Least painful way to escape addiction to Tramadol, a narcotic.

[craftyhen]

3 minutes ago, dallen52 said:

It took me almost three years to get

off clonazepam. 

Similar benzodiazepine. 

Titration is the only way.

Break the tablets down and even if you mix with water and use an eye dropper to dispense, its worth it. 

I woud have never thought a 0.5mg tablet could control my life.

I still have half of a half tablet there. 

Just as a psychological back stop. 

But have never taken it.

 

Good luck.

yeah i know a little about benzos and the painfully long taper needed to get off them, was more curious about tramadol, i.e. whether it takes as long and how the withdrawal symtpoms compare...

[seajae]

I was on 400 mg a day(200 morning and night, slow release) for quite a few years, took me several months to get right back to 50 mg a day but couldnt break it till a mate told me I needed "cookies" to wean the last bit off, one  bite every evening before bed and a few months later I was free of them, I would rather put up with the pain than go back onto anything like them again

[seajae]

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

Actually tramadol is considered to be a synthetic opioid. It is addictive, though the addiction potential is less than with other opoids.

I was actually raced to hospital when I tried to simply give it up cold turkey, doctor told me I had stopped smoking cold turkey so I could also stop taking 400mg of tramadol a day with no problems. The hospital doctor abused the crap out of the doctor that told me to do it, they kept me in for observation for 24 hours to monitor me, they were not real happy with the idiot that told me to do it, waited another 2 years before I did it in steps with the help of a different doctor but it took several months and was not easy

 

[dblaisde]

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

Tramadol has actually become a popular "recreational" drug among Thai youth so this problem not uncommon.

It used to be available without prescription, but now you have to prove at the pharmacy you deserve it <to the seller>. I haven't found one yet in Bangkok that will approve me <and I'm 70>. But its fairly easy in small towns where its just a formality.

[realenglish1]

19 minutes ago, dblaisde said:

Ah! A precise weight scale. Hadn't thought I could do that cheaply!

Yes you can and if you want to try and cut the meds all at once you can buy gel caps and put the cuts in there

Then you will have a weeks worth all at once to use over the week

 

Have other questions I will be happy to answer

[Sheryl]

1 hour ago, Chip Allen said:

How amazingly stupid. I have been taking Tramadol on and off for five years. It KILLS PAIN. The idea that it is addictive must be driven by the idea that if you take something to kill pain, then you are addicted.

 

No, it is based on the fact that people who take it constantly can experience painful withdrawal when they try to stop taking it -- as the OP does. Nothing to do with the fact that it kills pain.

 

The OP has asked for help in getting off the drug (or getting back to where he can take it only on occasion when needed). He needs that help because he is experiencing distressing withdrawal symptoms.

 

 

[Sumarianson]

In a word. "Ayahuasca". You will have to get the genuine article from a Shaman in Peru or Brazil.

Read up on the benefits online.

[Formaleins]

I was prescribed Tramadol about 3 months ago, 3 x 50mg per day but due to some nagging pain have been taking 200-250mg, along with some Amitryptyline (25mg) and Lyrica 75mg + for good measurePara300+Codeine, I have been taking these for mainly pain and the inability to sleep, what are the withdrawal symptoms? 

 

My Thai doctor never mentioned dependency and has been handing these over like sweets!

 

(I must admit though, without the Tramadol I would be in absolute hell!) and as far as the cost here goes it is not a problem, what worries me is that from these posts, it seems they are addictive.)

 

Cheers.

[carlyai]

Unfortunately, in my opinion, cold turkey is hard, but the way to go.
I broke my back in my late 40S and was on everything doctors prescribed after a couple of failed back operations. Heaps of valium, strong pain killers, muscle relaxants, anti depressants, plenty of beer and wine and still the problem. I went cold turkey on every drug and though I cried and cried with the hurt etc, I came out the other end.
I am now 72 still lots of trouble with back, leg, groin and recently rear end pain from the back.

I've had recent boughts where I've been on Tramadol and lycria and pain killers, but if you know that the withdrawal symptoms are just mental feelings, and what our senses tell us about the world are just body chemical responses, in other words it's all an illusion.

