Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Depression from Tramadol withdrawal

I've been through Hell with Tramadol.  I made up my mind to get help and a Dr. Is helping me taper down.  I am now down to 135 mg a day.  Of course this is a great accomplishment from where I was 2 years ago.  However, I have fallen into a depression that is very serious.  I have read that this gloom cloud is a part of Tramadol withdrawal, and will pass.
I guess what I'm needing is a bit of reassurance that someone has been able to get themselves back to feeling good about life again.
I tapered way too fast at first and the depression landed right away. I've slowed down the tapering so that I won't fall off the deep end.  I now understand what real depression is, and I will never judge people who suffer with this again. (Not that I really did before,  but you don't really understand until you experience it)
I was told by someone that my ability to create endorphins has been compromised by using an opiate for so long, that my body has to begin to supply those natural chemicals for itself.
Is it possible that this ability will never return?  I think the worst part is thinking that this feeling will never change.  I take no pleasure in any of the things I used to enjoy in life.  This is a very scary place.
My understanding is that anti-depressants affect serotonin and dopamine.  These brain chemicals are not the same as the endorphins.
I know Tramadol is a complicated drug which is a synthetic opiate AND acts as an anti-depressant as well.
My main concern is for the depression; Can a person who has used this drug ever come back from this horrible dark place?
17 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
1684282 tn?1614701284
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You are very well informed. When you take opiates for a long time like you have, your body's physiology has been altered. Your central nervous system has created a multitude of opioid receptors that all are screaming for endorphins (opiates) to fill them, but your body has now forgotten how to make them by itself.  It will takes weeks, for your receptors to down-regulate (for the brain begin to heal) and to start making its own endorphins. Brain heals pretty slowly, so it may take months to get rid of feelings of sluggishness, restlessness and depression. The best thing you can do is take good care of yourself, eat healthy food, stay hydrated, keep active and busy. Stay away from sugar, soda, and simple carbs. Do not consume caffeine at least 6 hours prior to bedtime.The reason for this longer depression and insomnia symptoms is because Tramadol, besides affecting the opioid receptors, has an effect on the serotonin receptors in the central nervous system.   That means you may also need an SSRI antidepressant to deal with some depression that may develop as the result of your withdrawal. But it does get better and better every day if you stick with it, so please don’t give up.  I encourage you to look at my blog on Tramadol misuse for more info  by clicking on my name and than "blogs", and please make sure you read the readers' comments to the blog. They are fascinating. You may  also be interested in taking a look at my clinic’s website, www.mdsdrugdetox.com since we often detox patients with Tramadol addictions.
Once you get through this residual depression, 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 stay well.
Helpful - 2
Avatar universal
A related discussion, Tramadol withdrawal depression was started.
Helpful - 0
1683709 tn?1370709601
Hi Katy,
It's good to hear you are being treated quickly for the breast cancer.
And yes, the Tramadol taper may take a break, but you are doing awesome tapering down to 75mg, that's fantastic.

Personally know I wished I had come off it all quickly two months ago. I'm so sick of tapering, and I still feel like crap. The restless legs and the anxiety are driving me crazy. I was really hoping my body would adjust to being on 100mg much sooner, but maybe I will suffer until I'm completely off the stupid drug? I'm still hopeful that I'll be feeling better soon, and can enjoy our gorgeous summer whether.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Sue,
It's so good to her that your life is getting back to normal, at last approaching it anyway.  I think medical marijuana is a wonderful tool for you to have.  Let me know how that goes.  My brother has a marijuana permit here in the state of Oregon, and has used it for his pain also.
This time of year for us is glorious.  I am so glad that I wasn't facing this trial with breast cancer last winter!
My husband and I spent 3 hours with the surgeon today discussing all of the new information we need to know in order to make decisions about my surgery and treatment.  I have decided to have a breast MRI next week that will give us a better idea of the size of this mass, and whether or not it is the only one in either breast.
Tramadol is still in the picture, but I'm almost ready to go down to 75 mg.  The nightmare of being addicted to Tramadol has definitely taken a back seat to this new challenge.  Still, I remember keenly how miserable I was at the height of my addiction.  It is hard for me to see or view Tramadol as anything but monstrous; at least it was for me.  I feel I will not visit this dark place again.
Let me know how you're doing with the taper.  Every time I drop down 15 mg, I get headaches and struggle with my energy level.  These are the main problems.  My depression seems to have lifted with the use of Fluoxetine, and I'll be revisiting this depression issue as time goes on.
I hope your pain is manageable.  Will you be trying to taper down your dose of T?
Love and Light,
Katy
Helpful - 0
1683709 tn?1370709601
Hi Katy
I'm sorry to hear about your breast cancer diagnosis, thank goodness it was caught at stage 1. My sister was diagnosed with uterine cancer at Christmas,she had a hysterectomy and radiation treatments this spring and is doing really well. Let us know when your surgery is and we can all send you some positive energy as well as our prayers for a speedy recovery.

