Tramadol Withdrawal
If someone develops a dependence to Tramadol, quitting the drug will cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Even using tramadol as a prescription can lead to dependence/addiction.
Withdrawal is the result of the body becoming chemically addicted, or altered, from taking Tramadol on a continuous basis, even after taking it only a few weeks. This happens because users develop a tolerance to Tramadol, meaning they must take it more frequent and the dose will continue to increase to feel the same effects, (ie. pain relief or euphoria). In response, the brain adapts to the constant presence of the drug and adjusts chemically making it difficult to withdrew from consuming the drug. Tramadol withdrawal symptoms generally last between 5-14 days.
Because of the large intake of Tramadol, the brain tries to self regulate by speeding up and slowing down some of its processes. When the user then suddenly stops taking the drug, the brain goes into “overdrive,” causing mild, moderate, or severe withdrawal symptoms.
Many recommend tapering off of Tramadol instead of stopping “cold turkey” to ease withdrawal symptoms. While most people detoxing from Tramadol describe the symptoms as flu-like, there is the potential for serious withdrawal effects, such as severe anxiety, panic attacks and hallucinations.
These Are the Common Signs and Symptoms of Tramadol Addiction
Tramadol abuse can easily lead to addiction. If you’re taking this medication and start to notice the following symptoms, you may be dependent or addicted to it.
- You have compulsive cravings to use tramadol.
- You feel like you need tramadol to cope with everyday problems.
- You are concerned about experiencing withdrawal when the effects of the drug wear off.
- You feel anxious or scared when you think about not taking tramadol anymore.
- You are preoccupied with getting more tramadol.
- You have mood swings.
- You feel physically uncomfortable if you don’t take tramadol.
- You take a higher dose than prescribed by your doctor.
- You visit several different doctors/pharmacies to get more tramadol.
- You keep using tramadol despite concerns voiced by family and friends.
Symptoms Of Withdrawal
Tramadol withdrawal symptoms vary from individual to individual, depending on the dosage being consumed. It is best to taper off the drug over time in order to minimize negative withdrawal symptoms.
Tapering off Tramadol involves slowly reducing the dosage over time.
Common Tramadol withdrawal symptoms include:
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Cravings
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Loss of appetite
- Sweating
- Muscle pain
- Blurred vision
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Diarrhea
- Nightmares
- Abdominal cramps
- Days 1-3 Onset of general withdrawal symptoms, including feelings of pins and needles, sweating, nervousness, nausea, anxiety, palpitations, insomnia and drug cravings.
- Days 4-7 Drug cravings persist, along with insomnia, disorientation, and confusion.
- Days 8-14 Symptoms should be fairly mild by this point. Depression, anxiety, and irrational thoughts may persist.
- Metocloperimide for nausea and vomiting.
- Loperimide for diarrhea.
- Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for muscle aches.
- Clonidine for anxiety and sweating.
- Valium for anxiety and insomnia.
- Buprenorphine (Subutex) for relieving withdrawal symptoms.
- Suboxone (a combination of Buprenorphine and Naloxone) for relieving withdrawal symptoms and to eliminate the euphoric effects of opioids.
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