[Tigerpaw]

I was wondering if anyone has been addicted to tramadol and if so, what was done to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting this very addictive drug?
I am currently trying a new natural remedy treatment that has had very
good reviews. Withdrawal-Ease is the name and so far it seems to be working for me but, I have not completely stopped taking tramadol yet.
They said the most effective way to use product is to take for 3 to 5 days before detoxing(quitting) whatever opiate one is taking.
Any advice, help, anything at all that could help me would be greatly appreciated. GREATLY!!
Thank you,
Lou

I withdrew from Tramadol about a year ago...and it was HORRIBLE. I know different people have different experiences, so I hope it is better for you (and it very well could be!)

I know that the best thing to do is to cut down gradually. I found lots of posts on message boards with various schedules, and I did try to follow them, but in the end, just ended up kind of going cold turkey, and throwing all of the tramadol I had left down the garbage disposal.

I ended up going on an antidepressant (Wellbutrin) about 4 days after quitting the tramadol. I think I was using the tramadol to self-medicate for depression, looking back (it acts like an SSRI), and when I withdrew, I was just crushed by exhaustion and depression. I don't know if that is a "normal" withdrawal symptom, or if it was a result of my using the Tramadol to not feel depressed. I do know that once I started the Wellbutrin, the withdrawal went away completely.

Good luck to you, and GOOD FOR YOU. Please come back and let us know how it's going.

[Travelinglady]

I've taken Tramadol for a good while, to try to deal with pain from arthritis, fibromyalgia, etc. The thought hasn't crossed my mind to try to get off of it! I just know that feeling all that pain doesn't help my depression. Should I be worried about staying on it? If I'm addicted, then I guess I'm addicted...

[Leed]

It would be best to WEAN yourself from the drug instead of trying something you found from wherever. I weaned myself from Xanax, and it worked great.

Of course you need to make sure that you have ENOUGH of the drug to do a decent weaning. Your doctor can help you with that plus give you a good weaning schedule.

Best of luck & let us know how you do. Lee

[MandiePoo]

Keep in mind that tramadol is BOTH an opiod (not a true opiate!) medication, and also functions as an SSRI medication in a weaker than most antidepressants way.

Coming off tramadol seems to be quite difficult for people for that very reason. Not only do you have the opiod withdrawal factor, you have the "Im withdrawing from an antidepressant(its not a true antidepressant, just acts like one) effect as well" withdrawal.

Can this be done under the supervision of a doctor?

Couple things to keep in mind - for symptoms, gravol works well for nausea, immodium will stop loose bowels, and tylenol and or ibuprofen or Aleve (actually, id suggest aleve most of all) for any pain you find you get due to the withdrawal.

You may notice you have trouble sleeping for a week or so - this is normal and will pass with time.

I'll come back with more info shortly, but if you cold turkey you can expect approximately 7-10 days to feel normal again, with the first 3 being the very worst. Good luck! You can do it.