Ultram addiction

[Halen]

I am a 49 yr old white male, good job, me and my girlfriend have a 8yr old daughter together I like playing guitar, drawing, Oil painting.  My problem is this Ultram, I have never ever done drugs in my life up until i got hooked on this.  My girlfriend was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and one of her meds was some ultram.  I had a bad headache one day i ask her for one.  It gave me a sense of well being like everything is ok, energy, and the thing i liked the most was it lasts for up to all day and i would stay awake allnight.  1 became 2 then 3 then up to 10 in a day. I quit one time but went back, no withdrawls up until now everytime I try to quit I have withdrawels I can go maybe one day without but the next day I have no energy, at all it feels like I run a mile, toss and turn all night, grouchy,moody,if I dont get it. I want some help I always thought that Ultram a docter told me its not addictive its a non narcotic and you can get off when you want WRONG!  I have been taking this for almost 2yrs or longer please give me some help I want to quit I dont need it the only reason I take it is becuase I have withdrawles and I cant preform my job the way it should be.

[avisg]

halen,
tapering is the way to go .....try reducing one pill every 4 to 7 days ..........when you get down to 5 or 6 you are going to want to go a bit slower one half every 7 days ......this gives your body time to adjust back a bit slower ....you can do it .........

[need2bfree]

Hi and welcome!  I am 45 and have had an Ultram (Tramadol) addiction for several years now.  I am currently in day 5 of withdrawl and it has not been easy.  But then planning my entire life around a perscription refill has been no walk in the park either!

I can tell you that I was taking up to 15-20 pills a day and really could not function without it.  The feeling of being superwoman and having a ton of energy that I got in the beginning went away, and I was taking the pills just to feel normal.

I have heard a LOT of people say that you should taper from Ultram/Tramadol due to the risk of seizure. I did not do that, I just went cold turkey and it was HARD.  I did drop down to 10 pills per day for about two weeks before I quit, but that was as close as I got to tapering.

I am NOT an expert or an RN or doc, just a mom, wife and addict who can tell you what I experienced.  I'm NOT recommending cold turkey, that is just what I did because I didn't know about the seizure risk others talk about.  In hindsight I wish I had done more research, but I just wanted to be off the pills so badly I just picked a date and went for it.

I took a week of vaction (I have a pretty demanding job) so that I could get through the first week of w/d at home. My husband has been taking care of me and our son so that I can just rest and try to get better. I tried to w/d while working once and it was a nightmare!  For me, planning my detox and w/d really helped me cope.

I can tell you what to expect and what has helped me deal with the w/d symptoms if you want to know.  My biggest piece of advice is to get away from the horrible Ultram as soon as you can.  I was also told that they were non-narcotic and non-addictive. LIES!!

Good luck and remember that there are a TON of people here who can give you their experiences, support and friendship.  You've done the right thing by reaching out.  Let me know if you want me to share anything about my w/d with you.

[Avalancheblanche]

I am so sorry to hear of your problem.  I too was taking Ultram.  It is so misunderstood.  I know that with the amount you are taking, you probably need to taper if you indeed plan to quit...which I highly suggest.  There is a risk of seizures if you dont taper.  Avisg is very knowledgable with this subject.  She should be hopping in here soon!

[cathy5841]

i don't think you should go off ultram cold turkey.  it one of the drugs you need to taper from because of seizures.  i personally have never taken them but i have read it on here.  hang someone with lots of experience in addiction will come along soon.  welcome to the forum.  you are at the right place to get help.  good luck and someone will be here soon.
cathy