Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Understanding what it means to withdraw from Tramadol
• Part 2 of 3: Stop taking Tramadol
• Part 3 of 3: Seeking support from others

Tramadol is a pain reliever drug used to treat moderate to severe pain. If you've been taking Tramadol for a significant amount of time, then your body has likely developed a dependence on the drug. If you then stop, you run the risk of dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Before trying to stop taking Tramadol yourself, you need to know what to expect, how to use less safely, and when to seek outside help.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Understanding what it means to withdraw from Tramadol

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 your use of Tramadol to limit withdrawal symptoms.
   • Always seek medical attention as often as you feel necessary.
2. Get to know the physical withdrawal symptoms. The following is a list of symptoms that you are likely to experience during weaning, however you plan to do so. 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 an emergency room right away.
   • Diarrhea
   • Headache
   • Nausea and vomiting
   • Breathing problems
   • Shivering
   • To sweat
   • Vibrate
   • Hairs that stand on end
3. Also expect mental withdrawal symptoms. Tramadol discontinuation is somewhat different from detoxifying other opiates because of its antidepressant effects. This means that the following psychological and mood-related symptoms also occur regularly during tramadol withdrawal:
   • Insomnia
   • Fear
   • Intense cravings for Tramadol
   • Panic attacks
   • Hallucinations
4. Accept the time it will take you to withdraw from 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 its dependence.
5. Ask about the use of other medications. Suboxone is a drug used for the withdrawal of opiates 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 medications that can support the detoxification, then antidepressants (only through the doctor) are also an option. Since Tramadol has antidepressant properties, you may experience mild to moderate depression while detoxing.

Part 2 of 3: Stop taking Tramadol

1. Set up a tapering schedule with your doctor. Stopping Tramadol outright can cause particularly strong, potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. No matter what schedule, stick to a withdrawal schedule. Mark the dates on which you need to reduce the use of the resource in an agenda or weekly planner. Gradually reducing your intake of the drug to get rid of 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 other possible physical and mental conditions.
   • In general, withdrawal from opiates is as follows: a reduction of 10% per day, 20% every three to five days, and 25% per week. It is never advisable to reduce 50% daily regardless of the time during the withdrawal process.
   • For example, if you are taking three pills a day, start withdrawal by taking just two pills - one in the morning and one in the evening. Cut it down to just one pill in the morning and keep it at that for another week. Stop taking the drug completely as soon as you are ready for half a pill a day, a week.
2. Take care of yourself. Stick to a self-care routine as it will also help relieve withdrawal symptoms. Put yourself on a boring, but nutritious diet to relieve intestinal complaints while still getting enough nutrients to adjust your physical processes. Plenty of water is also critical for its role in the healing process and as a lot of moisture is required for detoxification.
   • Because of the flu-like symptoms you may be experiencing, you can use hot and cold compresses to help regulate your temperature and feel more comfortable. Hot showers also relieve bone and muscle pain, which are also common.
   • It's also safe to use over-the-counter pain relievers to treat other withdrawal symptoms.
   • Take a walk or do some light exercise every day to increase your serotonin levels. That will help combat the depression that can come with a detox.
3. Use natural supplements to treat withdrawal symptoms. There are natural supplements that you can use specifically for certain mental and physical aspects of your health that are affected by the withdrawal symptoms. Consider L-tyrosine during withdrawal, which helps with brain function. You can also take valerian, which helps with sleep problems often associated with stopping Tramadol.
   • Consult your doctor before taking any supplements of any kind. Even natural supplements can sometimes interact negatively with prescription medications or certain medical conditions.
4. Avoid alcohol. Do not use alcohol or other drugs while you are on your drug addiction treatment. Due to 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 tendencies, loss of consciousness, brain damage and breathing difficulties.

Part 3 of 3: Seeking support from others

1. Research addiction treatments. Consider treatment for Tramadol addiction. You can also talk to your doctor about whether or not to go for outpatient treatment as a way to phase out the use of the pills. Addiction treatments include treatment programs for patients, usually in combination with medical help and counseling or group therapy, to get rid of the substance 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 life during withdrawal.
   • If you want to go to a drug rehabilitation center or rehabilitation clinic, use this link to find a program near you.
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 deal with an unstoppable craving for resources, and experts can suggest strategies to prevent and deal with relapse when it occurs.
3. Get 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 dealing with life and intense emotions. Through behavioral therapy and treatment, you can explore the causes and contributors to addiction and learn new ways to deal with and heal the wounds created by life's difficulties.
4. Consider participation in discussion 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 dealing with life during and after the detox. These groups can also be very important in relapse prevention by helping you stick to the agreements you have made with yourself.
   • Groups such as Addicts Anonymous Netherlands are there specifically for addiction to narcotics.