If you can see the withdrawal as just a body chemical response, then you can visit the craving/bad withdrawal feeling, acknowledge it as just a thought or feeling and let it go. Sure it will keep reappearing, but every time you just know it's a feeling and you don't have to do anything, it will get better and better.

Difficult I know, but it only takes a major effort for a few weeks, then it gets better.

There's an online app that I love so much called Headspace, this may help.

At the end of the day, all these drugs play with your head, and it's better to be without them or just try to go without.

Sent from my SM-J700F using Tapatalk

[connda]

3 minutes ago, carlyai said:

Unfortunately, in my opinion, cold turkey is hard, but the way to go.
I broke my back in my late 40S and was on everything doctors prescribed after a couple of failed back operations. Heaps of valium, strong pain killers, muscle relaxants, anti depressants, plenty of beer and wine and still the problem. I went cold turkey on every drug and though I cried and cried with the hurt etc, I came out the other end.
I am now 72 still lots of trouble with back, leg, groin and recently rear end pain from the back.

I've had recent boughts where I've been on Tramadol and lycria and pain killers, but if you know that the withdrawal symptoms are just mental feelings, and what our senses tell us about the world are just body chemical responses, in other words it's all an illusion.

If you can see the withdrawal as just a body chemical response, then you can visit the craving/bad withdrawal feeling, acknowledge it as just a thought or feeling and let it go. Sure it will keep reappearing, but every time you just know it's a feeling and you don't have to do anything, it will get better and better.

Difficult I know, but it only takes a major effort for a few weeks, then it gets better.

There's an online app that I love so much called Headspace, this may help.

At the end of the day, all these drugs play with your head, and it's better to be without them or just try to go without.

Sent from my SM-J700F using Tapatalk
 

That's really bad advice.  Cold turkey withdrawal from tramadol can cause seizures.  
Taper.  If you can't taper own your own, seek out professional assistance.  

[carlyai]

It took me almost three years to get
off clonazepam. 
Similar benzodiazepine. 
Titration is the only way.
Break the tablets down and even if you mix with water and use an eye dropper to dispense, its worth it. 
I woud have never thought a 0.5mg tablet could control my life.
I still have half of a half tablet there. 
Just as a psychological back stop. 
But have never taken it.
 
Good luck.

Valium withdrawal causes you to wake up in the night gasping for air, because you've stopped breathing.
Or when you've given it up for a week then gone with your father to the club for a drink, to kick the windscreen of the car out and punch out the house fence when you get home. Scary stuff for the uneducated, but a great drug for a few days.

Tramodol withdrawal just gives depression and makes you feel suicidal. Just my experience.

Sent from my SM-J700F using Tapatalk

[carlyai]

That's really bad advice.  Cold turkey withdrawal from tramadol can cause seizures.  
Taper.  If you can't taper own your own, seek out professional assistance.  

I said ' In my opinion'. Of course always seek your health care provider's advice.

Sent from my SM-J700F using Tapatalk

[mommysboy]

Why do you need to come off it?  It may be this is essential medication that is helping you and enabling you to lead a wholesome life.  You are on a low dose.  Take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

 

Take half a pill at bedtime and come off it gradually if you must.  Don't get to the stage where you experience a panic attack.  One day, you will sense a window of opportunity and that is the time to just stop,

 

It could be that you are suffering from anxiety issues.  When I have taken tramadol it always makes me feel calmer.

[IvanLaw]

9 hours ago, Chip Allen said:

 My American doctor prescribed Tramadol for my back pain. He told me that he chose this drug, SPECIFICALLY because it is NOT addictive. It is NOT an opioid painkiller. Case closed, end of discussion.

Respectfully suggest you contact another Doctor for second opinion, look up Tramadol & you will see it IS an opioid so can lead to addiction.

I have been on 50mg x 2  4 times a day WHEN REQUIRED for the last 3 years BUT only take when absolutely necessary.

12 times Pain so bad that morphine injection required at Hospital.

