Hi all. I hope there are still people checking back to this thread as I could do with some advice. I'm on 400mg of slow release Tramadol a day and the only advice I've been given by my Dr is to gradually reduce the dose. I've been on tram for 3 years and finding it extremely difficult to cut back even a little bit as it makes me feel so awful.
I am on day five of quitting Tramadol 'cold turkey.' As a former runner with bad knees, I began using Tramadol to prolong the running of marathons. That was four years ago. On average I use take 90 50mg in a week not to continue running (gave that up 3 years ago), but because I can't function without it. Last Friday morning I decided to quit and flushed remaining tablets 'down the drain.'
Friday was not too bad. Saturday and Sunday were terrible. I missed my granddaughter's birthday and father's day brunch (I told all that I have the flu) and barely managed to get out of bed (except to run to the bathroom every hour or so). Today is much better. No sweats/shaking, greatly reduced sense of anxiety or sudden urges to use the bathroom.
There is light at the end of the tunnel! I refuse to relapse and order more Tramadol via the internet. Good luck to all who take the brave step to quit. You can do it.
Hi blondy740 and welcome!
So glad you found this site; there are lots of people here that have experienced what you are going through and can help out with information and support as you go through this process. I took Tramadol for a long time (over 15 years), and can totally relate to how you are feeling right now. I would be happy to share some suggestions of things that helped me get through the detox and withdrawal. How long have you been taking it and how much were you taking? Are you getting it from your doctor? The anxiety and restlessness are really common w/d symptoms, which fortunately do not last for more than a few days once you have quit completely. Are you planning to quit cold turkey (you mentioned you only have 6 left). The post above with the tips is from 2012 (this is an older thread). It does have some good suggestions. You may also want to check out the Thomas Recipe (click on the link on the bottom of this page - right side); it is a 'protocol' for opiate withdrawal and has lots of good information and helpful remedies. You can also start a new thread (and will likely get more responses to your individual questions) by clicking on "Post a question" in the brown box at the top of the page. And/or I'd be happy to help you out w/some suggestions, send me a message any time. Tramadol is a tough med to withdraw from; it does not let go easy. But it can be done - and you sound like you are ready! In any case, you have found the right place - you are not alone in this :)
Julie
you really made some sense!!! Im so thankful you took the time to write tips down and suggestions for those of us still battling!! Thank you so much.
Im totally hooked on tramodols. Ive had maybe 6 a day for the last four days...I have about 6 left total...Im freaking out. the 6 im taking isnt enough..im anxious...sleepless...in pain all over..mainly my legs. Im scared to death...Im out...im tired of this...I dont want to do it anymore...any way to detox my system or any sleep aids helpful?? I took melotonin and valerien root last night..still I only slept a few hours. I started seeing an acupuncture dr. to help with physical pain..and Ive been told fish oil is the way to go...4grams a day to assist with pain...and to tell you the truth its only been two days since I took fish oil and its noticeably better. Still I cant tell you how bad the anxiety and sleeplessness is !!! I need a little help. thanks!
If I relapsed on tramadol after 36 hours clean, did I just start the processs all over again?