Addiction

[Lacessit]

Just now, Badrabbit said:

Yes I read it can be 7 days approx.

More like a month, ask Sheryl.

[Badrabbit]

1 hour ago, Lacessit said:

More like a month, ask Sheryl.

I couldent cope with that, I will reduce and get free slowly.

[Badrabbit]

1 hour ago, Lacessit said:

Have you had your appendix removed?

Have you had a CAT scan?

Has anyone diagnosed Crohn's disease?

 

Bear in mind the pain you have now is withdrawal, which simply has to be endured.

 

Make sure you keep hydrated. Drink lots of water.

No to your questions.

I can not endure the withdrawal symptoms  I will reduce the amount I take slowly.

Yes to drinking lots of water.

[Gottfrid]

19 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

(You feel stupidity sometimes hurts.)

 

Well, take other painkillers alternatively. As Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Orphenadrine or combinations of those.

Do not listen to this, as it will totally mess up you stomach. Just contact a doctor specialized in drug addiction and painkillers. You should not do like advised above and self-medicate.

[Lacessit]

36 minutes ago, Badrabbit said:

No to your questions.

I can not endure the withdrawal symptoms  I will reduce the amount I take slowly.

Yes to drinking lots of water.

Good luck. Water helps alleviate some of the physical discomforts of withdrawal. Stay hydrated.

[Badrabbit]

33 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

Do not listen to this, as it will totally mess up you stomach. Just contact a doctor specialized in drug addiction and painkillers. You should not do like advised above and self-medicate.

As said I'm going to reduce and hope in time I can be free of the addiction.

I feel fine taking the tablets obviously its not ideal but as long as I don't have to go through the terrible pain of withdrawal I will continue to take the tramadol.

 

[SiSePuede419]

On 10/25/2024 at 10:37 PM, Badrabbit said:

Am I experiencing withdrawal, it's awful.

Gee, that's terrible!

Maybe you can tell that to the person who forced you to take those addictive opioids.

Oh wait.

That's you.

Nevermind.

Have you tried fentanyl yet?

I have.

It's boring.  Just puts you to sleep.

You might like it. 😘

[Gottfrid]

1 hour ago, Badrabbit said:

As said I'm going to reduce and hope in time I can be free of the addiction.

I feel fine taking the tablets obviously its not ideal but as long as I don't have to go through the terrible pain of withdrawal I will continue to take the tramadol.

 

Ok Sure! It´s all up to you, as it´s your life and your body. As you are not prepared to go through the withdrawal, you will most likely not get rid of your addiction, as that is a part of the process. Of course, you feel fine taking the pills, as that is also a part of the addiction. I think you are just fooling yourself here, which might end up in that you cutting a few year of your life expectance.

[Luuk Chaai]

16 hours ago, Albaby said:

Nonsense. Just stop.

 

100%   works every time .. 

 

[Sheryl]

17 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

I recently tried "Arcoxia" (etoricoxib) for severe back pain (reamended by my pharmacist) and it was amazing. 

His problem is not pain of that type. It is withdrawal pains. 

 

Very gradual tapering helps.

 

There   are also some medications used specifically for withdrawal symptoms  but these need to be individualized and are  really not something that can be safely and effectively self prescribed. There are doctors who specialize in precisely this. 

 

While pain is OP's main complaint withdrawal  also often depletes serotonin levels leading to a general dysphoria that further reduces what (in addictive personalities) is often an inability/unwillingness to tolerate even temporary discomfort. 

 

Proper medical management can substantially reduce pain and discomfort from withdrawal as well as provide encouragement and moral support.  However it cannot be rendered completely easy and confortable so motivation/ determination  is important. Unfortunately these are often weak.  A desire for immediate gratification/relief are often  features of an addiction-prone personality and part of why it us so difficult to get off drugs and so common to relapse. 

[connda]

You can use Kratom powder or Kratom leaf to offset the withdrawals symptom.  Realize you'll eventually have to withdraw from Kratom, but it's an easier step down.  By the way, this is exactly why Kratom was historically outlawed.  From a historical perspective, it cut into the opium trade.  It's an effective way to taper off of opioids, but was made illegal as those who made money off of the opium trade of old wanted addicts.

You need to taper off of the Tramadol.  Kratom will make the step-down easier.  If you don't have the will power to taper, then get professional help.

