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Getting off Tramadol
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AnnaKlara posted:
This is my first time here and I feel like I can find needed help from you, guys. Please.
I have been on Tramadol/Ultram 50mg for year and half due to my Fibro and my joints pain.
My doctor started me with 200mg per day and until last Monday (3 days ago) I have been taking up to 800mg/day.
I don't want to take it anymore, so since last Monday I have been decreasing the dosage; first 600 mg on Tuesday, then 300mg yesterday and today I only took 100mg. Currently I am completely out the pills.
I have tried to wean myself off the drug twice before; cold turkey both times.
One time I've ended up with horrible withdrawals (brain zaps, cold sweats and confusion) and the second time I was fine, no issues.
I was off the drug for almost a year, and then my symptoms came back and my doctor put me back on Tramadol (and now, here I am).
Ughh!
So now I am actually feeling fairly OK, not like at the first time I tried to quit. I have just a little cold sweats, flu like symptoms- all manageable.
Well, my question is:
- are those terrible withdrawals are still ahead of me, since I haven't have any bad ones since I have started getting off the drug?
- Is there still a chance that the seizures might occur? Or since I haven't experienced those real bad withdrawals since Monday- Tuesday etc, should I still be worried?
- Will there be still possibility of me getting seizures or worse condition for quitting within, basically 3-4 days? I am ready to get back to my normal "me" I remember before Tramadol...

I know it was a quick "wean off", but I have been taking the drug ONLY when my body aches were seriously bad. I guess my body wasn't needing it as much anymore and I have been able to stretch the time between the pill intake longer and longer. Maybe that's why I ended up from 600mg on day1 to 100mg on the day4 (which is today).
But I MIGHT BE WRONG, that's why I am writing to you guys for help...
Mostly I am afraid of possible seizures that I could get from quitting Tramadol so quickly.
Can I still get them? I have never have seizures in my life nor anybody in my family. As far as I remember.

Please help me understand what to expect in the next few days as I am getting off this drug. If I have to go thru the pain and nightmare of the withdrawals- I am OK , I just don't want to end up at the hospital or worse../
As I have mentioned, I don't want to take it anymore, I want my life back! I cannot go to the doctor because I just recently switched jobs and I don't have an insurance yet, plus I have no idea where to go or who to call for help.

Thank you!
AK
7 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Getting off TramadolThis is my first time here and I feel like I can find needed help from you, guys. Please.<br />I have been on Tramadol/Ultram 50mg for year and half due to my Fibro and my joints pain. <br />My doctor started me with 200mg per day and until last Monday (3 days ago) I have been taking up to 800mg/day. <br />I don't want to take it anymore, so since last Monday I have been decreasing the dosage; first 600 mg on Tuesday, then 300mg yesterday and today I only took 100mg. Currently I am completely out the pills.<br />I have tried to wean myself off the drug twice before; cold turkey both times. <br />One time I've ended up with horrible withdrawals (brain zaps, cold sweats and confusion) and the second time I was fine, no issues.<br />I was off the drug for almost a year, and then my symptoms came back and my doctor put me back on Tramadol (and now, here I am).<br />Ughh!<br />So now I am actually feeling fairly OK, not like at the first time I tried to quit. I have just a little cold sweats, flu like symptoms- all manageable.<br />Well, my question is: <br />- are those terrible withdrawals are still ahead of me, since I haven't have any bad ones since I have started getting off the drug?<br />- Is there still a chance that the seizures might occur? Or since I haven't experienced those real bad withdrawals since Monday- Tuesday etc, should I still be worried? <br />- Will there be still possibility of me getting seizures or worse condition for quitting within, basically 3-4 days? I am ready to get back to my normal "me" I remember before Tramadol...<br /><br />I know it was a quick "wean off", but I have been taking the drug ONLY when my body aches were seriously bad. I guess my body wasn't needing it as much anymore and I have been able to stretch the time between the pill intake longer and longer. Maybe that's why I ended up from 600mg on day1 to 100mg on the day4 (which is today). <br />But I MIGHT BE WRONG, that's why I am writing to you guys for help...<br /> Mostly I am afraid of possible seizures that I could get from quitting Tramadol so quickly. <br />Can I still get them? I have never have seizures in my life nor anybody in my family. As far as I remember.<br /><br />Please help me understand what to expect in the next few days as I am getting off this drug. If I have to go thru the pain and nightmare of the withdrawals- I am OK , I just don't want to end up at the hospital or worse../<br />As I have mentioned, I don't want to take it anymore, I want my life back! I cannot go to the doctor because I just recently switched jobs and I don't have an insurance yet, plus I have no idea where to go or who to call for help.<br /> <br />Thank you!<br />AK
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ndanav responded:
Sorry to hear you that you were put in a position to have such a quick wean off of this medication. My first experience w/ coming off Tramadol was several years ago after only being on the medication for 2 months, and I still had issues. I'd been on scheduled opioids for longer than that with no issues, but the Tramadol sure did give me some. I'm sorry I can't answer your question on whether you can expect seizures or not, but from what I understand, everybody's "chemistry" is different, especially when it comes to this medication. Some people have reported seizures on relatively low doses, where other personal accounts I've read from users that have taken in the 1000s of milligrams in a day and had no issues, so it really depends. If you did not experience seizures before, that may bode well for you. Unfortunately, sounds like you will have some discontinuation symptoms. I had the typical "brain zaps", RLS, achy-ness and insomnia for a few days, but was over within 4-5 days. My second experience coming off of Tramadol was similar after being on it for almost a year. I did find that a very slow wean (two months dropping from a 200mg/day prescription) helped me tremendously as I knew what to expect the second time. Still though, had those nasty brain zaps, but the RLS and insomnia were not nearly as present as the first time. That is not an option for you from what you said in your post, though.

