Tramadol withdrawals

[phil1961]

If lets say I have a "good" doctor and I told him that I needed help quitting Tramadol addiction, what would his best means of action be. I just dont want a "try cutting down" or just stop taking them. I want a good plan from my doc to take control of them and not having them control me. Plus as many others, Im terrified of the hellish withdrawals, which I have experienced one too many times.

[Jcinme]

I am so glad I found this sight. After neck surgery and six months on Percocet,, I asked my doc for help getting off. I asked if there was something I could take that would help the recovery pain without the addictive qualities. He gave me Tramadol. I had no side effects and felt great. Until, I ran out two days ago. I thought I had the flu. I fell nauseous, aching, feverish and generally horrible. I went through all the withdrawals from Percocet and made it was so proud of my self only to discover I'm dependent on something else. And I had no idea this was going to be as bad as the last. Man, I feel stupid.

[phil1961]

Thanks Bubulous. Advice well taken. As I said I will definately keep you all posted.

[phil1961]

LOL, Vickie...only problem is that I live alone and even if I did have someone to ration them out to me, just like you I'd sniff them out. I will prob ask for docs advice and try to be strong on this. Plus with support from good people on this forum it could help tremendously. I will keep you all posted.

[Bubulous]

I also get my primary care from the VA and I am very happy with the clinic that I chose.  You may be feeling "normal" when you take them now but you are not feeling like yourself.  As a fellow soldier I will tell you that the pain pills hide a lot of the attributes that we are appreciated for.
Many drs don't understand that aspect of it but most psych drs do.  If you tell the VA about it they will likely set you up with an addiction counseler and if you wish they will put you inpatient for a while as you come off of them.
I know you don't want to quit them but I have seen very little addicts be able to go from addiction to responsibly taking the meds.  It is a choice that you are going to have to make on your own and I think in the end you will make the right one just stay strong and find your peace whatever it takes.

[VICourageous]

Hi yes I just found that out about the trams having a anti in them..That was very interesting..You do learn alot on this site..Well can you give the pills to someone you trust to dull them out to you..Maybe away from the house..I say this because when I gave them to my mom ( who lives on my property) or even my hub, I could just sniff them out and find them any where...Maybe something to think about...
vickie

[phil1961]

Thanks for the welcome peeps. And thanks for the advice. Just a bit more on me. I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease L-4 and L-5 disc 2 years before I retired from the Navy. Ive been on Tramadol for about 4 years now and have a doc at the VA who is very good,,buuuut I havent told him about me getting hooked definately taking more than is prescribed. As in many people, I started out great taking only what I needed for pain, but now im like taking them just to feel "normal" if that makes sense. Because it affects the serotonin levels in your brain, it acts as an antidepressant. Many docs dont recignize that aspect of it but its true. When I first statred taking them as usual my original doc never told me about its potent adiction capabilities and just handed them out like candy. Now Im firmly in the Tram grip.I dont want to really quit them all together, just get a control on them...thx again

[Bubulous]

A lot of people do not have a good dr to make a w/d plan with and I think you are fortunate if he/she works with you on this.  As you said you have been through it before so you should pretty much know what to expect.  Good luck and let us know how you are doing.

Larry

[VICourageous]

Welcome you came to a good site..We have alot of experience people here with tram addiction...So u do not want to do a slow taper???
I just ask that because I came c/t off of the dones,adderral & a benzo and I highly recomment a taper...I have been clean 6m now and I do not like it when the docs put you on the merry-go-round with one pill to another..(my experience only)..I will say trying to come clean is the best thing you can ever do...The blessing just roll in...Keep checking your post they roll in and out..I wish you the best..What ever u choose to do..
My God be with you..
vickie