What Amount is Too Much?

It was a motorcycle accident that left me with severe neck pain when I took Tramadol for the first time. Because I had previously abused various opioid analgesics, including those based on hydrocodone and acetaminophen, it was suggested that I try this specific medication. The fact that it is a low risk for being addictive coupled with my previous substance abuse issues, made the doctor believe that Tramadol was the safe bet. I could ask for refills as often as necessary, but could not take any other drugs in the meantime.

I started out on 50 milligrams per day — the lowest possible dose — but it didn’t even begin to touch the incredible pain I had. Gradually, I increased the amount of pills that I was ingesting, getting the dosage up to 350 and even 400 mg each day. The pain vanished, but returned sooner as the drug’s effects rapidly wore off. I required more, as I concluded that the body had grown accustomed to Tramadol; to be able to get the equal pain-killing effects, I had to increase the dosage again. What occurred? Do you really want to ask that question?

I was not shocked at the initial effects Tramadol had on me as I had taken opioids previously. It relieved me of the pain, leaving behind a feeling of bliss that was virtually euphoric and I truly thought it was effective. I neglected to think that it could be addictive and that I would revert into withdrawal syndrome sooner than later. As opposed to other medications I have ingested, Tramadol did not bring on feelings of dizziness or fatigue; in fact, it kept me alert and at the ready, like I could take on the world, and I only felt bad when the medicine began to wear off. There was no issue, as I could always pop another pill and start feeling fine again.

It only took me five months to take my Tramadol dosage from 50 milligrams per day, to a whopping 500 milligrams per day. Side effects had begun to make themselves known, specifically through nervousness and symptoms like anxiety and hyper-alertness. Old feelings of substance abuse surfaced thanks to a myriad of tremors, palpitations, sweating and hallucinations. One night everything changed. I could not get back to sleep and it was virtually midnight. Nausea, restlessness and anxiousness were feelings that I began to have. I saw the symptoms but they did not get so severe, so I prayed they would subside. Alas, they did not, and when I recalled the possibility of deadly effects of Tramadol overdoses, I freaked out and contacted 911. Luckily for me, they arrived fast and next thing I knew, I was in the hospital.

Life after Tramadol… how could I describe it? Well, since Tramadol had taken away the pain as well as all depressive emotions, for a time it was fairly difficult. I kept taking Tramadol in low doses but never less than the prescribed minimum. Feeling anxious, panicky and entirely addicted was something I did not want to go back to. I just wanted to get my life back in order and to feel healthy. I succeeded, thanks to the specialists at the drug rehabilitation clinic. I discovered the strength and determination necessary to overcome horrible days and survive the bad weeks.

The experience I had I am grateful for. I learned the importance of moderating my emotions. If I had not exceeded the prescribed dose, Tramadol might have worked perfectly for my particular injury. I’ve OD’d twice before, and this time I was terrified. I was extremely fortunate and I taught myself something important. The next time I need medication, will I remember this lesson? Does such a possibility exist? If I have another overdose will I be able to get through it? Hope is all I can do.

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