Tramadol withdrawal
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 15
Tramadol withdrawal
Hi there, so here is a bit about me.
I have been taking tramadol for 5 months because of a sports injury at 400mg a day plus gabapentin 2400mg a day. Finally in recovery from the initial injury so tapered off the gabapentin and stopped it. Started trying to reduce the tramadol and was feeling agitated, restless and not sleeping well. Went to see my doctor who said the symptoms were caused by the Tramadol and advised me to quit entirely. 24 hours later (yesterday) I was in the worst physical pain, vomiting, diarreah, unable to sleep, shaking and couldnt stop crying so dragged myself to a different doctor who said I am addicted to Tramadol and to start taking it again and try to taper off over a month. Feeling a little better today but that's only because I am back on the pills and as the dosage is reduced I still feel agitated, restless and have a banging headache. I'm worried about how much it will hurt to stop again.
My partner is trying to be supportive but he really doesnt understand how I feel as he says I'm not like "proper" drug addicts as the doctor put me on the pills and I never went over the dosage. Am feeling very alone, thankfully stumbled across this site on a search of tramadol addiction.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated?
Islandgirluk
I have been taking tramadol for 5 months because of a sports injury at 400mg a day plus gabapentin 2400mg a day. Finally in recovery from the initial injury so tapered off the gabapentin and stopped it. Started trying to reduce the tramadol and was feeling agitated, restless and not sleeping well. Went to see my doctor who said the symptoms were caused by the Tramadol and advised me to quit entirely. 24 hours later (yesterday) I was in the worst physical pain, vomiting, diarreah, unable to sleep, shaking and couldnt stop crying so dragged myself to a different doctor who said I am addicted to Tramadol and to start taking it again and try to taper off over a month. Feeling a little better today but that's only because I am back on the pills and as the dosage is reduced I still feel agitated, restless and have a banging headache. I'm worried about how much it will hurt to stop again.
My partner is trying to be supportive but he really doesnt understand how I feel as he says I'm not like "proper" drug addicts as the doctor put me on the pills and I never went over the dosage. Am feeling very alone, thankfully stumbled across this site on a search of tramadol addiction.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated?
Islandgirluk
Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 174
Hi Islandgirluk,
It is common for people to assume that if a Doctor prescribes something (and you take the requisite dose) that you can't become addicted - as opposed to self-medicating on something you just decide to do on your own. The problem is, with people like me (and you?) it isn't about the item or the dose, but how our bodies react to the 'visitor'.
I have only been sober 40 days, and 10 days into sobriety I was prescribed Tramadol for a post oral surgery procedure. I went to the Doc helping me with sobriety for the after care, not my Dentist as Doc is the one monitoring my liver levels and Dentist only seems to know how to write prescriptions for Tylenol with Codeine - and Tylenol is as, if not more deadly to someone with elevated liver levels!
I googled up the Tramadol and saw where it was addictive, but trusted that my Doc knew what he was doing given my current situation - so I took the pills as directed for the first few days then got rid of them.
Please don't feel alone. You have found a forum where you don't even have to fully explain - as many (most?) of us have walked in those shoes in one way or another and understand where you are coming from, especially your concerns about others in your immediate friend/family circles that may not understand.
Someone who is challenged by drugs and/or alcohol is wired differently than someone who is not. We can't just stop at one drink or one pill - every time we use a foreign substance, our mind and body isn't grateful for "the treat", it just wants more and more and more.
I don't know what to tell you to tell BF to try to explain to him why it is different for you, that just because a Doctor prescribes something doesn't mean it isn't going to be a challenge for you - or that you will have a very different experience with ending the prescription/use than he might, but someone with a better handle on that will be along shortly with some words of wisdom. That is the beauty of this place.
I just wanted you to know you aren't alone. Feel free to reach out as you are working through this with him. Thats what this forum (and the members) are here for.
Welcome!
It is common for people to assume that if a Doctor prescribes something (and you take the requisite dose) that you can't become addicted - as opposed to self-medicating on something you just decide to do on your own. The problem is, with people like me (and you?) it isn't about the item or the dose, but how our bodies react to the 'visitor'.
I have only been sober 40 days, and 10 days into sobriety I was prescribed Tramadol for a post oral surgery procedure. I went to the Doc helping me with sobriety for the after care, not my Dentist as Doc is the one monitoring my liver levels and Dentist only seems to know how to write prescriptions for Tylenol with Codeine - and Tylenol is as, if not more deadly to someone with elevated liver levels!
