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How can I taper off Tramadol 100 mg gradually, safely?
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: Feb 20 2:27pm | Replies (15)Comment receiving replies
@csmiller, in addition to @clutch's helpful reply, I'm bringing @jdiakiw @mompiano @catharbert @mcd123 into this discussion as they also have experience with tapering off tramadol.
When tramadol is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. However, people who have continuing pain should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using narcotics to relieve their pain. Mental dependence (addiction) is not likely to occur when narcotics are used for this purpose.
It sounds like your use of tramadol is temporary and that you feel you no longer have the need for it and therefore want to taper safely and without withdrawal symptoms. Do I have that right?
Replies to "@csmiller, in addition to @clutch's helpful reply, I'm bringing @jdiakiw @mompiano @catharbert @mcd123 into this discussion..."
I took tramadol 400mg for a decade for severe neuropathy, told it was very mild. Doctors suspected dementia. After eliminating OTC meds like Benadryl and changing prescriptions, I tapered off tramadol over one year under supervision. Suddenly I was energetic, focused, alert—no dementia!
However, I'm now 21 days into withdrawal hyperalgesia. Some symptoms are improving, but increased pain, sleep issues, and flu-like symptoms may persist for months. Tramadol dulled my memory and emotions significantly.
For pain management now, I use: Lyrica (prescription), magnesium glycinate, B vitamins, Alpha Lipoic Acid (research-backed), and temporarily three micro-doses of THC per day for Lyrica's troughs—just for pain with no high.
Meeting with my pain specialist soon. My experience: if tramadol dulls you, talk honestly with your doctors. Even with this difficult withdrawal and increased pain, I find the mental clarity worth it.
@colleenyoung I agree wholeheartedly that we should seek medical advice and follow it. However, people and their families must also take the responsibility to respond when it is causing harm. One doctor had me on 400mg for 10 years for polyneuropathy. In my case it caused false dementia and a dulling of emotion too. The pain continued.
With close medical supervision I tapered off and clarity returned.
However, this Tramadol withdrawal hyperalgesia is a real test. Tramadol dual action makes quitting serious. Again, medical advice is critical at every stage.
I am not sure how doctors will help manage the extra pain, but there are newer non-opioid alternatives now.
Today, I am following the recommended supplements.
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For 50 years I suffered from headaches/migraines I was taking 10-20 222with codeine. Advised to off it. I did. I immediately started taking oxycontin increasing to 180 a day plus fentynl. Advised to get off it. Over a miserable year I tapered off. Started taking tramadol and increased dosage till a dr told me I had MIH. or medicine induced headaches. ( or something like that). I tapered off and didn’t go to anything else after a couple of months the headaches went away. It to awhile but hey went away. I’m 86 and haven’t had a return chronic headache condition. I may take an acytomenophen once a month now. I was told I would not live past 2021 without major open heart surgery but I wou,d not survive with all my co-morbidities. still kicking