Tramadol is a pain reliever used to treat moderate to severe pain. If you've been taking Tramadol for a significant amount of time, your body has probably developed a dependence on the drug. If you then stop taking it, you run the risk of dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Before you try to stop Tramadol on your own, you need to know what to expect, how to cut back safely and when to get outside help.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Understanding Tramadol withdrawal
Step 1. Talk to your doctor first
You can of course decide to stop taking Tramadol yourself, but let your doctor know that you intend to stop. Your doctor will be able to help you gradually reduce Tramadol use to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Always seek medical attention as often as you feel it is necessary
Step 2. Get to know the physical withdrawal symptoms
The following is a list of symptoms you are likely to experience while weaning, however you plan to do it. If you notice that you suffer from complaints that are not on the list, it is certainly advisable to contact your doctor, or to go to a hospital or emergency room immediately.
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Breathing problems
- shivering
- To sweat
- Vibrate
- Hair that stands on end
Step 3. Expect mental withdrawal symptoms as well
Stopping Tramadol is slightly different from detoxing other opiates because of its antidepressant effects. This means that the following psychological and mood-related symptoms also regularly occur during tramadol withdrawal:
- Insomnia
- Fear
- Intense craving for Tramadol
- Panic attacks
- Hallucinations
Step 4. Accept the time it will take you to wean off Tramadol
Tramadol withdrawal symptoms usually peak 48-72 hours after the last dose. These symptoms can last from a few days to a few weeks. The severity of the withdrawal symptoms will also depend on the level of Tramadol use and dependence on it.
Step 5. Ask about taking other medications
Suboxone is a drug used for opiate withdrawal and should be prescribed by a physician certified to do so. It is used to prevent most withdrawal symptoms and cravings for an addictive substance.
- Other drugs that relieve withdrawal symptoms are Clonidine (reduces agitation, anxiety and nausea) and Buprenorphine (shortens the time frame of the detox).
- If you want to reduce the use of a substance without the help of other medication that can support the detoxification, then antidepressants (only through the doctor) are also an option. Because Tramadol has antidepressant properties, you may experience mild to moderate depression while detoxing.
Part 2 of 3: Stop taking Tramadol
Step 1. Set up a tapering schedule with your doctor
Stopping Tramadol outright can cause very strong, potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. Stick to a withdrawal schedule, no matter what schedule. Mark the dates when you need to reduce the use of the drug in a calendar or weekly planner. Gradually reducing your intake of the drug until you are completely off it can help your body regulate itself and reduce the pain and danger of withdrawal. The method of withdrawal used depends on the presence of possible other physical and mental conditions.
- In general, opiate withdrawal proceeds as follows: a reduction of 10% per day, 20% every three to five days and 25% per week. It is never recommended to reduce by 50% every day at any time during the withdrawal process.
- For example, if you're taking three pills a day, start the withdrawal by taking just two pills--one in the morning and one in the evening. Reduce its use to just one pill in the morning, and keep it there for another week. Stop taking the drug completely as soon as you are ready for half a pill per day, per week.
Step 2. Take care of yourself
Stick to a self-care routine as it will also help ease the withdrawal symptoms. Put yourself on a bland, but nutritious diet to relieve intestinal discomfort while still getting enough nutrients to adjust your bodily processes. Plenty of water is also critical because of its role in the healing process and as detoxification requires a lot of fluids.
- Because of the flu-like symptoms you may be experiencing, you can use warm and cold compresses to help regulate your temperature and feel more comfortable. Warm showers also relieve bone and muscle pain, which are also common.
- It is also safe to use over-the-counter pain relievers to treat other withdrawal symptoms.
- Take a walk every day or do some light exercise to boost your serotonin levels. That will help fight the depression that can accompany a detox.
Step 3. Use natural supplements to treat withdrawal symptoms
There are natural supplements that you can take specifically for certain mental and physical aspects of your health that are affected by the withdrawal symptoms. While weaning, try L-tyrosine, which helps with brain function. You can also take valerian root, which helps with sleep problems often associated with stopping Tramadol.
Consult your doctor before taking supplements of any kind. Even natural supplements can sometimes interact negatively with prescription medications or certain medical conditions
Step 4. Avoid alcohol
While you are in rehab, do not consume alcohol or other drugs. Because of the danger of an interaction between the two, even small doses of Tramadol in combination with alcohol can worsen withdrawal symptoms or depression, as well as cause confusion, suicidal thoughts, loss of consciousness, brain damage and breathing difficulties.
Part 3 of 3: Seeking support from others
Step 1. Research addiction treatment
Consider treatment for Tramadol addiction. You can also consult your doctor about whether or not to go into outpatient treatment as a way to wean off the pills. Addiction treatments include treatment programs for patients, usually in combination with medical help and counseling or group therapy, to help come off the drug and understand the emotions behind it.
- Inpatient treatment involves a long stay in a residential facility, and is used for severe cases of Tramadol addiction. This can provide a controlled and safe environment for the withdrawal process.
- Outpatient treatment offers treatment and therapy at a clinic, while you continue with your normal routine at home. This type of treatment is used in less severe cases and for patients who do not want to interrupt their activities and relationships of daily living during withdrawal.
- If you want to go to a drug addiction center or rehabilitation clinic, use this link to find a program near you.
Step 2. Ask for advice from experts
Counselors, doctors and psychiatrists are all available and trained to help you resist the temptation of drug addiction. Behavioral treatments can help find ways to cope with substance cravings, and experts can suggest strategies for preventing and dealing with relapses if they do occur.
Step 3. Go to therapy
After you have stopped taking Tramadol, it may be wise to investigate the underlying cause of your addiction to the medication. Drug use often becomes a way of coping with life and intense emotions. Through behavioral therapy and treatment, you can explore the causes and what contributes to the addiction and learn new ways to deal with and heal the wounds created by life's difficulties.
Step 4. Consider joining talk groups
Conversation or support groups, such as those following the 12-step plan, are great opportunities to work with others to maintain your abstinence, along with people who understand how difficult this is. During these meetings you can share your struggles and exchange tips for coping with life during and after the detox. These groups can also be very important in preventing a relapse by helping you stick to the agreements you have made with yourself.