tramadol withdrawl: using 10mg vicodin

[starshine7]

I have developed a habit of using the 10 vics when I run out of trams, and it never really makes me have any withdrawl. But this week(starting no tramadol on tuesday) I have felt more anxious and kinda just not myself in my head.Sweating,etc. Not focusing as much.  I'm thinking it must be withdrawl from tramadol after all.Anyone have an idea?

[starshine7]

Wow! minds think alike...I guess I just keep realizing how much we are all so much alike on here..scary but comforting. Yes, I think the dangers of tramadol are not worth it, but my particular doctor,as well as now my boyfriends pain management shot guy, ONLY prescribe tramadol. I think it must be to cut down on vics etc but its not cutting down on the pain. Some days are better than others with the pain of course, but its the damn tolerance you so quickly build up with tramadol that I'm fighting.

[killerzoey]

I actually used hydrocodone to come off Tramadol, and I had withdrawals even while on the hydros. In fact, I got through MOST of the withdrawals while on the hydros!

I'd listen to FourJays and others who have tested the waters without the Tramadol and eventually found the pain manageable. It's tough because you have to get through the rebound pain first, AND the usual withdrawal stuff, which can be protracted after taking Tramadol.

I don't know much about this because I'm relatively pain free at the moment, but I feel for those that struggle with real pain on top of the addiction or dependence.

Take care :)

Zoey

[FourJays]

I totally understand the chronic pain thing.  That is how I got started on the Tramadol over 14 years ago.  I ended up having spinal fusion surgery last summer and by then my Tramadol usage was over the top.  Then add in all of the other "heavier" opiates in the mix as well - I have pretty much been on every one of them.  The Tramadol was the hardest to get off of by far, but I did it.  The surgery did help for sure, but I still have problems in my lower back and feel some pain from both every day.  Physical therapy has done wonders as does regular exercise and eating right, vitamins, etc., all the "boring" stuff I thought would never make a difference.

I had heard this but never believed it - once you are off the pills the pain actually is better.  I swear it is TRUE.  I think we become dependent on the pills and our brain tells us we need them to feel better - NOT always true.

That is insane that your doctor will only prescribe you Trams.  Have you told him that you would like to get off of them?  There are other options out there.  Is this a doc you have been seeing for a long time?  What about another opinion?  The fact is that is up to you.  I am telling you from experience that this drug will NEVER just let you go.  The longer you take it the more and more you are going to need to avoid the w/d.  There are other options for pain and even relaxation and sleeping.  Tramadol took 10 years of my life away - I am NOT just being dramatic - it really did.  It will keep taking from you until you become someone YOU don't even know.  I have had several seizures from overdoses, lost friends, walked away from a 20 year career, spent thousands; I could go on forever, I'm sure you get the gist.

Please consider it.  There ARE options.  It is not easy, but if I can do this I' sure you can.  You will always have support here and will NEVER be judged.  So if and when you decide (which I SO hope you do), just start - post questions, ask for advice on how to get started . . . there are a lot of people here who have been there and done it.  Whatever you decide, I really do wish you the best and Please be careful with the trams (& what about the vikes - where are those coming from :))  Also - thank you for the kind note on my status.  I cant tell you how much things like that mean to me and help me on my mission to STAY CLEAN FOREVER!!!

[starshine7]

I have gone through hell with it, so I would love to, but my doctor will only prescribe it for me for pain, nothing else. (vicodin is an obvious side issue I have) Basically I want to but it helps me sleep and focus and takes care of my back pain which is chronic in my lower back.

[FourJays]

It does sound like withdrawal symptoms.  Are you planning on trying to quit the Tramadol?