Interested in quitting tramadol?
If you’ve been taking tramadol for a while, you won’t be able to simply stop taking tramadol. Why? Because when you use tramadol for a long period of time, your body starts developing a tolerance to tramadol which can develop to dependence on the drug. And when you get off tramadol, the presence of withdrawal symptoms manifest. In fact, withdrawal from tramadol can be dangerous and even provoke seizures.
So what is withdrawal from tramadol like? How long do tramadol withdrawal symptoms last? Learn what to expect and how to stop taking tramadol below. Then, ask your questions about tramadol at the end.
Can I just stop taking tramadol?
Yes. And no. You can stop taking tramadol whenever you would like to. But you can only quit tramadol cold turkey if you’ve been using tramadol for a short period of time. It is NOT ADVISABLE that you suddenly just stop taking tramadol if you’ve been using tramadol for extended periods of time.
Tramadol is an opiate pain killer and can result in uncomfortable and dangerous withdrawal symptoms if your body has become physically dependent. Withdrawal symptoms can include; seizures, insomnia, vomiting, and anxiety. In order to understand the full extent of tramadol withdrawal symptoms, it is a good idea to get help from a doctor. A doctor can tapper your use of tramadol slowly and over time until you’re no longer using tramadol. Tapering also helps alleviate the harsh effects of withdrawal.
What happens when you stop taking tramadol?
When you stop taking tramadol you go through a period of withdrawal. Why? With time, your brain and body adapt to the presence of tramadol in the system to the point that you integrate tramadol into the functioning of the body systems. As you continually take tramadol, your body then becomes dependent on it and without the presence of tramadol, your body manifests adverse effects trying to compensate. This “rebound” effect is characteristic of any drug withdrawal period as your body learns to cope with the new chemistry and function normally. Withdrawal is a way for the body to regain homeostasis. Withdrawal from tramadol begins about a few hours after the last dose of tramadol has worn off. Even if you don’t have an addiction to tramadol, you can experience these symptoms when you stop taking tramadol.
Side effects stop taking Xanax
You can develop a physical dependence on tramadol after only taking tramadol for a few weeks. Withdrawal effects may be more severe and intense the longer you are taking tramadol. some common side effects that occur when you stop taking tramadol can include the following:
- cough
- chills
- excessive sneezing
- depression
- hallucination
- insomnia
- nervousness
- numbness in the extremities
- panic attacks
- runny nose
- sweats
- tingling
- uncontrollable shaking
Stop taking tramadol suddenly
Never stop taking tramadol suddenly. If you stop taking tramadol suddenly, you run the risk of seizures, hallucinations, and losing concsiousness. It is better to work with a doctor and have your tramadol dosage slowly and gradually tapered. Doctors may substitute other medication that can help with any side effects you may be facing because of withdrawal.
Stop taking tramadol cold turkey
Opioids like tramadol can be painful to quit. Tramadol has also been shown to cause atypical withdrawal symptoms such as convulsions and seizures which can put you in danger if no one is watching you. Always let a doctor know about your intentions to quit tramadol before altering you medication or stopping on your own. You can only stop cold turkey if you haven’t been taking tramadol for a long time or if you experience a high tolerance for tramadol without adverse effects or the signs of dependency. Anytime you present withdrawal symptoms from tramadol, you shouldn’t stop taking tramadol cold turkey.
How do I stop taking tramadol?
The best way to quit tramadol is to work with a doctor and have him or her gradually taper you off the medication. Tapering tramadol doses helps your body regulate and can decrease the intensity of tramadol withdrawal symptoms. The timeline you and your doctor come up with will help you wean yourself off of the medication as you observe symptoms. In fact, it is helpful to schedule regular doctor appointments and make check-ins as you stop taking tramadol so that the prescribing doctor can make adjustments, if needed. If you have developed an addiction tramadol while taking this pain killer, seeking outside help is even more important. General tapering guidelines for opiates such as tramadol include the following recommendations:
1) The method of tapering will be dependent on the presence of other physical and mental conditions present.
2) In general, tapering opioids consists of a reduction by 10% daily, 20% every three to five days, and 25% a week.
3) It is never advisable to taper by 50% daily anytime during the tapering process.
How to stop taking tramadol safely
Tramadol is a popular opiate prescribed because it is considered a schedule III medication. That is, it has a lower potential for dependence and abuse. Tramadol should be safer than other drugs to quit. However, as mentioned before, the safest way to stop taking tramadol is to consult a doctor and follow instructions for quitting. While you are trying to quit taking tramadol, you can treat your withdrawal symptoms with over-the-counter medications or home remedies to help the ease symptoms of tramadol withdrawal. Other medications might be prescribed if withdrawal proves to be severe.
How to stop taking tramadol questions
Still have questions about stopping tramadol? Please leave us your questions, comments, or experiences about quitting tramadol below. We respond to all questions personally, and will try to have you an answer or reply ASAP.
Reference Sources: NCBI: tramadol
Daily Med: tramadol hydrochloride
Utah Department of Health: Prescribing Opioid Guidelines
