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[SugarBug88]

I have been taking tramidol for almost a year now. I get them from Mexico. I have been having a really hard time going number 2. Has anyone else had this problem? It is starting to freak me out. I sometimes go a few weeks without going. Please help.

[Julia M Aharonov, DO]

Even though tramadol is not considered a true narcotic medication and is relatively easily prescribed for pain by some physicians, it is as you have found out quite addictive and difficult to quit. You should definitely be tapering the pills to minimize the symptoms of withdrawal.  The way you taper is to take half a pill less a day every day until you take only one at night, than half at night, and finally none. This should minimize your withdrawals.
The withdrawal from it is essentially the same as the one for the opiates and usually takes several weeks of the really nasty symptoms followed by several more of just insomnia and general weakness and depression. See if a doctor is able to prescribe you some Requip for the restless leg syndrome and possibly something like Seroquel low dose for the insomnia.  I do think you should go on an SSRI antidepressant for at least a few months to cover the SSRI effects of the tramadol. There are over the counter  things that are available to help such as Valerian root and magnesium.
But it does get better and better every day, so please don't give up.  I encourage you to look at my blog on detox options for more info on withdrawals and blog specifically about tramadol by clicking on my name and you may be interested in taking a look at my clinic’s website, www.mdsdrugdetox.com since we often detox patients with tramadol addictions.I know that you already read my bog about tramadol as I have notice and responded to your comment to it.
Once you get through the withdrawals, the only thing you should keep in mind is as people start to feel really good after a few months out; they forget how bad the withdrawal really was and think they can start using again.  Just once or twice....  and they get caught up yet again.  Please try to remember how bad it is right now and stay far away from all drugs in the future.  It is just not worth it.
Good luck to you and my best wishes.

[ywf27]

This is incredibly common when taking any kind of opiate. Take senekot and drink lots of h20.