Last time I posted I thought I was doing better, but then I felt really ill again. It seems to be 2 steps forward and then 1 step back fighting this Tramadol withdrawal. I think the hardest thing for me has been suffering from anxiety and also insomnia. I really don't know why I'm feeling anxious? I'm worrying about stupid things, like I haven't spring cleaned the cupboards this year, or had the energy to put my winter clothes away. I've just noticed there are a few Christmas decorations out, omg?

I'm finally getting out of the house and participating in life again. Last weekend we went to see a Toronto Blue Jays baseball game, to celebrate my son's 22 birthday, I had a great time with my husband and kids (even though I only had 3 hours sleep)

This week I finally got out and got my hair done, I've been walking the dog and did some gardening. My family is giving me lots of support and are happy to see me out of bed and living again!
I'm hoping the insomnia doesn't last too much longer? I'm still holding at
2 50mg tablets a day. I hate taking them now, it feels like I'm taking poison. But I know that I will be off this drug in the fall, and like you I'm not feeling the urgency to detox faster, just coming off slowly.

I had a good chat with my Dr. and she is totally onboard with me using marijuana as needed for my back pain. I am hoping that I never need to use opioids again.

Take good care of yourself, Sue
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hello Friends,
I am tapered down to 90 mg now.  It's been a very slow process, but I have almost no discomfort from withdrawal symptoms.  It definitely helps that the Tramadol is being compounded every 2 weeks by a pharmacist.  I don't have to cut pills or worry about exact dosage.  It's expensive, (or I think it is)  My last 2 week supply of pills cost $68 bucks.  Of course as you guys probably know, Tramadol is very cheap, making it easier to get hooked!
I've been very busy lately and haven't responded.  I found out last week that I have phase 1 breast cancer.  My prognosis is very good, but I will be having surgery soon.  Looks like I'll have radiation as well as hormone therapy.  I am fortunate because this cancer cell is easy to treat.  However, it is hard to detect in exams and mammograms.  Thank God, the radiologist was sharp and noticed a change in breast tissue by comparing the previous film to the current one.  They say we don't need mammograms that often, but in my case it made all the difference.
I'm sure I will be on pain meds for a very short time, but I am on high alert, and frankly, even though I'm continuing my taper OFF tramadol, my biggest goal right now is to get this cancer taken care of.  
My plan to be clean is still very real.  It comes from my heart, and is a part of a larger transformation I am willingly going through.  This change is occurring at a spiritual level.
I hope both of you are doing well.  I am thinking of you and sending my love and prayers.

Let me know how you are.
Thanks,
Katy
Helpful - 0
1683709 tn?1370709601
I'm finally starting to feel well at 100mg.
I'm sleeping through the night, I'm not quite so nauseas, but I am extremely weak and tired. My back pain is bothering me again, now my mind isn't distracted with feeling ill. I've decided to use my medical marijuana to get me through the pain. I will not go on another opioid, and I have no desire to increase my Tramadol dose. I will try to taper slowly now.

