been on tramadol 50 mg for 77 days

[Victor322]

77 days average of about 175mg (3.5 tabs) per day. I needed it for arthritic pain but now want to quit before I become
Addicted again. I know about tapering but should I be concerned since I've only been on them now for 11 weeks? Is 11 weeks long enuf to get me physically dependent? I know that I already am mentally...

TIA!
-Vic



This discussion is related to Question tapering off drugs.

[Sonrissa]

Hi Victor,  it certainly is possible that after 11 weeks of taking Tramadol daily, that you have become dependant on it.  I do not have any personal experience with Tramadol, however there are members here who do, and hopefully they will weigh in with additional information and advice.  Tramadol needs to be tapered because of the risk of having seizures if you suddenly stop. If possible, talk to your prescribing doctor about your desire to quit, and they should be able to give you a taper schedule or advice you can follow.  The withdrawal symptoms from quitting Tramadol are the same as regular Opiates, but Tramadol withdrawals can take longer because it stays in your system longer.

There is tons of information here about Tramadol, so read as much as you can. Also, check out the Thomas Recipe, the link is at the bottom of this page, for some information on things you can do or take to help ease the withdrawal symptoms.  Take care, and keep posting for advice and support. Lots of people have successfully tapered off of Tramadol. You can do it.         All the best!

[PurrfectlyKrazy]

One of our long-term answerers in here told me the following about the tramadol:

"trams are synthetic opiates that stay longer in the system. The detox is therefore longer about 2 weeks,  but is the same as organic opiates in every other way. He should taper down a bit first."

It sounds as if you will have some withdrawal symptoms that will be longer-term than other opiates.  However, you have not been on this drug for years like others have been.

When you are ready to get off of them post a new question titled something like this "Tram Withdrawal---Please Help".  That will attract the attention of every single person in here who has used them and you will get a TON of advice :-)

[Victor322]

actually, I've consumed 150mg/daily (3 tabs) over the past 77 days, some days much higher, others somewhat lower...but often took them when not needed for pain but just for the euphoria...I think that I'm depressed and it does have anti-depressant qualities to it, and with it's opiate-like properties it's a wicked combo indeed.

[PurrfectlyKrazy]

Hi and welcome to our MH home!  I don't know much about Tramadol and it is rather late in the evening.  Keep checking back though...we have some wonderful people here who periodically offer advice and support in the late evening/early morning hours.  Someone will soon be able to chat and help you out.  Fair warning though...we are not allowed to give tapering advice since we are not M.D.'s and don't know your medical history.  With that said, we have a lot of addicts who were hooked on tramadol and will be able to help with advice and support if you are going to get off the drugs and away from the evil demon (so to speak)

Hugz