Ultram withdrawal

[theGolden1]

How long does it take to get Ultram out of your system? I take 3 a day ... I just need to know how many days or weeks will it take?

[Starraven]

although I have never gone through Ultram withdrawal, I heard it was worse than Hydro or Oxycodone withdrawal.  I guess it all depends on how long you were taking them.  Did you get the recipe that helps with withdrawals..If not I will post it for you.  My withdrawal this past month took all of thirty days.  Hopefully for you it won't take that long. Its different for everyone and once the physical withdrawals are gone, I had alot of mental addictions to deal with.  (the whispers as we call it)

I have also heard that some coming off of ultram didn't have any withdrawal symptoms.  Maybe you will be one of the lucky ones.  If not. prepare to be sick.  Its no picinic. Let me tell you!  

Let me know if you need The Famous Thomas recipe that will help you detox.

Good luck to you
Suze

[suzieneedshelp]

Can u please elaborate on "mental" addictions and the whispers?  
I am on stadol nasal spray for headaches.  
Thank you very much!
Peace to all...
Suzie

[Starraven]

The mental addiction..simply put my mind always thinking about the pills..The whispers in my head that I need the pills, I want the pills. It was horrible for me to the point that i had to throw all prescription pill bottles away.  Just seeing those brough back the whispers.  If I saw a movie and they opened their medicine cabinet and i saw pill bottles the thoughts of..wow, I need some of those pills came back.  Thats all mental, Or even passing a pharmacy in Kmart or something would get me thinking again and it drove me nuts.
That was my mental part and the whispers.

Hugs,
Suze

[mrrstracy]

I was taking ultram 8 x's a day. When I quit taking it, the next morning I felt like I'd been hit by a truck and shook for 2 days. After about 5 days, I felt like I was getting back to "normal" To me, the withdraws weren't as bad as from vics, or etc. It was easier for me to taper off of them too. I found myself actually forgetting to take one. Hope it goes well for you too.

[Allburnedout]

Just had to post. One of the things that has really helped me during the first 2 weeks has been Celebrex (non-narcotic). It helped tremendously with the restless legs and aches.

[Allburnedout]

Just had to post. One of the things that has really helped me during the first 2 weeks has been Celebrex (non-narcotic). It helped tremendously with the restless legs and aches.

[puma]

Hi to all,

I am on Ultram for the second time. The first time, I went off it I don't recall any withdrawal, except I had severe convulsions in church for six hours and had to to be helped to walk after that. Then I started heaving for two days. I do not think Ultram was involved as I cut it and was cutting down from 10 Mg,s of Klonopin really fast. I think it was the Klonopin withdrawal as that is what cleared it up.

It was the second time for DT'S in three months. The first time, in February I was on triple out-patient detox from 300 mg's Codiene a day, 10 mg's Klonopin and I bottle alcohol, (Gin).  The Ultram never seemed to phase me but the Klonopin nearly killed me. I am on Klonopin now and feel somewhat sick today. I cut down yesterday from four to three 50 mg tabsof Ultram, but I think the constipation is what is making me feel crappy. I feel like a backed up sewer system, so to speak. Once I cut back to only when desperately in pain, I will clean out and feel fine. I am depressed though but I believe more alcohol withdrawal rather than Ultram.

Chatahan.....wildcat

[puma]

BTW, I forgot to add, I tried Celebrex and Vioxx and neither worked at all just like Tylenol. Only Ibuprofen works for me, besides the Codiene of course but I am off of that.

Chatahan.......wildcat

[Starraven]

Hey there Wildcat!
I agree, I have boxes of sample vioxx in my cabinet and maybe two pills missing..Doesn't work..Neither did the celebrex.  Maybe our pain is just too bad.  

I'm gona email you, haven't forgotten.  Hugs to you!

Suze

[theGolden1]

I am far from an expert on these matters ... and you are a very brave person, but perhaps it would be wise to taper off one thing at a time. I mean .. it would be safer. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers .... ((( wildcat )))

[puma]

(Starraven)

Thanks for the nice comments. I am looking forward to your email. I agree, ur pain must be too strong for most meds.

Take care and God Bless.


