so sick

[seekingmedvice]

I have been on tramadol for over 6 years, taking only two - three a day.  my doctor told me he wanted me to try to stop taking it.  He only said cut one pill in half until that's done and then work on getting the other one gone.  That was on Monday it's Friday night 1:20 and it's been the most miserable week ever!  I am hot and cold at the same time, I feel like lightening bolts are going through my body,  sick to my stomach, headache and just feel so ill.  I think the lightening bolts are the worst.  I can't even sit still to get rest from it.  Is there any natural things I can do to help prevent this, or anything over the counter?  I feel like I have been left alone to my own resources!  Please help!

[seekingmedvice]

Thanks for the advice.  The electricity and rls are definately the hardest.  I have experienced a little depression, but between my faith and St. John's Wort I'll be fine.  I have been walking when I can during the day and I agree, fresh air and exercise are key!  I am so glad to hear you are doing better, I'll be praying for your continued recovery, I have told my family, this is the hardest thing (physically), that I have ever done!  I so appreciate this site and all of you!

[seekingmedvice]

Thanks for all the advice!  I soooo appreciate it!  It is day 13 for me and the electricity and or rls has subsided all except for a couple times a night, but for the most part it only last for an hour or so.  A nice man at the local Better living center suggested that I take magnesium several times a day until I started having frequent loose stools, and then back off.   It made a huge difference.   I am still having tough nights as a lot of pain in my back has come back again!  I talked to my Dr.'s assistant and let her know what has been going on with me and when she try to downplay it by saying it is a safe drug, I let her know about this site and the numerous testimonies.  She was shocked, but I'm not going to let it go.  I am going petiton my Dr. and try to do what I can to let people know the dangers of it.  My prayers go out to anyone going through this!  Thanks so much!

[howlingshadow]

I quit tram two weeks ago, unfortunately you are going to go through hell but you can do this. Alternate tylenol and IBprofin every couple hourse. Live in hot baths and showers, the baths you need epsome salts. Take magnesium and potassium and 5 hour energy drinks helped, even to sleep believe it or not. It seemed to me that 5 htp made it worse, but I found a sleep aid with meletonin and gaba in it that helped a lot at night. The electricity only last a couple days but the RLS is hell. Wrap your legs in ace bandages, it helps trick the brain. Email me, I have just been through it and still sick a little. If you can walk on a tredmill, or walk around the house. Get fresh air if possible, I think tram is the worse thing on the planet, just because it lasts so long and the emotional roller coaster, I am still on it, but getting better. If you get suicidal call someone for help.  Let me know how you are doing.

[texaslady68]

Welcome Seeking.

Unfortunately, these doctors think that Tramdol is harmless, and from what all I have been reading, it is a worse detox thank a hydrocodone, oxy addiction.  There are quite a few groups that are trying to get this drug classified as Schedule II Narcotic.  The drug companies have so much money, it is easy for them to get around it, but i do hear talk it may be changed soon due to all of the people becoming addicted and the withdrawals.  It is basically a synthetic narcotic made from chemicals and not from the poppy seed plant like regular pills.  It affects the brain differently, but not the body.  

I know all about the electricity shooting through your body feeling.  It is the WORST!  It used to always happen to me at night.  I would just get up and walk around and pray.  I would massage my arms and hands to try and get rid of it.  I feel for you.    The good news, is that is does subside in about 5 days or so,  Just be ready for some depression to set in, it is going to take awhile to rewire your brain.

Good luck to you, you will make it through this.  Trust me, I beat 120 pill a week Norco addiction.  There is light at the end of the tunnel but with no electricity! lol

[seekingmedvice]

Thanks going to try .  Don't mind not sleeping, just not being able to rest (at all), body is jumping.

[lulu747]

Seeking...
Hi and welcome to the forum..
I'm sorry you are suffering.  I have limited personal experience with Tramadol but am very familiar with opiate detox.  You are experiencing common withdrawal symptoms and there are some natural and OTC aids that I can suggest.
First of all..Hydrate.  Drink as much fluid (water, gatorade, herbal teas) as you can.  Bundle up warm.  Immodium for the tummy pain/runs.....Bananas for the restless legs and cramping-they are full of potassium and your body is depleted.  Hot baths with epsom salts help with everything.  I lived in the bathtub for the first few days of detox...Melatonin for sleep..Valerian root (nature's valium)  Did I mention HYDRATE?
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent the w/d...But the worst of the physical usually lasts only last 3-5 days after the pills are out of your system. If you can't sleep..Get up and walk around or do something to distract your brain from your physical being.  Listen to music, watch movies, read other posts on this forum...There are many members who have detoxed from Tramadol that will be able to give you more specific advice.
Know that you are not alone.  Hang in there and treat yourself with extra care...
Sending support..
Lu