Weaning off of Ultram ER (Tramadol)

[MaryJ]

Hi. It was a year ago when I started my journey with Ultram ER 200 and Topamax. I was prescribed them for chronic neuropathy leg and feet after a disectomy L5-S1 in 2003. It’s becoming ineffective now and on the basis of my most current MRI, the neurosurgeon ( not the one who operated me for the first time ) says that there’s no point of operating. He said this is the job of pain management doctor and he sent me to one ( my previous doc stopped practicing ). The problem is that I actually can’t even evaluate how bad is my pain taking medicines without any break. I wonder how this would be if I stopped treatment. But here, another problem appears- I am terribly scared of withdrawal side effects. I’m an RN and have experience with many patients going through DT’s and withdrawal from cocaine etc. Here I would only say- God save me from such thing! I don’t know what exactly I can expect when I decide to stop taking Ultram. And here my question for you: have you already experienced reactions to withdrawal? How were you feeling? Please, tell me about that. Thank you, Mary.

[Silver]

Welcome to my world. This is exactly what I am scared of too. When I think about withdrawal, the worst thoughts come to my mind. I just hope, you are not going to stop all your medicines at the same time? That would be definitely risky. Maybe I am naive but I hope that proper withdrawal process may save us from these awful reactions. Silver.

[MaryJ]

I have a long list of questions I am going to ask my doctor when I visit her. I’m particularly interested in the withdrawal effects of course. I am fed up with withdrawal adventures. I had been treated with Cymbalta before but doctor changed it to Lyrica. Well, stopping Cymbalta was one of the worst experiences. I don’t even know how to describe the way I was feeling. It was as if my head was “swimming”, can you imagine? I doubt you can…
I am really exhausted. All the antidepressants, anticonvulsants, NSAIDS, synthetic opiates were simply helpless. Not to mention the money I have spent on them. It’s so irritating! Mary.

[lincoln]

Hi Mary,
As far as I know there is just one appropriate way to evaluate your pain- you need to stop taking medicines. I know this alternative may sound scary, but there’s nothing else you can do. When it comes to Ultram, personally I had no problems withdrawing from the treatment. It is a non-narcotic medicine, so I don’t think there could be any serious body reactions. Of course, it does not mean there won’t be any symptoms. Everybody is different- that’s the point and I can only speak for myself. The worst thing you could do is to stop treatment without previous consultation with a doctor. If he cuts the dose gradually, you may avoid unnecessary symptoms. Take care. Linc.

[JPA]

Hi. I was prescribed the same combination for L5-S1 pain (re-herniation, trying to put off surgery or at minimum to manage the pain). My doctor decided t treat me with Tramadol mainly due to the fact it is a non-narcotic, so it involves not as much risk of addiction as for instance hydrocodone, which I had been taking previously. As for the withdrawal, guess there is a general rule to any drugs- do it gradually and never on your own. Your doctor will adjust the dose to your condition and tell you how to withdraw step by step. By the way, I quit smoking six years ago and I need to admit, this was the most challenging task I have ever faced. So I guess, “quitting” drugs is bearable. Was the combination of Topamax and Tramadol effective for you at the beginning? Thanks for any information. J.

[MaryJ]

At the beginning it was ok, but after some time it simply became ineffective. There was no point taking this anymore, so I went to the doctor again. In my case, the combination worked for almost a year, but I don’t know how it works in others.
I’m waiting for a couple of epidurals. I hope I will finally get some long-lasting relief- guess everyone here has the same goal.

[Frog]

I was addicted to meth in the early 80’s. If I were to choose between withdrawal and chronic pain, I would not hesitate with decision. Just get rid of pain and forget about withdrawal. The thing is simple- chronic pain robs you from normal life and because it is chronic you can forget about “break for a good mood” ( unless you take some effective drugs ). To compare- reaction to withdrawal does not last forever. It’s up to you. If I were you, I would treat withdrawal effects like a bad case of the flu. At least, you have the awareness it is going to end. And do you have such awareness when it comes to chronic pain? No!
Let me advise you something- going through withdrawal, try to have your mind always busy- this will take you mentally away from eventual symptoms that may come up Take care. Frog

[None]

I am not an expert in this field, but considering that Tramadol is a non-narcotic drug I don’t think some serious reactions would come up. However, as Tramadol plays anti-depressive function, I guess that you may have some emotional symptoms, for instance a short period of depression and anxiety. This should not last longer than one-two weeks after you stop taking the medicine.

[madmax71]

Hi Mary. I have 2 years of experience with Tramadol. During these two years I have been starting and ending treatment a couple of times. Through all this time I have never felt any withdrawal effects. I think that in my situation it resulted from the fact that Tramadol never took all my pain away. As far as I know, Tramadol should not lead to an addiction since it is a non-narcotic. But I think you will get the best answer from a professional. Hope you’ll get better. M.

[Sauron]

According to what I have read, there is a risk of getting dependent on Ultram. You may get addicted both- physically and psychologically. You should get more information about that. Good luck!