One thing I've heard, but did not try, to help combat the RLS was to wrap an ace bandage around your legs...some people swear by it, but I'd be nervous about falling asleep and it becoming too tight around my legs. I personally took an OTC anti-histamine to help w/ the sleep and anxiety. Wasn't perfect, but helped some. A lot of people have their own "home remedies", so you might be able to search on line for suggestions, but be careful, of course, what you decide to try. A couple of things that absolutely cannot hurt is, of course, stay well hydrated and exercise. Hot baths apparently do wonders as well.

I wish you all the best and sorry I couldn't give you a better answer on the seizure question; it just will really depend upon your own body chemistry.
Report This| Share this:Getting off TramadolSorry to hear you that you were put in a position to have such a quick wean off of this medication. My first experience w/ coming off Tramadol was several years ago after only being on the medication for 2 months, and I still had issues. I'd been on scheduled opioids for longer than that with no issues, but the Tramadol sure did give me some. I'm sorry I can't answer your question on whether you can expect seizures or not, but from what I understand, everybody's "chemistry" is different, especially when it comes to this medication. Some people have reported seizures on relatively low doses, where other personal accounts I've read from users that have taken in the 1000s of milligrams in a day and had no issues, so it really depends. If you did not experience seizures before, that may bode well for you. Unfortunately, sounds like you will have some discontinuation symptoms. I had the typical "brain zaps", RLS, achy-ness and insomnia for a few days, but was over within 4-5 days. My second experience coming off of Tramadol was similar after being on it for almost a year. I did find that a very slow wean (two months dropping from a 200mg/day prescription) helped me tremendously as I knew what to expect the second time. Still though, had those nasty brain zaps, but the RLS and insomnia were not nearly as present as the first time. That is not an option for you from what you said in your post, though.<br /> <br />One thing I've heard, but did not try, to help combat the RLS was to wrap an ace bandage around your legs...some people swear by it, but I'd be nervous about falling asleep and it becoming too tight around my legs. I personally took an OTC anti-histamine to help w/ the sleep and anxiety. Wasn't perfect, but helped some. A lot of people have their own "home remedies", so you might be able to search on line for suggestions, but be careful, of course, what you decide to try. A couple of things that absolutely cannot hurt is, of course, stay well hydrated and exercise. Hot baths apparently do wonders as well.<br /> <br />I wish you all the best and sorry I couldn't give you a better answer on the seizure question; it just will really depend upon your own body chemistry.
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AnnaKlara replied to ndanav's response:
Thank you sooo much for your reply. It actually helped me understand little bit more what I am going thru right now.
Couple hours ago I have noticed the RLS happening; at least I think it is RLS. My legs and feet are hurting and I feel constant urge to stretch, move and "work" my feet. And I've became more irritable than normal.
Those flu like symptoms do not worry me as much (I am aware that it has to take it's course- I am seriously determent to quit taking this thing) but I am so scared of something serious happening to me since I haven't weaned myself off slower.
Thank you for your reply anyways!
Report This| Share this:Getting off TramadolThank you sooo much for your reply. It actually helped me understand little bit more what I am going thru right now. <br />Couple hours ago I have noticed the RLS happening; at least I think it is RLS. My legs and feet are hurting and I feel constant urge to stretch, move and "work" my feet. And I've became more irritable than normal. <br />Those flu like symptoms do not worry me as much (I am aware that it has to take it's course- I am seriously determent to quit taking this thing) but I am so scared of something serious happening to me since I haven't weaned myself off slower. <br />Thank you for your reply anyways!
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AnnaKlara replied to ndanav's response:
I have one more question, are those "brain zaps" dangerous? Should I, at any point when they occur, go to the doctor?
Thank you.
Report This| Share this:Getting off TramadolI have one more question, are those "brain zaps" dangerous? Should I, at any point when they occur, go to the doctor? <br />Thank you.
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ndanav replied to AnnaKlara's response:
I would go to a Dr. now, if at all able, honestly. It is obvious you have some concerns with this and this is not something you should or have to go through alone. A Dr. can prescribe some medications to help you with the symptoms and better answer any concerns you have about seizures.

