Tramadol withdrawal is KILLING me...but, dammit, I plan to win. When will I feel "normal"??

[srvblooze]

Took my last Tramadol on Sunday evening and went to see my Doctor the next day. She is my new Doctor, not the idiot that told me that Tramadol was harmless and "much less addictive than other painkillers".

Background: I had an accident just and my doctor gave me tramadol. One of the benefits of taking it, I found, was that it stopped me from drinking (I used to drink truck loads) because I was terrified of seizures & depressed respiratory system that would stop my breathing during sleep, etc. Tramadol was a wonder drug. I could do all the stuff I used to and - BONUS! - I got a nice, happy buzz from it.

Then, several months after I was on Tramadol, my wife and I moved to Hong Kong. Once here I found out that Tramadol is sold over the counter and I just began buying BOXES of the stuff. I didn't take them during the day because I teach small children and I need to be totally aware of what's happening in class, but at 5 PM each night I'd take two. Then three....and two more at 8.....two more at 11, etc.

I'd been here in Hong Kong for 2 years when I noticed that Tramadol was intefering with my sleep. I'd sleep two hours, wake up for two more, all night long. Then I'd become incredibly sleepy at about 2 or 3 in the afternoon. There is lots to see and do here and my wife couldn't even get me out of the house on weekends.

Anyway, lately all I've wanted to do was sleep. So, Sunday night I said "okay, that's enough. I'm done"

Last week I tried to get off it on my own and I lasted 36 hours before I went to buy some more. I then got my Doctor involved. She had no idea I was taking all this stuff, thought I know I should have told her before. She has me on:

2 mg Diazepam (Vicodin) 3X day
4 mg Chlorpheniramine 3X Day

She also gave me something called Dolpocetmol which is a kind of painkiller and told me to take them as needed. I still haven't taken one yet even though my back hurts like hell off and on during the day. I think that's just the Tramadol saying "Listen to me -  YOU NEED me!"

Other than that, I have cravings for sugar that I indulge and I'm taking vitamins. I've heard exercise is great but I just don't have the energy yet to get on the treadmill. Day 3 and counting.....

Well, I am extremely determined to come out the other side of this and enjoy life again. My question is- at what point can I expect the worst of withdrawal to be over?

PS Thanks for reading the little novella I wrote above
Any help would be expected.

[srvblooze]

Sorry, my mistake- I meant to write "VALIUM". Diazepam is just the clinical name for valium. Must have been my sub-conscious writing that ;-)

[leeisgettingclean]

ultram is not OTC here is it? never messed with it and no plans i hear its bad

[Ella789]

Wouldn't the vicoden be taking the place of the Tram ?    Perhaps, the antidepressant in the Tram is causing more of the problem.  There are many people on here who have kicked Tram and some trying to kick it.   Others will post soon with their info/advice.   It is hard to realize that this stuff is sold otc,  it is way too dangerous for that!!!          I think you will be okay and am glad a Dr. is helping you with other pain meds.  You are wise to get off the Tram.   I hope the w.d. ends soon for you.

Ella

[leeisgettingclean]

did you quit cold turkey? this is a dangerous way to go off tram. And are you wanting off pain killers and if so do i understand right that you are now taking vics? if so this is just another big prob