[jacko45k]

12 hours ago, Chip Allen said:

My American doctor prescribed Tramadol for my back pain. He told me that he chose this drug, SPECIFICALLY because it is NOT addictive. It is NOT an opioid painkiller. Case closed, end of discussion.

I looked it up and there seems to be a different opinion going around..

Tramadol is changed into a strong opioid drug in your body.

 

I also read it can cause withdrawal reactions.

 

Perhaps you should check yourself.

[EcigAmateur]

 

What is the problem with tramadol ?

 

 

[dblaisde]

22 hours ago, Sheryl said:

I suggest you consult this doctor who is a specialist in addiction psychology. It is not so easy to get off this  by yourself. Other medications may be needed temporarily to deal with the withdrawal effects, and then there is also the issue of why you took it in the first place, may need to find an alternative medication .

https://www.bumrungrad.com/doctors/Pichai-Saengcharnchai

Unfortunately I mulled this thing over a day to long. Today I found Dr Pichai-Saengcharmchai works only on Mondays at Bumrungrad. I did a little online searching and he normally works on Fridays at another place (Manarom Hosp.) but not this week.

 

I decided (based on today) that I need an appointment SOON. Is there another Dr. you would recommend? (or perhaps I missed another appt. time for Pichai? Seems like he must work more than 2 days a week).

[dblaisde]

50 minutes ago, EcigAmateur said:

What is the problem with tramadol ?

Great unless you get addicted, in which apparently its worse than other famous drugs at withdrawing from. And as I found, severe (for me) addiction can happen at the beginning dose (50mg/day) if you keep it up long enough. So you don't need a lot.

[dallen52]

23 hours ago, craftyhen said:

yeah i know a little about benzos and the painfully long taper needed to get off them, was more curious about tramadol, i.e. whether it takes as long and how the withdrawal symtpoms compare...

I did a separate on tramadol. 

The flow on from tramadol was the twitch and myoclonus. 

Jumpy body spasms associated with the neurological damage I had. 

Clonazepam was touted to stop this...lol..

[mommysboy]

For me, Tramadol has a marked calming effect more than it being an anti-depressant.  And the effect is limited and it's addictiveness can not be compared with smoking for instance. Someone who doesn't suffer from anxiety would likely come off it without much trouble imo.  So, I would suggest that OP considers whether anxiety is not the main issue here.

[mrfill]

12 hours ago, EcigAmateur said:

 

What is the problem with tramadol ?

 

 

Pretty much the same problem as heroin or morphine. They are all quite similar. Giving it a fancy name doesn't make a difference. Bribing doctors by giving holidays, funds etc for prescribing as much as they can is a big problem. And that is what is happening. It is being vastly over prescribed, especially in the US.

[Sapporillo]

11 hours ago, dblaisde said:

Great unless you get addicted, in which apparently its worse than other famous drugs at withdrawing from. And as I found, severe (for me) addiction can happen at the beginning dose (50mg/day) if you keep it up long enough. So you don't need a lot.

Instead of opening the capsules and weighing and removing 5%, you could try to hold out a little longer, let's say take 50mg every 26 or 28 hours instead of 24. Once you get used to it, add two more hours until you're ok without it? 

[dallen52]

On 01/11/2017 at 12:23 AM, mrfill said:

Pretty much the same problem as heroin or morphine. They are all quite similar. Giving it a fancy name doesn't make a difference. Bribing doctors by giving holidays, funds etc for prescribing as much as they can is a big problem. And that is what is happening. It is being vastly over prescribed, especially in the US.

What is tramadol like?

Tramadol has two different actions in the body. It is an opioid analgesic, which means that it attaches to receptors in your brain to change your perception of pain. It also works like an antidepressant, prolonging the actions of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain.

Tramadol has a risk for abuse and addiction, which can lead to overdose and death. Tramadol may also cause severe, possibly fatal, breathing problems. To lower your risk, your doctor should have you take the smallest dose of tramadol that works, and take it for the shortest possible time. See also How to Use section for more information about addiction

400 mg is the top daily limit.