Thanks for the support,
Did you have a good long weekend?
Sue
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks so much for answering me. Hope your taper goes well. I am cutting 12.5 mg every 12 days. So you are cutting 15mg every 2 weeks? Dry cutting is hard--that is what I am doing right now. I am now taking 75mg and will cut to about 62.5 next. Does this sound comparable to what you are doing? I appreciate you so much.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Suedeva and Gizmo,
I have tapered down to 120 mg now.  I' am going so slow that it is frustrating, but I am in the care of a Naturopath who knows all of my history with opiates (hydrochodone and Tramadol).  She wants me to taper at 15bmg  every 2 weeks so she is very conservative.  So far the only withdrawal symptoms I have are the extreme lethargy; I;m tired all the time, the depression, slight stomach upset and headache.  And yes, Gizmo, I will be doing this all summer.  The way I look at it is that I was in such abject misery from the Tramadol last winter, and I want OFF this stuff soooo bad!  I just want to be free of it; I want myself back.
Coming off this and my anti-depressant caused such depression that I am now seeing a psychiatric nurse practitioner.  I was almost suicidal in the beginning of this, so she has me on 40 mg of Fluoxetine, which is generic Prozac.
Something I found very interesting that she told me is that my response to this opiate is "paradoxical".  Not everyone gets energy and euphoric feelings from taking Tramadol.  It always gave me such a boost and made me more social and happy.  This is also true when I took Vicodin.  At this point the only thing it's doing is keeping me from being "sick".  I am looking forward to my next taper, it can't happen soon enough.  I am receiving acupuncture for the withdrawal, as well as Bach Flower Remedies, and a homeopathic treatment for the depression.  I think getting off of Tramadol is one of the hardest things I have ever done.  
I think of you Suedeva, I hope your pain is being managed.  Keep going and get off this stuff, there has to be a better way, my friend!  Gizmo, Do what you need to do, if yiu can keep from taking more than what it takes to stay well, then do it, but I can tell you it won't be easier around the holidays.  The naturopath is having my dosage compounded at a pharmacy and I am not having to cut the pills.  It's a little more expensive, but I am certain of the dosage I am getting this way.
Thanks for the information on the support group.  It means a lot to me to know that there are folks out there who know what I'm going through.  Your encouragement helps.  Sometimes my eergy level is so low that I don't even get on my computer, but I'll look out for your messages, both of you.
My vest to you with love,  Katy
Helpful - 0
1683709 tn?1370709601
Helpful - 0
1683709 tn?1370709601
Hi guys,
Here is the Tramadol recovery room, I posted my comments there today.
And there are lots very helpful past posts. I couldn't bring up the link, I'm not good with computers lol, but hopefully you can find it with a search of medhelp?
Sue
Gizmo I think your Tramadol taper is very safe and sensible.
Do you get withdrawal symptoms when you reduce your dose?
If not that's great.
For me, I can't decide if the taper will make the symptoms less. Or if you are just extending the suffering? I don't know and still trying to figure it out.
Sue



Tramadol & Ultram Recovery Room #61
Dec 26, 2013 - 112 comments
Tags: tramadol, ultram, Recovery, Love, Healing, support

Hello Tramadol Warriors!

Welcome to Part 61!

Please make yourself comfortable.  It's a bumpy ride.  But I promise you have come to the right place if you want to get off Tramadol.  Forever.  

This is a place to find support and give support from those who really know what it is like.

Understanding is essential!

You can do this.  


And yes. Eventually you will heal!



Love and Healing,
Emily

Helpful - 0
1683709 tn?1370709601
Hi Gizmo, and notramadol4me I've just gone from 150 mg too 100 mg this past weekend.
Last night I didn't sleep at all, I have the restless legs and insomnia. I took 2 sleeping pills and they did nothing.  Luckily I wasn't quite as nauseas today, but had zero energy to do anything. I went for a small walk, so I'm trying.

