Weekend Warrior wants to stop Tramadol

[Kahuna]

Hi.
First i want to say that English is not my native language. I hope you can understand everything and forgive me the spelling or grammar errors.

Why am i here?
I have been using Tramadol for the last 3 years. Only on weekends. Now i want to stop taking it.
I did not build up a big tolerance. I had the willpower to take it on the weekends only (with a few exceptions).
Now i realized that the whole week at work i am looking forward to the weekend. I dont want this anymore. I want to live without it.

When i am busy at work i almost have no cravings. But when i come home it starts... i am looking forward to the weekend so much that i go to bed very early. Like a child that knows his birthday is in a few days...
The weekends with some drinks and Tramadol were so great. I dont want to miss them.
I already reduced my dose but i am still using it Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Often i am very depressed Monday - Friday until i can take it again.

I ordered some 5 htp. Never tried it but read some studies about it.

My plan is: Stop taking Tramadol -> Taking 5 htp to fight depression -> Taper off 5 htp slowly -> Getting back to 'normal life'.

Its getting colder and the days become shorter. Thats the time when my depression becomes harder. The problem is my wife suffers from my depression. She doesn't know that i am taking Tramadol.

Maybe my depression is a mild withdrawal symptom. The hardcore opiate users may laugh at me but it really sucks to be derpressed every week until the weekend.

When we were on vacation this year i did not take Tramadol with me and stayed clean for 11 days. But at home the first thing i did was taking some pills.

I did not receive the 5 htp yet, so i think i am going to take Tramadol this weekend.
When i receive it i am going to keep you posted if it is helping me with my depressions.

 

[sickofthisshiz]

Tramadol only on the weekends will be a walk in the park. You can do this! It will be purely psychological, which can be difficult. Find something else you enjoy doing to distract from the cravings.

 

[Mariposa]

Hi Kahuna,

Welcome to Bluelight!

I used tramadol as an antidepressant - super low dose, but daily - for several months about 3 years ago. I kicked it with the help of an understanding friend and a few DVDs. I haven't looked back.

With regard to depression, I've found that staying busy even when I don't feel like doing anything, exercising, eating a healthy diet and getting a full night's sleep helps a lot. It's a protocol that won't cost you any money or create drama with your loved ones. Do you like your job?

 

[ThaDudeAbides]

Have to change your routine. I'm going through a similar situation. It's not easy, but you have to find new things that give you joy that doesn't include drugs. Good luck. I'm fighting psychological shit too bro.

 

[gr33n3y3z]

As long as your using the tramadol on the weekend and not 7 days a week. You should be fine.

For the depression aspect I would consult with your doctor and find a depression medication that works for you.

Best of luck PM if you have questions about the tramadol I have plenty of experience with it.

 

[Kahuna]

Thank you very much for the replies.

With regard to depression, I've found that staying busy even when I don't feel like doing anything, exercising, eating a healthy diet and getting a full night's sleep helps a lot. It's a protocol that won't cost you any money or create drama with your loved ones. Do you like your job?

Thank you for the advice. I have a responsible job but i like it beside the fact that i don't get the money i need to achieve my goals.

Have to change your routine. I'm going through a similar situation. It's not easy, but you have to find new things that give you joy that doesn't include drugs. Good luck. I'm fighting psychological shit too bro.

I try... i try.. I hope i find something. If you are in a similar situation i wish you find something that gives you joy, too.

As long as your using the tramadol on the weekend and not 7 days a week. You should be fine.
For the depression aspect I would consult with your doctor and find a depression medication that works for you.

Isn't it dangerous to use antidepressants in combination with tramadol?


Thank you all for the comments. I'll keep you posted.

 

[gr33n3y3z]

I didn't mean to take them together, as I read you post I thought you wanted to quit taking tramadol and tapper off.

That's why I suggested talking with your doc about a antidepressant.