 

I found more of a psychological attachment than a physical dependency. 

I was on 300mg sr slow release.

Had tried Gabapentin 1800mg a day.

Lyrica 600mg a day.

Throw in Amitriptyline 25mg to help Sleep (did not help).

Mind over matter i suppose. 

 

Now i have heaps. (Tabs)

But take nothing.

As i increased the physical i seemed to push through the barrier between neurological disorder pain, and feel good actually doing something pain.

 

The issues obtaining in Thailand so as not to carry multiple scripts and a doctors letter.

(You can still get tramadol if you know the chemist. Im amazed at what they do have ott when they know you are ok Farang)

 

I still get the odd twinge.

And the night time jumping around. 

But my bodily functions are about normal.

Toilet routine and ED especially. 

 

But thinking about the accident and partial shutdown of the arms and hands. 3 years I

Couldn't even dress or toilet myself.

Im doing good without them. 

 

[bkk6060]

It is a great high, but totally addicting.  Same for Vicodin for me.

My reason (or excuse) is 3 herniated low back discs.

 

I know I will get some flack for this but I am just telling what I did and what worked for me.

 

The first time I drank myself off of it.  I have never been a big drinker so no continue drinking after.

When I had a desire for a pill, I would have a couple of shots of Tequila.  The first day maybe 6 shots throughout the day.

The next day 5, then 5, 4, on and on.

After a week, I had no desire to take a pill and felt so much better.

I know crazy huh?

 

The second time was odd but worked for me.  

I flew home on an 18 hour (24 total) flight.

The jet lag screwed me up so much.  Not hungry, sleep disturbed, typical jet lag stuff that I experience anyway.

The funny thing was that I had no desire to take a pill.  After my jet lag wore off in about a week, continued no desire.

 

Anyway,  good luck to anyone on this stuff.  It seems to really affect the brain.  I think probably not in a good way long term.

 

Just one other odd thing about it for me anyway.  

Sounds very strange but sex and particularly ejaculation were more intense when I was on it.  I guess it is the way it effects the brain.  Very strange but much happier I am off the stuff.

[Sheryl]

People's responses to tramadol vary widely. Some people unfortunately experience a pleasant sort of high or calming effect -- I say unfortunately because this predisposes  them to overuse of the drug and addiction.

 

Many people however have very unpleasant reactions -- anxiety, general icky feeling or "dysphoria" etc -  and some even get outright pyschotic like episodes.

 

Personally it makes me feel absolutely horrible and I have to be in really agonizing pain to take it.

[Sapporillo]

21 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

The second time was odd but worked for me.  

I flew home on an 18 hour (24 total) flight.

The jet lag screwed me up so much.  Not hungry, sleep disturbed, typical jet lag stuff that I experience anyway.

The funny thing was that I had no desire to take a pill.  After my jet lag wore off in about a week, continued no desire.

That is quite interesting, and it seems to prove what has been written in another post: For some people, especially at a low dosage, it is a psychological addiction. Of course this is just as hard to overcome, as many ex-smokers know (overcoming the nicotine-addiction is with quite easy, even without the patches; it's the weeks and months after that are really difficult). 

On the other hand, make no mistake: if you're at a high dosage and try to quit at once, you will experience violent withdrawal symptoms, there's no way a long flight and the ensuing jet lag could make you "miss" that.

 

About the sex: Tramadol can be used as (and has been prescribed for that) a cure for premature ejaculation. I guess it does that by reducing sensitivity of the glans, at least that's how I perceive it. Probably, you needed more time and effort to achieve an orgasm, hence why you felt more satisfaction afterwards. The problem is, some people are unable to achieve orgasms when they take Tramadol, and as consequence, out of frustration and paired with the reduced sensitivity, it can also lead to erectile dysfunction. 

 

 

[bkk6060]

18 minutes ago, Sapporillo said:

That is quite interesting, and it seems to prove what has been written in another post: For some people, especially at a low dosage, it is a psychological addiction. Of course this is just as hard to overcome, as many ex-smokers know (overcoming the nicotine-addiction is with quite easy, even without the patches; it's the weeks and months after that are really difficult). 