I've been reading a Journal by Emily Post, and also a Tramadol withdrawal group that she started quite a few years ago. It is extremely interesting with lots of helpful tips on vitamins and how to get through this Tramadol craziness.

I will find the help site, and pass it on to you.




Apparently we may become very angry and overly emotional about everything. This scares me.
I actually think that I may stay at 100mg over the summer. Because I would hate to miss out on our precious few months of Summer. I always feel better in the summer, and would hate to have it ruined by another drug withdrawal.

I came off morphine, exactly three years ago, and I was sick June, July and part of August  

Take care, Sue
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
How did you accomplish your taper off of tramadol? I, too, am tapering. I am now taking 87.5mg down from 150mg. I am cutting 1/4 pill (50mg) every 10-12 days. How does this sound? Any comments? Appreciate any and all help.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sue, I feel as though I know what you're going through with the withdrawal.  I have a few more days of a "compounded" dose of Tramadol at 135 mg daily.  The capsules are each 45 mg, and I take 1 three times daily. Next week the dose will be lowered to 120 mg total daily.  I asked my dr. if I could taper more quickly and she said no.  I think she's worried about the mood changes that occur when the Tramadol decreases.
There is one certainty here;  I WILL get completely off Tramadol.
The anti-depressant question is another story.  I've been on the Fluoxetine for 21 days now, and I'm not that much better.  I'm tempted to change anti-depressants now, but the Dr who gave them to me thinks it's too soon to know for certain if it's going to do the job.  Effexor DID work for me, but I was only on 75 mg, and probably needed a little more.
I am amazed at how much taking this synthetic opioid, Tramadol has disrupted my life.  I feel as if I've lost the last 2 1/5 years of my existence.  We moved to another state about a year and a half ago, and of course the Tramahell helped me with the energy and gumption I needed to get that done.  I was more social and outgoing and made some friends in our new home.  But......Since I decided to stop taking Effexor, (because the Tramadol took my depression away) , and then I decided to get off Tramadol, I have descended into a place that's darker than I've ever experienced.  My husband is worried, and my new friends wonder where I've disappeared to.  I am just not the same person.  It makes me feel like that other person, the friendly, happy, talkative and energetic woman I was, is just a sham.  Now I have to force myself to get going every single morning.  I have a lot of responsibilities to look after and my beloved animals to think of, so I can't shirk at all.  I am doing it all totally from will-power!  I don't even want to talk to my best friends on the phone when they call.  It's horrible.  I read books and watch movies constantly, and make myself do the bills, the shopping and the housework.

The doctor who gave me the generic Prozac (Fluoxetine) advised that I take up a really vigorous exercise program and sweat like a pig to get the endorphins kicking in.  I was flabbergasted!  You don't tell someone who's suicidal to go jogging!  

I'm glad you have your kids to help you and that they are sympathetic, that's wonderful.  My husband is as well, but our kids know nothing!  They are all grown and live in another town.  I would be mortified for them to know, especially how long this has been going on.

I found a Group that I attend weekly which is a great help.  It's a mix of people from all walks of life who are and have had problems with addiction.  I think it's appropriate for me because I found myself taking the Tramadol for the "lift" it gave me, and I became addicted to that.

Lest this get to be too long, I will close for now.  I'd be glad to "friend" you, Sue.  I'll sign off for now, and try to find out how to do that.

Good luck and God speed.  I remember the time I woke up after going cold turkey off of Tramadol once, and it felt indescribably wonderful.  I was free!
Helpful - 0
1683709 tn?1370709601
Hi Katy,
I was in your situation last week, my husband was away on business.
It went ok, my 21 & 24 year old children still live at home, so they looked after the house. And made sure I was eating, and getting out of bed to shower!

I'm feeling sick now, nausea, migraines, restless nights, so my brain isn't concentrating on my back pain. This is good for now, I don't need the morphine so I feel like I can truly detox. The worst part is not having an ounce of energy

I came off Effexor last summer, because the Tramadol helped with the depression. We've had a long cold winter, and the Tramadol stopped working for my chronic back pain and the depression. My Dr. told me to get back on the Effexor because my mood was really flat and I had started crying and becoming overly emotional. That's when I knew I needed to make some changes with my meds.