It may cost you some money up front, but it would be worth every penny, in the end. I am only suggesting this because you brought up going to a Dr., so I assume this IS an option for you, even if an expensive one.

People (and even a couple of doctors I've come across through out the years) often discount the issues associated w/ coming off Tramadol, and I cannot speak from experience in regards to opioid withdrawal, because I have not experienced that before, but I can, as pointed out, with Tramadol, and it's no joke and no fun at all.

Ultimately, to answer your question, I have not heard anyone mention that brain zaps are a serious condition, and they faded in time for me with no ill effect, but I do not know for sure.
Report This| Share this:Getting off TramadolI would go to a Dr. now, if at all able, honestly. It is obvious you have some concerns with this and this is not something you should or have to go through alone. A Dr. can prescribe some medications to help you with the symptoms and better answer any concerns you have about seizures.<br /> <br />It may cost you some money up front, but it would be worth every penny, in the end. I am only suggesting this because you brought up going to a Dr., so I assume this IS an option for you, even if an expensive one.<br /> <br />People (and even a couple of doctors I've come across through out the years) often discount the issues associated w/ coming off Tramadol, and I cannot speak from experience in regards to opioid withdrawal, because I have not experienced that before, but I can, as pointed out, with Tramadol, and it's no joke and no fun at all. <br /> <br />Ultimately, to answer your question, I have not heard anyone mention that brain zaps are a serious condition, and they faded in time for me with no ill effect, but I do not know for sure.
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AnnaKlara replied to ndanav's response:
Thank you for answering to my concerns. I appreciate it.
Report This| Share this:Getting off TramadolThank you for answering to my concerns. I appreciate it.
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annette030 replied to AnnaKlara's response:
I took tramadol for many years and went off of it without any symptoms at all. That said I still looked it up in my drug book and it does not list seizures as a symptom of withdrawal at all.

Tramadol actually lowers your seizure threshold while you are taking it, your seizure threshold should go back to normal when you go off of the drug. This is a concern when one first prescribes the drug to a patient, I don't think they would want to give it to someone who had a history of seizure disorder for instance. I think this means that if you were going to have seizures, you would have had them while on the drug. This might be because this drug inhibits the reuptake of serotonin in your system, it is all in the warning box, where it says not to mix them with other drugs that also have this effect, or you might have seizures.

The drug handbook states that withdrawal may include anxiety, diarrhea, nausea, pain, piloerection (goose bumps), rigors, sweating, and tremors. Hallucinations are included but the book states they are very rare.