(Golden1),

Thank you for the advice,

The first triple detox was not by choice, I was cut off by my Doc because I was drinking along with the pills, I had been sober from the booze for nearly two years but had relapsed in January.

The second time I was just plain angry at the addictions and tried on my own, a big mistake and major failure because as soon as the seizures and DT'S started I Crashed and Burned back to the booze and my Doc scolded me about taking the Klonopin and refraining from the booze. I was down to 1 mg of Klonopin. She put be back on 8 mg's.

I am going to take it one at a time this time, yes. I cannot go through that again. The Ultram is first along with the booze. I am on and off with the booze, I just need to buckle down. It's mainly boredom when I drink, so I just need to keep busy even if I have to force myself. I am starting correspondance courses soon and that will take alot of my time besides keeping house, yard and 10 cats and 1 dog happy. Thanks for your concern and encouragement. Good luck to you on your Ultram withdraw as well.

Take care and God bless,

Chatahan.......wildcat

[theGolden1]

I too am an "older" person and although I messed with drugs in my youth, I straightened out and started a family and all that good stuff. My kids are grown and I have grandchildren now. I didn't even take an asprin for 20 years. Then one day, I needed dental work and the dentist perscribed vicoprophen for pain. By the time I was done with the work, the drugs had altered my brain chemistry and I began to have bouts of pain, fatigue and depression. The pain was really bad and I was eventually refered to a rheumatologist. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia (which is a brain thing) and given more codine.(plus celebrex) Then the doc put me on Ultram and I was very glad. Since this condition subsides over time and some folks have occasional "flares", I'd like to see how much actual pain I have in my "normal" state of being. OK My point is ... if you have chronic pain (for whatever reason) pain meds(used correctly) are very appropriate. It is a proven fact that you do not get "high" if you use pain meds for pain. The medicine takes care of the pain. My particular condition makes me extremely sensitive to pain. They try all different meds on Fibromyalgia ... antidepressants, neurontin,opiates, ultram, an so on. I am soooo glad that my doctor didn't give me antidepressants or any other meds. For you ... Body Mechanic, please don't be so hard on yourself. If you are "abusing" drugs, that's one thing, but if you are in physical pain, perhaps you need to see a doctor yourself. I also think alternative and natural pain control is wonderful. Excersize, heat and message ... all good. Whatever you decide, I just know you'll do fine .... G

[A-Factor]

As far as the Vioxx is concerned, you can't expect to pop it and have it work like Tylenol or Ibuprofen.  Give it a few days to work before you give up.  It's worked wonders for some, others it doesn't help at all.

Just a brief background of myself.  I've been here before, and unfortunately I'm back.  Lost my job at a hospital pharmacy after about a year of borrowing Vics and Percs.  I came clean after a week of horrendous withdrawels and got myself back on my feet with a new job at yes...another hospital pharmacy.  

Sorry to say I'm back to my old ways, but I'm attempting to stop.  I was scared of the withdrawels again, but each time I've taken some "time off" from the pills, I've not really experienced ANYTHING like what I had before.  Which gives me hope, because once those voices in my head stop telling me to "JUST TAKE ONE" I'll be alright.

I can't possibly lose my job again, more importantly, it would kill my mother and husband who were NOTHING but supportive in my horrible ordeal a few months ago.

There is hope!  You can quit, and quit again if necessary.  I'm working on it!

[1fortheroad]

Hi.  I'm new here, but I have read through many of the threads. You guys seem like a great support group.

Ultram seems to be a big topic here.  Hydros are my vice.  I am down to my last refill, and I really want to stop this craziness.

I have read about Thomas' Recipe, and I have already stocked up.  I'm also thinking of trying Buprenex.  I've already discussed it with my doctor, and he is more than willing to try it.  I suffer from degenerative disk disease, and I'm worried about what my pain level will be like.  I have the greatest doctor in the world.  He isn't paranoid.  All he wants is for me to be comfortable, and he didn't read me the riot act when I told him about my problem with the Hydros.

I hope I will be welcomed here, because I think you all could really help me.  I think I have a lot to contribute too.  Have a nice weekend all!!!