[Badrabbit]

13 minutes ago, connda said:

You can use Kratom powder or Kratom leaf to offset the withdrawals symptom.  Realize you'll eventually have to withdraw from Kratom, but it's an easier step down.  By the way, this is exactly why Kratom was historically outlawed.  From a historical perspective, it cut into the opium trade.  It's an effective way to taper off of opioids, but was made illegal as those who made money off of the opium trade of old wanted addicts.

You need to taper off of the Tramadol.  Kratom will make the step-down easier.  If you don't have the will power to taper, then get professional help.

I am reducing the amount I take, was 4 now down to 3 over 24hrs.

[dddave]

6 hours ago, Badrabbit said:

I'm going to decrease the amount I am taking, I have been taking 4 50mg tablets 1 every 6 hours( 24 hrs) for over 3 years(I can't believe how stupid I have been) I will now go down to 3 50mg over a 24 hr period.

I can't afford to get professional help so I have to do this on my own.

I can't tell you how scared I am, the withdrawal pain is something I can not cope with.

If it comes to it I will just continue taking them.

Thanks for all the helpful comments apart from one that said " just stop" I wish it was that easy.

This all started about 4 years ago, all of a sudden I got pain in my Abdomin, it was so bad I honestly thought my life was over, since then I have been on the tablets because I was scared the pain would return, many many tests showed nothing.

"ULTRACET" tablets are 37.5mg tramadol with added acetaminophen.  They might be be easier to taper-off with.  Available OTC at most pharmacys.

[Badrabbit]

4 minutes ago, dddave said:

"ULTRACET" tablets are 37.5mg tramadol with added acetaminophen.  They might be be easier to taper-off with.  Available OTC at most pharmacys.

Yes I was thinking about Ultracet.

[Sheryl]

2 hours ago, Badrabbit said:

Yes I was thinking about Ultracet.

The fact that it has paracetemol is nto likley to make much difference but the 37.5mg dosage is a big help. One of the problems with trying to taper off tramadol is that it comes only in 50, 75 or 100 mg capsules.

 

If you are currently taking 50 mg 3 times a day, try switching the middle dose to ultracet. (So 50, 37.5, 50 a day).  Give it a week at least, then if feeling not too bad, change another dose to ultracet etc etc. 

 

Once down to ultracet 3 times a day try for twice a day. If that is too difficult then 3 one day, 2 the next, then 3 etc etc.

 

In other words - go gradually. Do not give up, and do not back track, even if feeling uncomfortable -- but go slow.

[Pickwick]

3 hours ago, Badrabbit said:

Yes I was thinking about Ultracet.

I was in a similar position some years ago after breaking my neck in a car accident in Germany. Stay calm you have already started the process and soon you will be Tramadol free, it's not easy but will most likely not be as bad as you fear. You do need a bit of fortitude, so be happy with your decrease today, allow yourself some time to adjust to the decreased dosage, but also begin to focus on how happy you will feel when Tramadol free.

 

There are two issues you are facing -  the mental and the physical. It sounds like you have the motivation for the mental part - but please be aware that Tramadol does mimic some antidepressants, so as you taper down be aware of your mood and feelings. 

 

Your body is physically dependent on Tramadol, the main reason you need to taper down. Unfortunately, this is more difficult here than in Germany. In Germany you can get drops - liquid Tramadol - and you can literally decrease by a single mg. I do not believe liquid Tramadol is available here, though I am not 100% sure - perhaps @Sheryl can advise?

 

That means you are stuck with the capsules (50mg each) or Ultracet (37.5mg). Superficial research suggests you should not split an Ultracet pill in half - again perhaps @Sheryl can advise, that's a pity as it is easier to taper into ever decreasing amounts.

 

But if you have the will - and it sounds like you do - you've go this. You've already started, so well done. Take it slowly - that's the most important thing. Taper will most likely be a bit up and down during periods of decrease. You will have good days and bad. Make a plan - maybe 3 capsules for a week or more, then swap the middle capsule for a slightly weaker Ultracet pill; then go down to 2 Ultracet pills+one capsule etc etc). Stick to your plan, but do not be afraid to stay at 3 pills (or 2 or 1 etc) a bit longer if you need. But also keep focusing on your end goal to keep yourself motivated and determined.