I don't know what I will do for my back pain, once I'm off the opioids?
Hopefully I can manage with Tylenol and muscle relaxants. I can't take Aleve or other anti- inflammatory medicine, I was on them for 2 years prior to my first back surgery, and they ruined my stomach causing ulcers.  

Be careful with the Prozac, that drug didn't help me and actually gave me suicidal feelings (which I had never experienced before) but I know everyone reacts differently to antidepressants.

So right now I'm at 150 mg of Effexor, and 150mg of Tramadol. Hopefully I will be down to 125 or 100 next week. And I may increase the Effexor. I will see what my dr thinks.

Good luck this week without your hubby, you can do it.  Slow and steady, one day at a time :)
Take care, Sue
Ps. If you want to add me as a friend, I can give you my email or phone # for extra support.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sue, Thanks for writing.  I am sorry you've had to resort to morphine.  I hope things can get better with the pain.

I have begun to take a fairly low dose of Fluoxetine (generic Prozac).  It's been about 2 weeks and I'm still feeling very depressed.  By depressed I mean that I can't get enthused about anything, my thoughts are dark, and I can cry at the slightest thing.  To add to this, my husband is leaving for a week tomorrow, and I really don't want to be alone.  It's hard for me to reach out, but I am managing to try to go to a couple of groups for addiction.
The anti-depressant might take some more time to kick in, you're right about that.  I just want to feel better.  It's strange that after being on pain meds for 3 years, (Tramadol for 2 yrs) I am sticking to my tapering as if my life depends upon it.  In 5 days I will be reducing to 115 mg.  The physical symptoms are not too bad except the lack of energy and the hot flashes.  Occasionally I have trouble sleeping, but this is nothing like going "cold turkey", which I did once about a year and a half ago.

I want my life back.  I used to take Effexor too.  I thought that I didn't need it so I tapered off of that because there is a significant withdrawal from that as well.  I stopped the Effexor about 4 months ago after tapering down to 75 mg.  Between tapering off Tramadol AND the Effexor, I think I was really hit hard.  So, 2 and a half weeks ago, I gave in to take more anti-depressant.  I was beginning to be afraid of the way I felt, and I was miserable every second.

This isn't something I can talk to very many people about. Thanks for your support.
I hope you have some support and most of all INFORMATION to work with while you're relying on all of these chemicals to live your life.  I do not think Tramadol is a good drug; it is very complicated.  Glad you're getting off mostly because of the psychological effects.
Will you be able to ever stop the pain meds, or do you even know?

Thanks again,
Katy
Helpful - 0
1683709 tn?1370709601
Hi I just thought I would say hi to you since I'm coming off of Tramadol too.
I was on 500 mg for the last two years for my chronic back pain. When I started on Tramadol it really helped my pain, my mood and increased my energy.
During the last 6 months, the Tramadol stopped working for me, and since I couldn't increase the dose I needed to add another pain med. So now I'm taking a low dose of morphine as needed. (I hate morphine)

Since deciding to stop the Tramadol, I started taking Effexor to help with the depression, but it takes 6 weeks to get the full effect. I think it's helping, but my mood is pretty flat. I slowly tapered to 150 mg now, and I'm just starting to feel withdrawal symptoms. I'm waking up in the night, I'm nauseous and don't have an appetite.  I'm so tired, and feel like crap all day.

Coming off the last 150mg, will probably be the toughest part so I'm going to go slow. Good luck, we can cheer each other on.
You'll probably need an antidepressant, to prevent becoming seriously depressed.

Best of luck, Sue

Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Addiction Forum

Popular Resources
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
If you think marijuana has no ill effects on your health, this article from Missouri Medicine may make you think again.
Julia Aharonov, DO, reveals the quickest way to beat drug withdrawal.
Tricks to help you quit for good.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.