On the other hand, make no mistake: if you're at a high dosage and try to quit at once, you will experience violent withdrawal symptoms, there's no way a long flight and the ensuing jet lag could make you "miss" that.

 

About the sex: Tramadol can be used as (and has been prescribed for that) a cure for premature ejaculation. I guess it does that by reducing sensitivity of the glans, at least that's how I perceive it. Probably, you needed more time and effort to achieve an orgasm, hence why you felt more satisfaction afterwards. The problem is, some people are unable to achieve orgasms when they take Tramadol, and as consequence, out of frustration and paired with the reduced sensitivity, it can also lead to erectile dysfunction. 

 

 

Ok very interesting and makes a lot of sense. 

 

I took one of the 100 mg long release each day.

Not sure if that is considered a high dose.

 

Thanks for the info.  

[connda]

On 10/31/2017 at 10:43 PM, mommysboy said:

For me, Tramadol has a marked calming effect more than it being an anti-depressant.  And the effect is limited and it's addictiveness can not be compared with smoking for instance. Someone who doesn't suffer from anxiety would likely come off it without much trouble imo.  So, I would suggest that OP considers whether anxiety is not the main issue here.

I believe the OP,  by his own admission is better off seeking professional assistance. There is simply not a one size fits all standard withdrawal solution for all users of tramadol.  We are all different.  Our bodies react differently.  So what works for me, or works for you, may not work well at all for the OP.  So at this point, I hope the OP is able to contact Sheryl's recommended doctor and work on a withdrawal solution that fits his needs.  Best of luck to the OP.

[dallen52]

6 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

Ok very interesting and makes a lot of sense. 

 

I took one of the 100 mg long release each day.

Not sure if that is considered a high dose.

 

Thanks for the info.  

In Australia. 

400mg is considered to be the top dailylimit of SR types.

I was on 2x 150mg daily.

I can't relate to the psychological aspects. 

My condition was neurological damage and loss of use in the arms and hands. 

The spasms were wierd.

The profuse sweating from the arms used to leave pools on the table or bar top..

The lack of bowel and bladder functions led me to start getting off.

Plus regaining some functional use in the hands.

Im not sure if the 25mg amitriptyline at nights was a catalyst for the bad stuff.

Like not peeing for days.

Feeling like the prostate was swolen.

Definitely didnt make me Sleep. 

As indicated. 

Plus i cut the hooch down.

Now i don't have a taste for it anymore.  (Cost save lol).

Im off.

Still brought several months supply. 

But NOT using.

 

Its part of the fine print in the pharmaceutical industry. 

May do this.

May not do this.

 

Oxycodone or gabapentin are alternative meds.

But i NEVER had any issues with them. 

Nor Tramadol as being described. 

 

I just cut and cut the full tablets into smaller pieces..

Touch wood. So far so good. 

 

Hang in there everyone. 

You will get there. 

 

Whatever works best.

As long as its NOT outright silly.

[mat999]

The best way to avoid withdrawals is to use Kratom, which is illegal in Thailand but legal in most other countries, including the USA and UK.

 

As long as you take small amounts of Kratom (e.g. a small teaspoon or 1 capsule) and just buy one 50g bag, it will conceal the symptoms with no risk of getting hooked/high on Kratom. It is obviously illegal here for a reason, it is also addictive, but some say the law was made for other reasons.

 

Gradually take less and less Kratom as needed and by the 3rd week you will be fine and will have run out. So, ideally quit when you go back home for a holiday. Kratom is not available in Thailand and it is a level 5 narcotic.

 

The other option is to get 16mg of Buprenorphine pills off a doctor. Then micro dose amounts like 0.3mg as needed. You must wait at least 24, or it could be 36 hours after stopping Tramadol before starting Buprenorphine. Which will probably coincide with the time symptoms kick in.

 

Tapering should be done for both methods and an anticonvulsant should be used for the first few days after stopping Tramadol. For example Valium or Clonazepam.