I googled up the Tramadol and saw where it was addictive, but trusted that my Doc knew what he was doing given my current situation - so I took the pills as directed for the first few days then got rid of them.
Please don't feel alone. You have found a forum where you don't even have to fully explain - as many (most?) of us have walked in those shoes in one way or another and understand where you are coming from, especially your concerns about others in your immediate friend/family circles that may not understand.
Someone who is challenged by drugs and/or alcohol is wired differently than someone who is not. We can't just stop at one drink or one pill - every time we use a foreign substance, our mind and body isn't grateful for "the treat", it just wants more and more and more.
I don't know what to tell you to tell BF to try to explain to him why it is different for you, that just because a Doctor prescribes something doesn't mean it isn't going to be a challenge for you - or that you will have a very different experience with ending the prescription/use than he might, but someone with a better handle on that will be along shortly with some words of wisdom. That is the beauty of this place.
I just wanted you to know you aren't alone. Feel free to reach out as you are working through this with him. Thats what this forum (and the members) are here for.
Welcome!
Self recovered Self discovered
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Toronto Canada
Posts: 5,148
IslandGirl, get more information on your drug. This is a good place to start. From that site, I learned that it is not only an opiate that acts like codeine, it also acts to boost serotonin and slows re-uptake of norepinephrine. These effects are similar to anti-depressant meds.
This seems to me to mean that this stuff is highly addictive, and anyone who tells you to stop cold turkey might need more information too. See if you can get a referral to a Dr. with more experience with opiates, who might prescribe something else to help you with these withdrawal symptoms.
Whatever happens, keep posting here. Even though we don't want to and can't give medical advice, there will be more than a few people reading here that have experienced much the same thing as you. Hang in.
This seems to me to mean that this stuff is highly addictive, and anyone who tells you to stop cold turkey might need more information too. See if you can get a referral to a Dr. with more experience with opiates, who might prescribe something else to help you with these withdrawal symptoms.
Whatever happens, keep posting here. Even though we don't want to and can't give medical advice, there will be more than a few people reading here that have experienced much the same thing as you. Hang in.
Last edited by freshstart57; 10-09-2011 at 09:34 AM. Reason: fixed something something
Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 31,179
I'm surprised your dr. just told you to quit the tramadol..there are people here who have had seizures abruptly stopping it, but I don't remember what doses they were on. I don't think all dr's are yet aware that it IS addictive and can cause problems.
Glad you found SR! There are a lot of great supportive people here, and you are not alone.
Hugs and prayers,
Amy
Glad you found SR! There are a lot of great supportive people here, and you are not alone.
Hugs and prayers,
Amy
Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Bowling Green KY
Posts: 275
been there done that.
i was addicted to tramadol for years. i was still drinking but wanted to quit the tramadol. i did it cold turkey and it was awful. the thing that helped was i was out and unlike liquor couldn't run down to the store to get more.
a while later i read up on it and the literature says to never quit cold turkey but to taper off.
you can get off them. i'm proof.
i'm also proof you can get off alcohol. september 8 was 2 years for me and they have been the best 2 years of my life.
i'm sending my love your way for the tramadol.
david.
i was addicted to tramadol for years. i was still drinking but wanted to quit the tramadol. i did it cold turkey and it was awful. the thing that helped was i was out and unlike liquor couldn't run down to the store to get more.
a while later i read up on it and the literature says to never quit cold turkey but to taper off.
you can get off them. i'm proof.
i'm also proof you can get off alcohol. september 8 was 2 years for me and they have been the best 2 years of my life.
i'm sending my love your way for the tramadol.
david.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 15
Thanks
Feeling pretty terrible today, was tempted to take an extra pill at lunch but fought the urge off. My doctor prescibed sleeping pills to get me through the first few days but it was nearly impossible to get up for work this morning. Threw up my lunch, but I guess that wont kill me.. I could do with losing a few pounds.
Thanks everyone for the messages of support, I really appreciate it.
Thanks everyone for the messages of support, I really appreciate it.
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,435
Welcome Islandgirluk 
It might be worth your while getting a second opinion...from what I read tramadol withdrawal is not simple, and it's no picnic.
I hope you can find a Dr who knows something about it.
We also have a substance abuse forum you may be interested in here:
Substance Abuse - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information
D
It might be worth your while getting a second opinion...from what I read tramadol withdrawal is not simple, and it's no picnic.
I hope you can find a Dr who knows something about it.
We also have a substance abuse forum you may be interested in here:
Substance Abuse - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information
D
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 15
Hi Dee,
The doctor I saw on Saturday was the second opinion, the first doctor told me to quit cold turkey.