[Bodymechanic]

I work in a medical clinic with a pharmacy. Fortunately for me I stay far away from the controlled substances which are locked in a box. Unfortunately ultram is not a controlled substance and there is always more than an ample supply brought in by the drug reps. I tried a few times to take them all bring them to my wife to hold.  The reps were delighted and brougt twice as many next time. The doctor know and don't care that I take them. As far as they are concerned it is the same as vioox. But I do understand the tremendous temptation that you must be under at all times. Make no mistake about it, if you keep steal drugs you will lose your job and probably face some probation time.

I recently went to a pain clinic with knowelage of addiction. I came completely clean with them about my drug history dating back to my early teens. They told me now that I have chronic pain I will always abuse my medication. So far they have been right. They have suggested that I go on a methadone program until the details of bupenorphine have been worked out. I was on methadone 20 years ago and it brought a lot of stability to my life. As everyone knows the huge downside is getting off of this ****. I am almost 48 yrs old and I think I might commit suicide during a methadone detox. Needless to say I am scared witless about even starting.  The pain clinic basically compared me to a diabetic (we have all heard that before).  This is the same thing as saying that I am hopeless and could never stay clean for any more than a few months or a few years. So far they have been right. I have been able to stay clean but it is and endless struggle and I always feel shitty even after years.

My question to all of you is....What would you do in my situation? I have a wife and a 13 mo old daughter a great job and life.  It is this problem that keeps me having an almost perfect life.

[southernbelle]

follow your heart and always be true to yourself.  you are so very important to this world and your wife.  make your mind up to get through it no matter what, and never never consider suicide.  you know it's not the answer.  i kinow it feels like it is when you are going through the detox/wd -- but you know it's not the answer.  and the wd/detox is TEMPORARY...you WILL get through it.  what's your favorite music, movie or book?  do positive things and only be around positive things.  you CAN do this, you CAN get through this.  i believe in you, and am sending positive energy your way.  you can do this.

[MrsRat]

Please, please scroll down to the bottom posts and find the post that MethMan and I did recently.   (his was 1-2 days ago, mine tonight)

Both of us are coming off Methadone now CT.  I'm 45 and even with other very potent pain meds I need for my chronic pain, I'm in day 5 of pure outright HELL.

The methadone of today, is NOT the same as what it was 20 years ago.  Some of the clinics, like the one I was going to, add in other things.  I knew someone who took the 'done in 1977, he got clean, but it was real Methadone, not the mixture they call Methadone today.  They NEVER told me about this when I started at the clinic and I only found out by overhearing a nurse talking with another patient.  With my bowel disease, I can NOT take motrin, aspirin, and lots of other such drugs.....they put me into horrible flares and bleeding, then surgery.  I have a test set for a colonoscopy in 2 weeks time to see how bad I am inside and if any more damage has been done in addition to what is already there.  *sigh*

Please read our posts, then think twice, then again, before you go on the evil 'done.  Leave the Methadone where it belongs, with Adolf Hitler and his nazis who made this 'wonder' drug.

MrsRat

[MrsRat]

I scrolled down and checked for you BodyMechanic.  The posts by MethMan and myself are in the thread called 'Physical Withdrawal'.  He posted on 11/9 and I posted there under him on 11/17.

Please read these posts before taking ANY Methadone !  Thanks.

MrsRat

[MethMan]

