TRAMADOL WITHDRAWAL: WHAT TO EXPECT
Tramadol is available as an:
- Immediate-release tablet
- Extended-release tablet
- Oral solution
Tramadol was created in the 1960s by German scientists working for the pharmaceutical company Grünenthal. It was originally designed as an antidepressant, but it was found to be more effective at treating pain. Tramadol was approved for use in Germany in 1977 and in the United States in 1995.
The uses of tramadol include:
- Treating moderate to severe pain
- Reducing pain after surgery
- Treating chronic pain
- Treating pain associated with cancer
The tramadol dosage for pain relief is 50-100 mg every 4-6 hours as needed. The maximum daily tramadol dose is 400 mg/day.
What Are Tramadol Withdrawal Symptoms?
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle aches
- Fever
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- Irritability
If you or someone you know is experiencing tramadol withdrawal symptoms, it’s important to seek medical help right away. Tramadol withdrawal can be difficult and uncomfortable, but with medical help and support, it can be safely managed.
Tramadol Withdrawal Timeline
The tramadol withdrawal timeline can vary from person to person, but there are some general tramadol withdrawal timelines that are typically seen. These symptoms typically begin within 12 hours of your last dose of tramadol and can peak within 24-48 hours.
Tramadol withdrawal is considered a medical emergency, so if you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Withdrawal symptoms can start as early as a few hours after your last dose of tramadol, or they may not start until a few days later. Symptoms usually peak within one to three days and then begin to improve over the course of a week or so.
However, some people may experience tramadol withdrawal symptoms for several weeks or longer. Post-acute tramadol withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is a possible tramadol withdrawal symptom that can last for months or even years after you stop taking tramadol.
What Are the Possible Side Effects of Tramadol?
The most common side effects of tramadol include:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
It’s important to speak to your doctor about any side effects you may be experiencing. Tramadol can interact with other medications, so it’s important to make sure your doctor is aware of all the medications you’re taking. If you experience any serious side effects, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
What Are the Long-term Effects of Tramadol?
The long-term effects of tramadol are not well-known. Tramadol is a relatively new drug, and most of the research on its effects has been short-term. Some studies have suggested that tramadol may be associated with an increased risk of seizures, liver damage, and kidney damage.
The Rise and Dangers of Synthetic Opioids
Synthetic opioids are generally more potent than natural opioids, meaning that they have a higher risk for abuse and addiction. Tramadol withdrawal symptoms can be severe, and life-threatening, if not managed correctly.
48,006 people overdosed on opioids in 2020. 3.8% of American adults abuse opioids each year.
At least 71.8% and as many as 80% of overdose deaths involve opioids. Fentanyl and fentanyl analogs are a factor in 19.8% of all overdose deaths.
In Texas, 1,402 people die from opioid overdose in one year. Prescription opioids are a factor in 39% of opioid overdose deaths. 25.5% of deaths involved synthetic opioids.
Chronic pain is a common problem, affecting an estimated 100 million American adults. It’s often treated with pain medication, but tramadol (Ultram) is not typically the first choice for this purpose. When other pain medications are ineffective or cause intolerable side effects, tramadol may be tried.
Tramadol is a synthetic (man-made) opioid analgesic (pain reliever) that is similar to codeine. It is available as an immediate-release or extended-release oral tablet. Tramadol is also available as a generic drug. While tramadol is generally effective for pain relief, it carries a risk of serious side effects and addiction.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times more potent than morphine. Tramadol, on the other hand, is only about one-tenth as potent as morphine. Morphine is the standard against which all other opioids are measured.
Tramadol is not a true narcotic, but it shares many of the same features and effects as narcotics like morphine. Tramadol is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This means that tramadol has a lower potential for abuse than drugs in Schedule III, but a higher potential for abuse than drugs in Schedule V.
Substance withdrawals can be described as the symptoms that occur when someone suddenly stops taking a drug they’ve been regularly taking.
Withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on the substance, but they typically include flu-like symptoms, anxiety, and irritability. Drug withdrawals can be dangerous and even life-threatening, so it’s important to detox under medical supervision.
Those most at-risk of tramadol withdrawal symptoms are those who have been taking tramadol regularly for more than a few weeks.
The severity of tramadol withdrawal symptoms is also dose-dependent, meaning that the higher the dose someone has been taking, the more severe their tramadol withdrawal symptoms are likely to be.
Tramadol withdrawal occurs when someone who has been taking tramadol for a long period of time suddenly stops taking the drug. This can lead to uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous tramadol withdrawal symptoms.
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How is Tramadol Withdrawal Treated?
You may also be given other medication to help manage tramadol withdrawal symptoms, such as:
- Antidepressants: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used to treat tramadol withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
- Anti-anxiety medications: Benzodiazepines are sometimes used to treat tramadol withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and seizures.
- Pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be used to help tramadol withdrawal symptoms such as pain and headache.
If you experience tramadol withdrawal symptoms, it’s important to seek medical help.
Withdrawal from tramadol can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
Drug Detoxification
Drug detoxification is the process of clearing tramadol from your body. It’s often the first step in tramadol addiction treatment. Detox can be done on an outpatient basis, or as part of an inpatient rehab program.
Outpatient detox programs allow you to live at home and go to the facility for treatment during the day. Inpatient detox programs require that you stay at the facility for the duration of your detox.
Detox for Tramadol Withdrawal
During tramadol detox, you’ll be monitored closely by medical staff. They will provide you with medications to help manage tramadol withdrawal symptoms. You may also receive counseling and other therapies to help you through this difficult time.
After you complete tramadol detox, you’ll likely enter a tramadol addiction treatment program. This may be an outpatient or inpatient program. Treatment will help you develop skills and strategies to cope with tramadol cravings and triggers. It will also address any underlying mental health conditions that may be contributing to your tramadol use.
If you or a loved one are struggling with tramadol addiction, know that help is available. There are many effective treatment options available. With the right support, you can overcome tramadol addiction and build a healthy, sober life.
Get The Help You Deserve At Magnolia Recovery
Withdrawal from tramadol can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. If you’re experiencing tramadol withdrawal symptoms or are struggling with tramadol addiction, the team at Magnolia Recovery can help.
Our goal is to help you heal from tramadol addiction and develop the skills and tools you need to lead a sober, healthy life. Tramadol withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to deal with on your own.
To learn more about our tramadol addiction treatment program, contact us today. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Dr. Olaniyi O. Osuntokun
Dr. Olaniyi O. Osuntokun is a Neurology & Psychiatry Specialist based in Conroe, Texas, and Lafayette, Indiana. He has extensive experience in treating Individuals with substance use disorders and addiction. He earned his medical degree from University of Ibadan College of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years.