 

I found it a little difficult to adjust but it was not nearly as bad as I feared. Allow yourself to feel happy that you have got to 3 pills already, build your mental strength and then go down to 2. Slowly, steadily and you'll be fine. Best wishes.

[Badrabbit]

58 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

The fact that it has paracetemol is nto likley to make much difference but the 37.5mg dosage is a big help. One of the problems with trying to taper off tramadol is that it comes only in 50, 75 or 100 mg capsules.

 

If you are currently taking 50 mg 3 times a day, try switching the middle dose to ultracet. (So 50, 37.5, 50 a day).  Give it a week at least, then if feeling not too bad, change another dose to ultracet etc etc. 

 

Once down to ultracet 3 times a day try for twice a day. If that is too difficult then 3 one day, 2 the next, then 3 etc etc.

 

In other words - go gradually. Do not give up, and do not back track, even if feeling uncomfortable -- but go slow.

Thanks I will do that.

[KannikaP]

On 10/26/2024 at 7:58 AM, carlyai said:

I'd day just go 'cold turkey' for 3 months or 87 days (mark them on a whiteboard)

Will the three days make all the difference?   5555

[Sheryl]

4 hours ago, Pickwick said:

.....

 

Your body is physically dependent on Tramadol, the main reason you need to taper down. Unfortunately, this is more difficult here than in Germany. In Germany you can get drops - liquid Tramadol - and you can literally decrease by a single mg. I do not believe liquid Tramadol is available here, though I am not 100% sure - perhaps @Sheryl can advise?

 

That means you are stuck with the capsules (50mg each) or Ultracet (37.5mg). Superficial research suggests you should not split an Ultracet pill in half - again perhaps @Sheryl can advise, that's a pity as it is easier to taper into ever decreasing amounts.

 

.....

 

Indeed no liquid form available here, and indeed cannot cut or split ultracet tablets.

 

Which does make it harder. He can go from 50mg doses to 37.5 easily enough butiotherwise can only alter dose schedule.

 

The mood issues are why doctors who mange addiction sometimes prescribe SSRIs temporarily to people coming off tramadol. Among other things.

[Badrabbit]

1 hour ago, KannikaP said:

Will the three days make all the difference?   

I tried to stop a few days ago, the pain was unbearable, what was worse was my mental state, irritable, my body would not relax which again was unbearable, I could not sleep just pace around the house, I was very scared and could not imagine having to cope with it anymore, I took 2 tablets, the pain and my mental state soon returned to normal, it's not fair on my gf having to see me like that, I'm sure she is scared and scared for me.

If I can't do this on my own without the pain and mental side of it I will just carry on taking the Tramadol, I've been taking them for approx 4 years with no side effects other than Constipation which I deal with.

I have not got the will power to cope with the withdrawel.

I am going to reduce the tablets and hope I can get through this virtually pain free.

If I'm honest I can't see how I am going to get Tramadol free but I will try my best.

I wish I could afford professional help which I wouldn't be able to afford, I am certain my insurance company would not pay.

What a mess I've got myself into, never thought it would happen to me.

[Sheryl]

3 hours ago, Badrabbit said:

I wish I could afford professional help which I wouldn't be able to afford, I am certain my insurance company would not pay.

 

How much are you assuming a simple doctor consultation is going to cost?

[connda]

9 hours ago, Badrabbit said:

I am reducing the amount I take, was 4 now down to 3 over 24hrs.

 

8 hours ago, dddave said:

"ULTRACET" tablets are 37.5mg tramadol with added acetaminophen.  They might be be easier to taper-off with.  Available OTC at most pharmacys.

Stay on 3 for a week, then 2 for a week, then 1 for a week, then 1 Ultracet for a week, then 1/2 Ultracet, then you'll probably be able to just quit by then.

[connda]

3 hours ago, Badrabbit said:

I tried to stop a few days ago, the pain was unbearable, what was worse was my mental state, irritable, my body would not relax which again was unbearable, I could not sleep just pace around the house, I was very scared and could not imagine having to cope with it anymore, I took 2 tablets, the pain and my mental state soon returned to normal, it's not fair on my gf having to see me like that, I'm sure she is scared and scared for me.

If I can't do this on my own without the pain and mental side of it I will just carry on taking the Tramadol, I've been taking them for approx 4 years with no side effects other than Constipation which I deal with.