I have scoured the internet trying to find a doctor in my local area who specialises in this sort of thing but there doesnt appear to be one. I live on a small island and healthcare is limited, even if we had NA meetings I would be too scared to go, chances are I would be seen going in by someone who knows my parents..
Sent an email to a hypnotherapist today, hoping maybe he can help me. I didnt sleep again last night and am beginning to feel like nothing is real, forced myself to work out tonight in the hope of getting some sleep later. Reading the other forums helps, am trying to eat healthily and will try cutting down on caffeine too to see if that makes a difference.
The doctor I saw on Saturday was the second opinion, the first doctor told me to quit cold turkey.
I have scoured the internet trying to find a doctor in my local area who specialises in this sort of thing but there doesnt appear to be one. I live on a small island and healthcare is limited, even if we had NA meetings I would be too scared to go, chances are I would be seen going in by someone who knows my parents..
Sent an email to a hypnotherapist today, hoping maybe he can help me. I didnt sleep again last night and am beginning to feel like nothing is real, forced myself to work out tonight in the hope of getting some sleep later. Reading the other forums helps, am trying to eat healthily and will try cutting down on caffeine too to see if that makes a difference.
Came to Believe
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Montgomery AL
Posts: 507
Islandgirl, you didn't "blow it" by taking extra. Don't waste your time and energy beating yourself up over it. Try again. Keep trying until you get it right. You CAN quit. Just don't give up, okay? Very few of us put our drug of choice down and walk away from it without looking back. Very few of us make it on the first (or tenth) try. Learn from your actions. Is there someone else that can hold on to your pills for you, someone that will only give you one when it's time for you to have one? Anyways, just keep trying.
--Fenris.
--Fenris.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 15
Thanks Fenris. Ok, I guess I haven't blown it, that was an overreaction. Was having a bad day and the most ridiculous thing pushed me over the edge. I ran out of chewing gum at work, it sounds stupid but I hadn't realised how much I am relying on endless chewing when I am feeling bad.. Searched my desk, bag, vending machines looking for any kind of chew.. ate an apple, two oranges and eventually cracked and took another tramadol. Felt guilty about it but I started to feel better as soon as it kicked in and I managed to get on with my work.
I don't think there is anyone I can give my pills to hold, havent told anyone at work about this. I want to be able to do this for myself. On the plus side I am seeing the hypnotherapist on Friday, hoping he can give me some advice as he said he has experience of helping people overcome addictions.
I don't think there is anyone I can give my pills to hold, havent told anyone at work about this. I want to be able to do this for myself. On the plus side I am seeing the hypnotherapist on Friday, hoping he can give me some advice as he said he has experience of helping people overcome addictions.
Came to Believe
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Montgomery AL
Posts: 507
I know what you mean. The little things, the ridiculous things, are what get my brain going in the wrong direction. Big things I'm prepared for (more or less) -- little things are like ninjas sneaking around in the darkness, just waiting to strike when I'm not expecting it. One of my coworkers popped the top open on a Mountain Dew can yesterday morning and that sound, I immediately thought of beer. Purell hand sanitizer smells just like cheap vodka. I can't drink coke right now because it makes me think of rum or Jack Daniels. Stuff like that. But I'll get through that, and so will you. I hope the hypnotherapist can help you.
--Fenris.
--Fenris.
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,435
I know you're on an island, but you might find some useful leads here too
Addaction | Drugs & Alcohol Addiction and Recovery: Support - Help - Advice
D
Addaction | Drugs & Alcohol Addiction and Recovery: Support - Help - Advice
D
Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Chicago, Il
Posts: 52
I got addicted to that stuff for a couple months when it was prescribed for a broken bone. The withdrawals were horrible but it does get better. Be careful this stuff is dangerous to get off of. The worst for me was the insomnia paired with the restless irritability. Once you get off it you will feel so much better. Don't give up. I did it and so can you. Best of luck!!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 15
I had a look at that website Dee. It is useful for people on mainland UK but none of the services are available where I live.
Took loads of gum to work today, met a mate after work and went swimming.. Just trying anything to distract myself really. Seeing the hypnotherapist tomorrow, I'm supposed to be reducing my dosage again on Saturday and am worried about it. I think it might be too soon, not sure I can handle getting sick again.
Took loads of gum to work today, met a mate after work and went swimming.. Just trying anything to distract myself really. Seeing the hypnotherapist tomorrow, I'm supposed to be reducing my dosage again on Saturday and am worried about it. I think it might be too soon, not sure I can handle getting sick again.
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