The book also says one should never take more than 400 mg. a day of this drug, did your doctor tell you to take 800 mg. a day or was that your idea? Doctors out here are pretty careful with this med, I have never heard of a doctor ordering 800 mg. a day.

It sounds to me like you have gotten past the worst part, but I would also suggest you see a doctor, both about the withdrawal and about pain management without it.

Take care, Annette
Report This| Share this:Getting off TramadolI took tramadol for many years and went off of it without any symptoms at all. That said I still looked it up in my drug book and it does not list seizures as a symptom of withdrawal at all. <br /><br />Tramadol actually lowers your seizure threshold while you are taking it, your seizure threshold should go back to normal when you go off of the drug. This is a concern when one first prescribes the drug to a patient, I don't think they would want to give it to someone who had a history of seizure disorder for instance. I think this means that if you were going to have seizures, you would have had them while on the drug. This might be because this drug inhibits the reuptake of serotonin in your system, it is all in the warning box, where it says not to mix them with other drugs that also have this effect, or you might have seizures.<br /><br />The drug handbook states that withdrawal may include anxiety, diarrhea, nausea, pain, piloerection (goose bumps), rigors, sweating, and tremors. Hallucinations are included but the book states they are very rare.<br /><br />The book also says one should never take more than 400 mg. a day of this drug, did your doctor tell you to take 800 mg. a day or was that your idea? Doctors out here are pretty careful with this med, I have never heard of a doctor ordering 800 mg. a day.<br /><br />It sounds to me like you have gotten past the worst part, but I would also suggest you see a doctor, both about the withdrawal and about pain management without it.<br /><br />Take care, Annette
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TDXSP08 responded:
WARNING ADULT CONTENT or what ever warning should go here
See this is where it pats to have people the only Doc in my little town here that can talk with my Doc's in the city who take care of me right the way the Doc's here would not is my shrink Psychiatrist who talks with my Pain Doc but the key to that relationship is my Shrink is certified in Addiction Medicine and runs the local drug and alcohol addiction rehab and so he looks me over for signs of addiction or abuse of my Med's and he can call me on the carpet about it or my Pain Doc can call me on the carpet but in five years there has never been an issue of any kind but i can always talk "shop" with him about addiction just for the health of it and personal knowledge, I have a lot all ready i was Married before my health took a dump and my Wife was a chronic Pain Patient who became an addict to Oxcycodone when they said it was not addictive and before it was abused drug # 1 in America and i saw her go from pain reliving doses to 1800 mg a day, and nobody saw it as a problem except me who the DR's thought was a nut for wanting this stuff away from her, Until she ultimately took her own life. and now i live in a her shadow in a society that would like to uninvent the stuff but now i am the Pain Patient and i take it for break through pain. isn't it strange how the world works!!.

Peace
i have no small step for man, but i have 6 tires for mankind,Watch your Toes!
Report This| Share this:Getting off TramadolWARNING ADULT CONTENT or what ever warning should go here<br />See this is where it pats to have people the only Doc in my little town here that can talk with my Doc's in the city who take care of me right the way the Doc's here would not is my shrink Psychiatrist who talks with my Pain Doc but the key to that relationship is my Shrink is certified in Addiction Medicine and runs the local drug and alcohol addiction rehab and so he looks me over for signs of addiction or abuse of my Med's and he can call me on the carpet about it or my Pain Doc can call me on the carpet but in five years there has never been an issue of any kind but i can always talk "shop" with him about addiction just for the health of it and personal knowledge, I have a lot all ready i was Married before my health took a dump and my Wife was a chronic Pain Patient who became an addict to Oxcycodone when they said it was not addictive and before it was abused drug # 1 in America and i saw her go from pain reliving doses to 1800 mg a day, and nobody saw it as a problem except me who the DR's thought was a nut for wanting this stuff away from her, Until she ultimately took her own life. and now i live in a her shadow in a society that would like to uninvent the stuff but now i am the Pain Patient and i take it for break through pain. isn't it strange how the world works!!.<br /><br />Peace
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