I have not got the will power to cope with the withdrawel.

I am going to reduce the tablets and hope I can get through this virtually pain free.

If I'm honest I can't see how I am going to get Tramadol free but I will try my best.

I wish I could afford professional help which I wouldn't be able to afford, I am certain my insurance company would not pay.

What a mess I've got myself into, never thought it would happen to me.

Opiate withdrawal are difficult.  Don't mix up pain with withdrawal symptoms.  It's easy to do.  At this point your probably just going though withdrawal and it sucks.  I'm serious about Kratom working to alleviate a lot of the withdrawal symptoms like restlessness, restless leg syndrome, sniffles, sneezing and diarrhea. But a taper will also work.  Don't be in a hurry - rule number one.  Take your time.  You are down to 3 50mg pills a day?  Stay there until you're comfortable for a few day, then cut another 50gm.  Yeah - you'll experience some withdrawal symptoms but they won't be a major problem.  Taper is your friend.  Take your time.  You took years getting to this point, give yourself time to taper off.  It's not a race.

[connda]

4 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Indeed no liquid form available here, and indeed cannot cut or split ultracet tablets.

Sure you can.  It's like cutting a Tylenol tablet in half.  A knife, a cutting board, and Bob's your uncle.  2 halves of an Ultracet with about 18 mg of Tramadol in each half. 

[Sheryl]

28 minutes ago, connda said:

Sure you can.  It's like cutting a Tylenol tablet in half.  A knife, a cutting board, and Bob's your uncle.  2 halves of an Ultracet with about 18 mg of Tramadol in each half. 

You CANNOT safely do this. It is very dangerous and not at all the same as spliutting plain paracetemol.

 

"Cutting, breaking, crushing, chewing or dissolving ULTRACET can lead to dangerous adverse events including death"

https://www.mims.com/hongkong/drug/info/ultracet?type=full

[Badrabbit]

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

How much are you assuming a simple doctor consultation is going to cost?

 

48 minutes ago, connda said:

Opiate withdrawal are difficult.  Don't mix up pain with withdrawal symptoms.  It's easy to do.  At this point your probably just going though withdrawal and it sucks.  I'm serious about Kratom working to alleviate a lot of the withdrawal symptoms like restlessness, restless leg syndrome, sniffles, sneezing and diarrhea. But a taper will also work.  Don't be in a hurry - rule number one.  Take your time.  You are down to 3 50mg pills a day?  Stay there until you're comfortable for a few day, then cut another 50gm.  Yeah - you'll experience some withdrawal symptoms but they won't be a major problem.  Taper is your friend.  Take your time.  You took years getting to this point, give yourself time to taper off.  It's not a race.

That was the worst thing by far, "restless leg syndrome" I just can not cope with it.

Thank you for the advice I will take it slowly.

[pacovl46]

21 hours ago, carlyai said:

So you've actually done it, or read about it?

I don’t have to do it myself because more than enough research on the subject matter has been done and published by experts. 

[wijipa]

I have been on Tramadol for 28years the last 14 on 400mg a day of slow release. Like you, if I forget to take a tablet at night I wake in terrible pain and it takes about 4 hours to get it under control again. You should not stop taking it suddenly but slowly wean yourself off.

[rwill]

On 10/26/2024 at 9:33 PM, Yellowtail said:

I recently tried "Arcoxia" (etoricoxib) for severe back pain (reamended by my pharmacist) and it was amazing. 

Arcoxia is a reformulation of Vioxx which was taken off of the market for increased risk of heart attacks.

Vioxx and Arcoxia work wonderfully for me for pain.  But last time I took Arcoxia I checked my pulse and it was very high.  About a day later it was back down to normal.

I will not take it any more.

[Badrabbit]

1 hour ago, wijipa said:

I have been on Tramadol for 28years the last 14 on 400mg a day of slow release. Like you, if I forget to take a tablet at night I wake in terrible pain and it takes about 4 hours to get it under control again. You should not stop taking it suddenly but slowly wean yourself off.

Thanks, I can not beat this, I was okay untill I tried to stop I've been feeling bad ever since, I have to continue taking the Tramadol whatever the consequences might be.

I'm feeling so down constantly thinking how stupid I have been, it's a continuous nightmare.