Hello all, I'm new to posting on blue light but have been a reader for quite some time now. I am looking for support/advice on tapering from tramadol and staying clean of opiates once and for all. I began using vicodin about 8 years ago following 2 shoulder surgeries. I ultimately ended up abusing the meds for a year and half before quitting cold turkey. It was no walk in the park but I did it and stayed clean for nearly 2 years.
After re-I hiring my repaired shoulder and dealing with constant bursitis I went to the Dr and asked for something for pain, and told him of my previous issues with vicodin and I was looking for something non narcotic. He prescribed me tramadol. A lot of tramadol. At first I did we'll with it and only took it as needed but soon fell back into old habits. At the height of my addiction I was up to as many as 15 50mg pills a day.
The tramadol withdrawal was waaaay worse than the vicodin WDs that I had experienced and after 2 years of trying and failing I went on suboxone. My sub Dr was pretty naive of the medication and described it like a blood pressure medicine. Safe with few draw backs if any. I was on subs for 2.5 years and quit this past September at 2mgs/day. The WDs were terrible and lasted forever. I have a demanding career, and 2 small children at home so not being able to function was NOT an option. I eventually went back on tramadol after a month clean just to feel human again. I have only used my tramadol as prescribed (4-6 a day) but know what I'm in for when I quit.
Well, now is the time. I have too much to live for and don't want to be chained to opiates any more. I'm wondering if anybody reading this has successfully tapered from tramadol that might be able to provide some insight. I am beginning a taper today and planning to drip 50mgs a day every 4 days over the next 2.5 weeks (300mgs-0). Does this sound too rapid? I don't expect to get off scot free and understand that I will experience some discomfort but am wondering if I should plan for a crippling experience? I am willing to try anything to get away from meds once and for all. I think I have the right mind set and now is as good a time as any. I no longer chase any high. My life is good and I have a lot going for me. But I do run from the lows. Fear of WDs is what has kept my usage going. Any help/encouragement/support would be much appreciated! Thank you!
After re-I hiring my repaired shoulder and dealing with constant bursitis I went to the Dr and asked for something for pain, and told him of my previous issues with vicodin and I was looking for something non narcotic. He prescribed me tramadol. A lot of tramadol. At first I did we'll with it and only took it as needed but soon fell back into old habits. At the height of my addiction I was up to as many as 15 50mg pills a day.
The tramadol withdrawal was waaaay worse than the vicodin WDs that I had experienced and after 2 years of trying and failing I went on suboxone. My sub Dr was pretty naive of the medication and described it like a blood pressure medicine. Safe with few draw backs if any. I was on subs for 2.5 years and quit this past September at 2mgs/day. The WDs were terrible and lasted forever. I have a demanding career, and 2 small children at home so not being able to function was NOT an option. I eventually went back on tramadol after a month clean just to feel human again. I have only used my tramadol as prescribed (4-6 a day) but know what I'm in for when I quit.
Well, now is the time. I have too much to live for and don't want to be chained to opiates any more. I'm wondering if anybody reading this has successfully tapered from tramadol that might be able to provide some insight. I am beginning a taper today and planning to drip 50mgs a day every 4 days over the next 2.5 weeks (300mgs-0). Does this sound too rapid? I don't expect to get off scot free and understand that I will experience some discomfort but am wondering if I should plan for a crippling experience? I am willing to try anything to get away from meds once and for all. I think I have the right mind set and now is as good a time as any. I no longer chase any high. My life is good and I have a lot going for me. But I do run from the lows. Fear of WDs is what has kept my usage going. Any help/encouragement/support would be much appreciated! Thank you!
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