Dude... 10 - 12 years in a methadone clinic for me.  My advice is to RUN.  Do not even consider it bud.  At the bottom of your post, you listed the real reasons NOT to get near Methadone.  You have a family and most importantly, you have some sense of dignity.  When I walked into the clinic and got my FIRST dose, my dignity was GONE.  Then, self-esteem went and horribly, my ability to avail myself to my family on an emotional level.  Bud, there are people with legitimate, lifelong terrible illnesses here that are trying to steer you away from this THOUGHT of going on Methadone.  Think about that.  MsRat is in a wheelchair and suffers greatly each day.  And SHE posted saying to run too.
I continued using it all those years telling everyone that my back problem was the reason, when actually, I was scared as hell of what would happen by getting off it.
I broke L4 & L5 in my back from a fall.  That is where I got started on pain meds.  During the detox process, I began wondering how my back was going to feel once all the methadone was out of my system.  I can tell you that in my case, Ibuprofin (sp) 800mg is PLENTY for me and my concern for the pain that does exist in my back was a baseless reason for methadone continuance.
Brother... RUN, BODYMECH, RUN.  Find something, ANYTHING other than this evil to help you live a happy, joyous and free life for both you and your family.
I am sorry if I am irritating you on this issue, but if it were left up to me and I was President for a day, I would FORCE ALL methadone Clinics to detox their patience over a humane period of time and assist each one in seeking alternative ways of taking care of their specific issues.
How do you feel about dying, but still being able to walk the earth?  If it sounds good, then methadone is the way to see how it feels.
God Bless you my brother.... I hurt for your thoughts of this option.

Mike

[Bodymechanic]

Your points about methadone are well taken. The only thing I disagree is that methadone is different now than 20 years ago. It was a nightmare then and it is a nightmare now. I am scared to death of starting on this ****. What I really want is bupenorphine.  That was what was suggested to me by an addiction doctor. The problem is that I cannot get it. I don't know why. Some post here saying they are getting it from their doctor. I have looked all over the state of Maryland. It is only available and legal to use for 5-7 days. That is why the addiction doctor  suggested that I use the methadone until bupenorphine more widely available.

I have started asking around about methadone maintainance. I wanted to take no more than 15-20 mg a day maximum. That is more than enough to control my pain and let me sleep at night. From what I am understanding these bastards that profit from these clinics want to start you at a minimum of 40mg a day and then build you up to 90-100 mg. They also want you to stay on for a minimum of a year. I'm sure they know how hard it will be to get off 100mg a day of methadone after using it for a year. They don't want you off. They would love to have everyone as a lifetime patient. I am at the point to where I don't think I will ever get the kind of help I need. I may need to just get completely off all drugs and live with the depression, pain and sleeplessness.  All I want to be is the same as everyone else. I don't think most people are forced to live with pain, depression and sleeplessness.

[chrisby]

I am on burpenex at this time if you would like to e-mail me I'll give you the name and address of my doctor. She's kinda of strange but she knows more about buprenex than anyone I've come accross. I was on meth for 2 years. Started on 25 mgs when up to 50 and back down to 25. Since I switched I have alot more emotions. I am starting to feel alive again. Even my sex drive is back. Which meth took a big chunk out of.
                I hope to be totaly drug free soon but If I push it. My pain and addiction problems will win.
              Chris
              ***@****

[Bodymechanic]

Thanks for your help. I sent you an email but in case you did not get it I am ***@****

[MethMan]

Brother,
The reason you can not find Buprenorphrin (sp) yet is because the FDA just approved it.  Doctors have to attend "special training" in order for the government to approve despensing privledges to them.  I know this because when I was in rehab, that was a possible option to assist me off methadone.  BUT, they could not get it, yet.  The time table is December.  Then, there should be a lot more licensed Doctors that are able to dispense it.
I know the hell that you feel.  Pain can and does cause depression especially over an extended period of time.  Because each individual is different, so does the need exist for different approaches to the same problematic situation.  In my case, Methadone was a life filter.  That's why I've said before that the farther I get from Day 1, the higher I get and the view is spectacular.
IF you are able to tolerate the pain for a few weeks, then I would suggest hanging onto what you have now or find solice in the same knowledge I've gained here in that tomorrow IS better for a recovering addict.
I can tell you that I felt different on even 1mg of Methadone.  I thought that it was such a small amount that I wouldn't feel the withdrawals.  But the hell of this drug is that even though I was on 1mg for the last day, my liver and BONES contained methadone just waiting to leech out.  Once that is in the process and the brain doesn't have methadone to rely on, it becomes time to go see what hell looks like for a week.
Methadone WILL change your life.  It took me over 10 years in a clinic to realize that.
My prayers are out to you..

Mike

[Bodymechanic]

I got your email and sent you another. You may be a lifesaver. If I could see her this instant I would.  This is the first ray of hope I have had in a very long time.

Thanks

***@****