?  It is good to ween from the trams, there is a risk of seizure if you go ct.  It may make the withdrawal a little easier.