Nighttime Adrenaline "surges"

[CelticFairy11]

I discontinued a drug called "Ultram" (tramadol) about eight months ago. I did it gradual and with a doctor's support. Ultram is a serotonin reuptake inhibator, similar to anti-depressant medicines) and so the withdrawal symptoms can be similar even though it is used for pain relief. It is one of the most difficult drugs to get off of. The withdrawal is just horrendous but I now feel great except for the sleep troubles. It happens just as I am dropping off to sleep. I wake up with a blast of adrenaline that surges from the stomach. Sometimes I feel a shock like feeling in my head/brain. My heart races and I feel disoriented and lightheaded. My body feels like it is 'buzzing' for a long time after. This can happen several times during a night. I won't sleep until the morning often - I get usually get only a couple of hours of sleep on many nights. I have heard of people having these symptoms but usually only the first month or two after stopping their medication, not 8 months. I did take Ultram for 13 years for my back, however and that is a very long time. I believe the surges and brain 'shocks' are the brain trying to re-connect and the neurotransmitters are attempting to communicate with one another. The brain is trying to 're-boot', so to speak as well as trying to remember its own functioning of serotonin and dopamine.

Has anyone else had these for months after ending the medication? Has anyone else used Ultram and, if so, what was their experience. I feel so very alone with this and I know it will help tremendously to connect with others with similar experiences.

[peggy64]

Those adrenaline surges sound like something I am going through. Have you had your thyroid levels checked?

[George2007]

tramadol is diabolical and terrible to recover from. Look it up on Google. You may have to register for detox. I still feel hung over after the worst of withdrawal symptoms  in 2005
I lost  about two stones and was so low, head shingles hit me in early in 2006 and took out half my balance ability. You really do need to find an expert, maybe neurologist, BUT one who knows how to fix you FROM EXPERIENCE!. Most think it's an OK painkiller. A few tramadol maybe but no more. Not often reported in the UK ., not much is!  Look for US sites. I believe it is being reclassified in the USA
SO SORRY to be so negative, but keep fighting
Hugs

[JSGeare]

And then ya gotta wonder, "Would I have had this anyway?"

I don't know about whether the brain is REALLY, physically trying to reconnect; the nervous system is obviously still in tact or you wouldn't feel anything -or maybe, you'd feel EVERYTHING all at once. But THAT's what it feels like.

Have you run the situation by your doc?